Warmly Spiced Applesauce Crumb Cake with Crunchy Oat Streusel: Your Ultimate Cozy Baking Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen, especially during cooler months. This **Applesauce Crumb Cake** brings exactly that, offering a delightful blend of soft, moist cake and an irresistible crunchy oat streusel topping. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that promises to be a staple in your fall and winter baking repertoire, perfect for any occasion from a morning coffee treat to a cozy evening dessert.

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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly spectacular treat. The cake itself is incredibly soft, incredibly moist, and infused with a comforting blend of spices that perfectly complement the subtle sweetness of applesauce. The star, however, is often the buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat streusel, which adds a delightful textural contrast that elevates every bite. It’s an ideal way to use up any leftover applesauce you might have, turning it into a beautiful and fragrant homemade goodie.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful sweet treat to share with family, a comforting dish for brunch, or simply a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the season, this **spiced applesauce coffee cake** is sure to hit the spot. Its rustic charm and incredible taste make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as enjoyable to bake as it is to eat.

Essential Ingredients for Applesauce Crumb Cake

Crafting this delicious **applesauce crumb cake** requires a few basic pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Scroll down to the recipe card below for all exact quantities and measurements.

Ingredient Notes for a Perfect Bake:

• Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter at room temperature for the cake batter. This means it should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not greasy or melted. Butter that is too cold will not cream properly with the sugar, leading to a dense cake, while butter that is too warm can cause the mixture to separate. For the streusel, melted butter is required, which helps bind the crumb ingredients together.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note and moisture to both the cake and the streusel. You can opt for dark brown sugar for an even deeper, more pronounced molasses flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the spices. While white granulated sugar or caster sugar can be substituted, brown sugar truly enhances the warm, cozy profile of this cake.
• Large Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the creamed butter and sugar mixture to seize up or curdle, affecting the cake’s texture. Bringing them to room temperature allows them to emulsify more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier crumb.
• Applesauce: This is the star ingredient that provides incredible moisture, a natural sweetness, and a lovely apple flavor without needing to peel or chop fresh apples. I highly recommend using homemade applesauce for the freshest taste, but a good quality store-bought version works perfectly. The key is to choose unsweetened or very lightly sweetened applesauce. This gives you complete control over the overall sweetness of your cake, preventing it from becoming overly sugary.
• Rolled Oats: Used in the crunchy streusel topping, rolled oats contribute a wonderful texture and a subtle nutty flavor. They toast beautifully in the oven, adding a rustic element to the cake. If you prefer a topping without oats, you can substitute them with an equal amount of all-purpose flour for a more traditional flour-based crumb.
• Spices: My preferred blend for this applesauce cake includes Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg. This combination provides a classic warm, fragrant profile that enhances the apple flavor. However, baking is about personal taste! Feel free to adjust the quantities or experiment with other delightful spices such as ground ginger, allspice, or a touch of cardamom to create your unique flavor blend.
• Plain / All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake and streusel. Ensure it’s measured accurately to prevent a dense or dry cake. Sifting it with other dry ingredients helps achieve a light, airy texture.
• Baking Powder & Fine Table Salt: Baking powder is our leavening agent, giving the cake its lift and tender crumb. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cake, making them pop.

Delicious Variations & Optional Additions:

Customize your **applesauce crumb cake** to your heart’s content with these delightful additions:

• Fresh Apple Chunks: For an even more intense apple flavor and varied texture, fold small, diced apple chunks (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a bit of tartness) into the cake batter. Alternatively, scatter them over the batter before adding the streusel topping.
• Spices Exploration: Don’t limit yourself to the classic trio! Consider adding a pinch of ground ginger for a zesty kick, allspice for a complex warmth, cardamom for an exotic floral note, or even star anise for a licorice-like depth. Adjust quantities to your preference.
• Nuts for Extra Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts directly into the cake batter for a subtle nutty flavor, or add them to the crumb topping for an extra layer of delightful crunch. Lightly toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Dried Fruits Medley: Elevate the cake’s richness by folding in some plump raisins, sweet sultanas, tart dried cranberries, or even finely chopped dried apricots into the batter. If your dried fruits are very dry, a quick soak in warm water or apple juice for 10-15 minutes can make them incredibly tender.
• Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors of the cake, adding a fresh, aromatic lift that complements the apples and spices beautifully.
• Glaze or Drizzle: While delicious on its own, a simple cinnamon glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon) or a cream cheese drizzle can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal once the cake has cooled.

