Applesauce Crumb Cake

A slice of apple crumb cake on a spatula above the rest of the cake.

This moist Applesauce Coffee Cake is loaded with cinnamon flavor, topped with a buttery crumb topping and vanilla glaze, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Cooling Time20

Total Time1 15

Servings:

Calories: 425kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened applesauce store-bought or homemade
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ cup butter softened
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk or whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt

Option

1 cup apples finely diced

For the Crumb Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
½ cup butter melted

Option

½-¾ cup pecans or walnuts chopped

Vanilla Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the eggs, applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix just until combined, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
In a medium bowl, ideally using your hands, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until coarse crumbs form.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for about 20 minutes in the pan.
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the warm or cool cake before slicing and serving.

Notes

Start with success: Use room-temperature ingredients, measure the flour correctly by spooning and leveling, and use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor.
Mix and spread carefully: Avoid overmixing the batter and spread it evenly in the pan to ensure a tender cake and even baking.
Bake and finish properly: Watch the cake closely near the end of baking, check for doneness with a toothpick, and allow it to cool before adding the glaze.
Make cleanup and storage easy: Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and store the cake covered to maintain its moisture.
Plan for leftovers: Consider making an extra batch because this cake disappears quickly and freezes beautifully.

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