Irresistible Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake Recipe in 3 Easy Steps

Oh, do I have a treat for you! Picture this: crisp fall air, leaves crunching underfoot, and the heavenly scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house. That’s exactly what you’ll get with my crockpot apple streusel cake – the easiest, coziest dessert you’ll make all season. I’ve been making this every autumn since I discovered how magical slow cookers are for baking. No babysitting the oven, no worrying about dry cake edges – just dump, sprinkle, and let your crockpot work its magic while you enjoy that pumpkin spice latte. Trust me, that buttery streusel topping bubbling over tender apples will have your whole family begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

Let me count the ways this cake will become your new best friend in the kitchen:

• Set-it-and-forget-it magic: No oven-watching required! Just mix, dump, and let your slow cooker do all the work while you tackle other things (or put your feet up – I won’t judge!)
• Comfort in every bite: That warm cinnamon-apple aroma filling your house is basically a hug in dessert form – perfect for chilly days when you need something cozy
• Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether it’s potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just Sunday family dinner, this cake disappears faster than you can say “seconds please!”
• Foolproof baking: Even if you’re usually a baking disaster (like me most mornings before coffee), this recipe is practically impossible to mess up

Seriously, if autumn had a signature dessert, this would be it!

Ingredients for Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

Gather these simple ingredients – most are probably already in your pantry! I promise this cake tastes way fancier than the ingredient list suggests. Just wait until you smell that cinnamon and brown sugar magic happening in your crockpot!

For the Cake Batter

The base of this beauty comes together with ingredients you likely have on hand:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, don’t pack it!
• 1 cup granulated sugar – regular white sugar works perfectly here
• 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda – our rising dream team
• 1/2 tsp salt – brings out all the flavors
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – the cozier the better
• 2 large eggs – room temp if you remember to take them out
• 1/2 cup melted butter – use the real stuff, trust me
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good quality kind if you’ve got it
• 2 cups diced apples – Granny Smiths are my go-to for their tartness, but Honeycrisp work great too

For the Streusel Topping

This crumbly crown is what makes the cake extra special:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar – packed, the darker the better for deeper flavor
• 1/4 cup flour – same all-purpose as the cake
• 1/4 cup cold butter – cut into small cubes, this is key for perfect crumbles
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – because more is always better

A quick tip about the apples: peel them if you want a smoother texture, but I love leaving the skins on for extra color and nutrients (plus it saves time!). Just make sure to dice them evenly – about 1/2 inch pieces work best.

Equipment Needed

Here’s the beautiful part – you don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe! Just grab:

• Your trusty crockpot (mine’s a basic 6-quart)
• A couple mixing bowls – one large, one medium
• Basic measuring cups and spoons
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

That’s it – no stand mixer required! See? I told you this was easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

Alright, let’s get baking! I’ll walk you through each step so your cake turns out perfect – just like mine does every time. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think!

Preparing the Batter

First up – our cake foundation:

1. Give your crockpot a quick grease with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Get them nice and combined!
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the melted butter and vanilla. Pour this into your dry ingredients.
4. Now the fun part – mix gently just until everything comes together. A few small lumps are fine! Overmixing makes tough cake, and we want tender.
5. Fold in those gorgeous diced apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Making the Streusel

Time for the crowning glory:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Add your cold butter cubes. Now here’s my secret – use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This gives the perfect crunchy/flaky texture!
3. Don’t overwork it – you want that butter to stay cold so it creates little pockets of deliciousness as it bakes.

Slow Cooking Process

Let the magic happen:

1. Spread your batter evenly in the greased crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping all over – be generous! Those crispy bits are the best part.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. I always check at the 2 hour mark – insert a toothpick near the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden!
4. The cake should look set around edges and smell irresistible. Pro tip: If your crockpot runs hot, it might be done sooner, so keep an eye on it.
5. When done, turn off the heat and let it sit uncovered for about 10 minutes before serving – this helps it firm up beautifully.

