Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines comfort and flavor, you’ll love this Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake recipe. The warm spices and sweet apples create a cozy hug for your taste buds.
I adore how the sourdough starter adds a subtle tang, elevating the cake’s flavor profile. Plus, the crumbly topping with pecans and oats brings a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts the soft cake beneath.
It’s an easy recipe that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it ideal for gatherings or a quiet night in. Trust me, this cake is pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients of Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake
When you’re ready to whip up a warm and cozy dessert, the ingredients for Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake are simple yet delightful. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives you the chance to use that sourdough starter sitting in your fridge, which is a win-win, right?
Gather everything you need, and let’s plunge into the deliciousness that awaits.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice (think cinnamon, nutmeg, and all those warm flavors)
- 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (tinned apples work too!)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Now, let’s talk about the apples for a second. Fresh, tart apples are usually the star of this show, but if you’ve got a can of apples lurking in your pantry, they can totally step in.
Just make sure to drain them well; nobody wants a soggy cake. And about that sourdough starter—don’t stress if it’s a bit bubbly or past its prime. This cake loves a little character, and the tang will just add to the flavor profile, making every bite an adventure.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake
Making your Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake is a breeze, and trust me, it’s a great way to use that sourdough starter you’ve been nurturing (or neglecting, no judgment here).
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C) and grab a trusty 9×9-inch pan. Give it a good greasing so your cake can slide out effortlessly when it’s done—nobody wants to wrestle with a stuck cake, right?
Now, let’s get mixing. In a bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of mixed spice. This is where the magic starts; the aroma of those warm spices will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Make a little well in the center of your dry ingredients and add 1 cup of your bubbly sourdough starter, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 2/3 cup of honey. Stir it all together until everything is combined. You might think, “Wow, this is a lot of liquid,” but don’t worry, the flour will soak it all up.
Once your batter is smooth, it’s time to fold in the star of the show—1 1/2 cups of peeled and diced apples. If you’re using canned apples, make sure to drain them well; we don’t want a soggy cake situation.
Pour this delightful batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Now, for the delightful crumble topping, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of roughly chopped pecans, 1/3 cup of oats, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. It should look crumbly and delicious.
Sprinkle this mixture on top of the cake batter, adding that wonderful crunch we all crave. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. And just like that, you’re almost there!
When the timer goes off, resist the urge to plunge right in right away. Let the cake cool for a bit before cutting into it; this is the hardest part, I know.
But trust me, the wait will be worth it when you slice into that warm, spiced cake with crunchy topping. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake, and be ready for the compliments to roll in. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a baking superstar, even if you burned your last batch of cookies.
Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake, you might want to experiment with some substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free option, I’ve found that almond or coconut flour works well. If you’re vegan, swap the egg for a flaxseed meal mixture. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
For added flavor, try adding nuts like walnuts or using different spices like nutmeg. Experimenting with different apple varieties can change the cake’s flavor profile, too.
Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Sourdough Apple Crumble Cake turns out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients carefully and using room temperature items, like the egg and sourdough starter.
Don’t skip the resting time after mixing; letting the batter sit for a few minutes allows flavors to meld. If you want a little extra sweetness, feel free to adjust the honey.
For a twist, try adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter. Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes, as oven temperatures can vary.
Once it’s golden brown, let it cool before slicing to enjoy the best texture!