Skip to Content
Recipes

Apple Crumb Cake

Appetito's "Dolce Queen" Ale Gambini shares a delectable apple crumb cake dessert perfect for autumn.

Apple Crumb Cake.

Ale Gambini’s Apple Crumb Cake.

Apple cream crumb cake is a delectable fusion of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds.

The rich milk cream is crafted from a blend of whole milk, heavy whipping cream, eggs, and a splash of vanilla, enveloping the diced apples with its luxurious embrace.

As the cake bakes, the crumb turns golden brown, the milk cream transforms into a delicate custard, and the diced apples become soft and tangy.

Serve dusted lightly with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Each slice carries an autumnal charm.

Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake

Recipe by Ale Gambini
5.0 from 1 vote
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the milk cream
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 heavy whipping cream

  • 1 1 -1/4 cups whole milk

  • 2 2 eggs

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 sugar

  • 1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup 1/3 flour type 00

  • For the crumble crust
  • 2.5 cups 2.5 flour type 00

  • 1 pinch 1 salt

  • 8 grams 8 vanilla baking powder (Bertolini or Paneangeli)

  • 8 tablespoons 8 unsalted butter, cold

  • 4.5 ounces 4.5 granulated sugar

  • 1 1 egg, slightly beaten

  • For the filling
  • 2 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Heat the milk, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract slowly in a saucepan until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan.
  • Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, whisk the eggs and sugar together until fluffy. Then, stir in the flour until well mixed.
  • Add the milk mixture to the egg mixture little by little. Bring to a boil and cook until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • In a medium bowl, sift the flour, salt, and vanilla baking powder.
  • Add the sugar and diced cold butter, and work with your fingertips until a sandy mixture forms.
  • Add the egg and work briefly until the mixture turns into big crumbs.
  • Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Place half of the crumb mixture into the cake pan.
  • Gently spread half of the milk cream over the crumbs, then add the diced apples and the remaining milk cream.
  • Cover the cream with the remaining half of the crumb mixture.
  • Bake for 35 minutes.
  • Allow it to cool completely in its pan.
  • Serve lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Christian Wu Wins Gelato World Masters in U.S. Debut

The world’s top gelato competition comes to the U.S. for the first time, bringing international talent and a new level of attention to the craft.

April 23, 2026

Coldiretti and Istituto 100% Italiano Champion Italy’s Agricultural Identity

Coldiretti and Istituto 100% Italiano are working to protect and promote authentic Italian food and wine through advocacy, certification, and education.

April 23, 2026

How Aperitivo Culture is Taking Over America’s Coolest Neighborhoods

From New York to Miami and now Los Angeles, Campari Spritz Square is introducing the ritual of aperitivo to a new generation across America’s most creative neighborhoods.

April 22, 2026

Beaches and Bucatini: Devouring Aruba’s Italian Food

Appetito's wandering contributor, Rob LeDonne, goes searching for Italian food on the Dutch island of Aruba.

April 22, 2026

Settepani Expands in Harlem With Two New Openings

The family run New York brand adds two Harlem locations at the Davis Center and Studio Museum, bringing its total footprint to five.

April 21, 2026

Anto’s Pizza Puts Conway on the Map

At Anto’s Pizza Romana in Conway, technique, tradition, and competition-level precision are shaping one of the area’s most talked-about pizzerias.

April 21, 2026
See all posts