See? Simple as can be! Now just try to resist eating it straight from the pot with a spoon…though I won’t blame you if you can’t!

Professional Tips for Perfect Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

After making this cake more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to “oh my goodness, give me the recipe!” levels of amazing:

1. Apple wisdom: Mix apple varieties for the best flavor! I love using tart Granny Smiths for structure and sweet Honeycrisps or Fujis for natural sweetness. The combo creates perfect balance – and prevents mushiness. Pro tip: Toss diced apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh.

2. Streusel secrets: Freeze your butter cubes for 10 minutes before making the topping – extra cold butter makes extra crisp crumbs. And here’s my sneaky trick: reserve a handful of streusel to sprinkle on top halfway through cooking for double the crunchy goodness!

3. Slow cooker quirks: Every crockpot heats differently. Mine runs hot, so I start checking at 1 hour 45 minutes. If yours cooks slower, don’t panic – just extend time in 15 minute increments. The cake will tell you when it’s done by pulling slightly from the edges.

4. Texture trick: For an extra-moist cake, place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to catch condensation drips. This prevents a soggy top while keeping the interior perfectly tender.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

Oh, the possibilities! This cake is delicious all on its own, but why stop there? Here’s how I love to dress it up:

For the ultimate comfort dessert, scoop vanilla ice cream on top while the cake’s still warm – that melt-y, creamy contrast with the crunchy streusel is heavenly! Feeling fancy? Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. My husband goes wild when I add a dollop of fresh whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Morning version? Skip the sweets and enjoy a slice with your coffee – I won’t tell if you call it breakfast! The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the scoop on keeping your crockpot apple streusel cake tasting fresh – if there’s any left to store, that is! At room temperature, it’ll stay delicious for about 2 days when covered with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to 5 days – just bring slices to room temp or warm them slightly before serving.

My favorite way to revive leftovers? A quick 15-second zap in the microwave makes it taste freshly baked again! For bigger portions, reheat at 300°F in the oven for about 10 minutes. Want to freeze it? Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic and foil – they’ll keep for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm as usual. Pro tip: The streusel loses some crunch after storage, so I like to refresh it with a quick broil for 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious slice (because let’s be real – we’re all having seconds anyway!):

Per serving (1/8 of cake): About 320 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated), 50g carbs (2g fiber, 25g sugar), and 4g protein. Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on your exact ingredients – like using different apples or adjusting the streusel amount. It’s dessert, not a diet plan, so enjoy every bite guilt-free!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are answers to the most common questions that pop up (usually while people are licking crumbs off their plates!):

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! I love a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp, but any baking apple works. Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are great choices too. Avoid super soft apples like Red Delicious – they turn mushy. Pro tip: Use about 3 medium apples to get your 2 cups diced. Leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients!

How do I know when the cake is done?

The toothpick test never fails me! Insert it near the center – if it comes out clean (maybe with a few moist crumbs), you’re golden. The edges should look set and pull slightly from the crockpot sides. Don’t worry if the top seems extra moist – that’s the magic of slow cooking! It’ll firm up as it cools for about 10 minutes.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead?

You bet! Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round or square pan, add streusel, and bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes. Check early – oven baking goes faster! The texture will be slightly different (more traditional cake-like), but just as delicious. I actually make both versions depending on whether I want my oven free for other dishes.

One last tip – if your cake seems too moist after cooking, just leave it uncovered in the crockpot (turned off) for 15 extra minutes. That usually fixes it right up!

Irresistible Crockpot Apple Streusel Cake Recipe in 3 Easy Steps

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A delicious and easy-to-make apple streusel cake cooked in a crockpot, perfect for dessert or a sweet treat.

• Author: Kitchen Hub
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Grease the crockpot lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
4. Fold in diced apples and spread the batter into the crockpot.
5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, cold butter, and cinnamon to make the streusel topping.
6. Sprinkle the streusel over the batter.
7. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best results.
• Check the cake after 2 hours to avoid overcooking.
• Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg