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Apple Crumble Cake

This is our family’s new favorite sweet treat. No refined sugar, just the natural sweetness of apples and honey baked into a tender yogurt batter, finished with a golden oat & walnut crumble. Wholesome, cozy, and beautifully simple.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Author: Hong Thaimee

Ingredients

Apples (Peel On):

  • 2 large apples 1 Granny Smith + 1 Honeycrisp, well washed, Cut, cored, and cubed (no peeling)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or juice from half a lemon
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

Oat & Walnut Crumble:

  • ¾ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup einkorn or whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or more as needed

Batter:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 large eggs or fewer if you prefer less sweet
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1½ cups einkorn or whole wheat flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or lightly oil an 8–9-inch round cake pan.
  • Toss cubed apples (with peel on) with lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix crumble ingredients until clumpy. Set aside.
  • In one large bowl, combine all batter ingredients (wet and dry together). Mix until smooth and well combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold apples directly into the batter. Give it a couple of folds to make sure the batter and the apples are well incorporated.
  • Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the top.
  • Bake 45–55 minutes, until golden and set in the center. Tent loosely if needed.
  • Cool before slicing.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Note: Why Keep the Apple Peels On?
 
Keeping the peels on isn’t just rustic. It’s genuinely better for you.
  • More Fiber
    • Nearly half of an apple’s fiber lives in the skin. Fiber supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
  • Heart-Supporting Antioxidants
    • Apple peels contain quercetin and other polyphenols — powerful plant compounds linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
  • Better Blood Sugar Balance
    • The added fiber slows sugar absorption, which pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey in this cake.
  • More Nutrient Density
    • Vitamin C, vitamin A, and phytonutrients are more concentrated in the peel than in the flesh.
  • Texture Bonus
    • The peel softens as it bakes but adds subtle structure and a beautiful rustic look inside each slice.