How to Make This Irresistible Applesauce Crumb Cake

Making this **spiced applesauce cake** is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. We’ll start with the crunchy streusel, then move to the moist cake batter, and finally assemble and bake. Let’s get baking!

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

The streusel topping is what gives this cake its signature crunch and a burst of cinnamon flavor. It’s quick to make and helps create that wonderful textural contrast.

• Begin by melting the butter. You can do this in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl using short bursts until just melted. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
• Photo 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients will form the base of your crumb.
• Photo 2: Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the dry ingredients. Ensure they are evenly distributed so that every crumb of the streusel will have a consistent flavor.
• Photo 3: Once the butter has cooled slightly, pour it over the dry ingredient mixture in the bowl.
• Photo 4: Using a heat-proof spatula or your fingers (if the butter is cool enough), gently mix until all the dry ingredients are moistened by the melted butter. Then, use your fingertips to press the mixture together and break it apart, forming small, pea-sized crumbs. This manual process is key to achieving that perfect crumbly texture.
• Once your streusel is formed, place the bowl in the fridge. Chilling the streusel helps solidify the butter, which prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven and ensures a distinct, crunchy texture on top of your cake.

2. Prepare the Spiced Applesauce Cake Batter

Now, let’s create the tender, spiced cake base that will be topped with our delicious streusel.

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare a 22 cm (8.5-inch) Springform Pan by lining the bottom with baking paper and lightly greasing the sides. This ensures easy removal once baked.
• Photo 5: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the cake: all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed. Set this aside.
• Photo 6: In a separate large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), place the soft, room-temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and pale in color, resembling a thick paste. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Photo 7: Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium-low speed after each addition until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

  Troubleshooting Tip: If your mixture looks like it’s splitting or curdling at this stage, it’s often an indication that your butter was either too cold or too warm, or your eggs were too cold. To remedy this, try mixing on high speed for a short burst to re-emulsify the mixture, or, if the butter was too warm, place the bowl in the fridge for 5-10 minutes and then continue mixing.

• Photo 8: Gently mix in the applesauce until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

• Photo 9: Gradually add the whisked dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
• Photo 10: Mix on low speed just until no streaks of flour are visible and a thick, uniform batter forms. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake, so stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.

3. Assemble and Bake the Cake

The final steps are to assemble your crumb cake and bake it to golden perfection!

• Photo 11: Transfer the prepared cake batter into your lined springform pan. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring a consistent thickness.
• Photo 12: Retrieve your chilled oat streusel from the fridge. Break down any larger chunks that may have solidified back into pea-sized crumbs. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping all over the cake batter. Ensure good coverage for that delicious crunchy crust.
• Bake for approximately 35 minutes. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The cake is ready when it has risen beautifully, the streusel topping is golden brown and fragrant, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool down completely in the pan. Cooling completely is important for the cake to set properly and prevent it from becoming soggy. Once cool, carefully remove it from the springform pan.
• Optionally, dust your cooled **applesauce crumb cake** with a light sprinkle of icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar) just before serving for an elegant finish.

This delightful **applesauce crumb cake** can be served warm, straight from the oven (after a short cooling period), or enjoyed cold. Both ways offer a uniquely comforting and delicious experience.

Recipe FAQs for Applesauce Crumb Cake

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Baking Success

Achieving the perfect **applesauce crumb cake** is easier with these helpful tips and tricks:

• The Golden Rule of Butter Temperature: For the cake batter, ensuring your unsalted butter is at true room temperature (ideally between 18-20 degrees C / 65-68 degrees F) is paramount. If it’s too cold (hard to dent with a finger) or too warm (appears greasy or oily), the butter and sugar won’t cream correctly, leading to a denser cake or a split batter once eggs are added. If you notice splitting, try increasing the mixer speed to re-emulsify if the butter was too cold, or chill the mixture briefly in the fridge for 5-10 minutes if the butter was too warm, then continue mixing.
• Boost That Apple Flavor: For those who crave an even more intense apple experience, consider adding finely diced, firm, and slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to your cake. You can gently fold them into the cake batter just before pouring it into the pan, or arrange them over the batter before topping with the streusel. This adds both flavor and a lovely textural surprise.
• Checking for Doneness with a Crumb Topping: It can be tricky to tell if your cake is fully baked when it has a crumb topping. The center of an underbaked cake will often jiggle slightly when the pan is gently moved. The most reliable method is the classic toothpick or skewer test: insert it into the center of the cake (avoiding large streusel chunks). If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, your cake is ready! If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes and re-test.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, chewy cake rather than a tender, moist one.
• Accurate Measurements Matter: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for flour and sugar for the most accurate results. When measuring flour with cups, spoon it into the cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
• Don’t Peek Too Early! Resist the urge to open the oven door during the first 20-25 minutes of baking. A sudden drop in temperature can cause the cake to sink in the middle.

