Recipe: Apple Raisin Crumb Cake

I always remember how my mom likes to eat cake with tea for breakfast. That memory always makes me laugh. I think she still does that. Maybe it’s better than eating a donut but it seems more indulgent than eating a muffin. I know it’s not too different than either one. There’s always some kind of version of cake or cookie for any meal. I think that’s why we have the crumb cake. It’s still cake but it’s what we categorize as a “breakfast” dish. Seriously, you can eat whatever you want for any meal. I say eat breakfast for dinner and have dessert before the meal.

Here’s a recipe for Apple Raisin Crumb Cake that’s simple in every way and totally indulgent. The streusal topping is sweet and crumbly. I love the flavors of cinnamon, apple and raisin anytime of day. It’s so comforting and pleasant.

Let me know what you think or if you have any recommendations. Click here to see more recipes.

Recipe Adapted From: Women’s Health Magazine, WomensHealthMag.com
Yield: 12 servings
Time: Total 1 Hour 20 Minutes, 20 minutes active
Ingredients:
STREUSEL:
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

CAKE:
2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces sour cream
1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1/3 cup golden raisins

1) To make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the butter and work with your fingers or a fork to form crumbs.

2) To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9″ x 9″ cake pan.

3) In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4) In another medium bowl, with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar for 4 minutes, or until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating just until smooth. Alternately add the flour mixture and the sour cream, beating on low speed just until blended. Stir in the apple and raisins.

5) Place the batter into the prepared pan. Top with the streusel.

6) Bake for 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 20 minutes and serve warm, or cool completely.