1-First Step: Prepare the Streusel Begin by mixing 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature with ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of table salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture holds together when squeezed, then cover and refrigerate it. This step, which takes just a few minutes, ensures the homemade streusel topping stays crumbly and adds great texture to your apple streusel cake.

2-Second Step: Preheat and Prep the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or shortening. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease that too; flour the pan if it’s not non-stick. This preparation helps the cake release easily and prevents sticking, making it ideal for busy bakers adapting to different kitchen tools.

3-Third Step: Prepare the Apples Cut 2 medium to large apples (about 1 pound) into quarters, core them, peel them, and slice each quarter into four slices. These apples form the heart of the apple streusel cake, adding natural sweetness and a bit of crunch. For dietary tweaks, try firmer varieties if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version by pairing with alternative flours.

4-Fourth Step: Make the Cake Batter In a mixing bowl, beat 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature with ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and aerated, about 3-4 minutes, scraping the sides as needed. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating 1-2 minutes after each, then mix in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond extract. In another bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, a pinch of cloves, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of table salt. For low-calorie options, swap some sugar here with a substitute to keep things light. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until blended, then gently mix in 2 tablespoons of milk.

5-Fifth Step: Assemble and Bake Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Arrange the apple slices over the batter, then crumble the refrigerated streusel over the apples, forming clumps for that cinnamon crumble topping. Bake for 30-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in a spot without apples comes out clean. This step works well for vegan adaptations by using plant-based swaps, ensuring everyone can enjoy this easy streusel cake recipe.

6-Final Step: Cool and Serve Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing, which helps it set properly. Once ready, serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream. Each serving provides about 352 calories, with a balance of carbs and fats that can be adjusted for dietary needs. For more apple-inspired ideas, check out our classic apple pie recipe on the blog.