Storing & Freezing Your Applesauce Crumb Cake

Proper storage ensures your **spiced applesauce coffee cake** stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

• Room Temperature Storage: This applesauce crumb cake is best enjoyed within 3 days. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents the cake from drying out and keeps the streusel topping crisp.
• Serving Temperature: You can serve the cake either cold or warm. If you prefer a warm slice (which really brings out the spices!), simply heat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing Considerations: While you can technically freeze slices of this cake (wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month), it’s generally best served fresh. The delicate texture of the streusel topping can become a bit softer and less crunchy once thawed, losing some of its charm. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature or gently reheating.

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Recipe Card: Applesauce Crumb Cake

Applesauce Crumb Cake

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This Applesauce Crumb Cake is soft, moist, and warmly spiced. With its super light crumb and crunchy streusel topping, it is the perfect cozy bake for dessert, morning coffee or afternoon tea!

Servings: 10

Author: Sylvie

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Crumb Topping

• 50 gr Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 50 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour
• 50 gr Rolled Oats
• 50 gr Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Applesauce Cake

• 225 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 pinch Fine Table Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Clove
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 120 gr Unsalted Butter, soft, at room temperature
• 120 gr Light Brown Sugar
• 2 large Eggs, at room temperature
• 240 gr Applesauce, unsweetened

Instructions

Crumb Topping

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over the stove or in the microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a medium bowl, combine the plain / all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Pour the cooled melted butter over the dry mix. Using a heat-proof spatula or your fingers, gently mix until all dry ingredients are moistened. Then, press the mixture between your fingers to form small, pea-sized crumbs (see note 1).
• Place the streusel in the fridge to chill and set while you prepare the cake batter.

Applesauce Cake

• Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Line the bottom of a 22 cm / 8.5-inch Springform Pan with baking paper and lightly grease the sides.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the plain / all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine table salt, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
• In a large separate bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment), cream the soft, room-temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale.
• Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium-low speed until fully combined after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed (see note 2).
• Mix in the unsweetened applesauce until just combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on the lowest speed only until no streaks of flour are visible and a thick, uniform batter forms. Avoid overmixing.

Assembling & Baking the Cake

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared springform pan. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the top and create an even layer.
• Retrieve the chilled oat crumble from the fridge. Break down any larger chunks into pea-sized crumbs, then evenly sprinkle it all over the cake batter, ensuring good coverage.
• Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the cake has risen, the crumbs are golden brown, and a skewer or knife inserted into the center comes out clean (see note 3).
• Place the baked cake on a wire rack to cool down completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. This allows the cake to set properly. Optionally, dust with icing sugar before serving.

  Serve warm or cold and enjoy your delightful applesauce crumb cake!

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Notes

1. Streusel Handling Tip: Be careful when using your fingers to form the streusel crumbs, as the melted butter might still be warm. Ensure it’s cooled sufficiently to prevent discomfort.
2. Butter & Egg Temperature is Key: It is crucial for both the butter (for the cake batter) and the eggs to be at room temperature (ideally between 18-20 degrees C / 65-68 degrees F). If the butter is too cold (you can’t easily indent it with a finger) or too warm (it looks slightly greasy), the mixture might split once you add the eggs. If this happens, try mixing the batter on high speed for a short period to encourage emulsion if the butter was too cold, or place the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes if the butter was too warm, then resume mixing.
3. Checking for Cake Doneness: It can sometimes be challenging to determine if the cake is fully baked due to the crumb topping. When still underbaked, the center of the cake will often have a slight jiggle if the pan is gently moved. To confirm doneness, insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the cake (avoiding larger streusel clumps). If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your applesauce crumb cake is ready! If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and re-test.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 487IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg

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