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    Home > Brazilian Recipes

    Published: Sep 13, 2013 · Modified: Jan 8, 2019 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 48 Comments

    Cuca de Maçã (Apple Crumb Cake with Dulce de Leche)


    Jump to Recipe ↓

    Apple crumb cake (or cuca de maçã) is a traditional German coffee cake topped or filled with apples. Serve it plain for breakfast or drizzled with caramel sauce or homemade dulce de leche sauce as an afternoon treat.  

    slices of apple crumb cake with dulce de leche on top

     

    The intoxicating aroma of something good baking in the oven is getting me all anxious... I am as excited as a kid!!!! 🙂 

    Oh, didn't I tell you that we are baking Cuca de Maçã or Apfel Streuselkuchen?

    Huh? Well, this wonderful German creation is an apple crumb cake. 

    Our Apple Crumb Cake or cuca de maçã, as it is known in Portuguese, was brought to Southern Brazil in the 19th century.

    That is because this is where the bulk of German immigration was concentrated, influencing Southern Brazil's architecture and cuisine.

    The German influx also gave us Gisele Bündchen, a Brazilian-German descendant well known to the rest of the world! 😉 

    Well, returning to cuca de maçã or apple crumb cake...

    this traditional coffee cake is made of a either a yeast dough or a shortening-based dough (ours), covered/filled with apples and topped with a sweet crumb topping (streusel). 

    There are many variants of apple crumb cake or cuca de maçã in Brazil that differ both in terms of dough, and whether or not apples are incorporated as a filling or as a topping (ours).

    Our cuca de maçã is great when served plain for breakfast, or drizzled with caramel sauce or a homemade dulce de leche sauce as an afternoon treat. 

    HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMB CAKE (Cuca de Maçã)

    Preheat oven to 350°F (about 177° C). Grease bottom and side of a 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Set aside.

    First, make the streusel topping. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; cut in butter with a fork until obtaining fine crumbs. 

    Add heavy cream and vanilla, mixing well with a fork until crumbs form (the cream will add moisture to the streusel).

    Set aside at room temperature so that the vanilla will infuse the streusel with flavor.

    In a medium bowl, combine together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 

    Pour in and then mix both the melted shortening and butter with a fork until obtaining fine crumbs.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, cream, and vanilla. Add to crumb mixture, tossing gently with a fork or by hand until mixture forms a ball. 

    Press dough in an even layer into the prepared baking pan. 

    Arrange apple slices on top of crust and then sprinkle the reserved streusel evenly over apple slices.

    Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

    Let cool on a rack and slice into squares.

    Serving Apple Crumb Cake 2 Ways

    Serve apple crumb cake or cuca de maçã plain (the traditional manner).

    Or alternatively, warm and drizzled with dulce de leche sauce and accompanied by a scoop of ice cream if desired (my favorite way).

    Traditionally, no caramel or dulce de leche sauce tops cuca de maçã.

    But since this is a very mild-flavored cake and I have a big sweet tooth, that is the way that I serve mine.

    If you would like to try other apple goodies as well, I'd like to recommend to you these two fabulous treats:  Caramel Apple-Brownie Cheesecake and Caramel Apple Streusel Cake. 

    And just in case you were wondering, no, this last cake is not the same as our cuca de maçã/apple crumb cake!

    Now, if you will please excuse me, I have some serious eats to get busy on, accompanied by a good cup of coffee.

    xx

     

     

     

    slices of apple crumb cake with dulce de leche on top
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    5 from 12 votes

    Apple Crumb Cake (Cuca de Maçã)

    Apple crumb cake (or cuca de maçã) is a traditional German coffee cake topped or filled with apples. It is great served plain for breakfast or drizzled with caramel sauce or homemade dulce de leche sauce as an afternoon treat.  
    Course:Dessert
    Cuisine:Brazilian
    Keywords:apple crumb cake, cuca de maca
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes
    Servings 9 squares
    Calories379 kcal
    Author Denise Browning

    Ingredients

    Cake Batter:

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
    • ¾ cup white sugar
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 dash salt
    • 1 tablespoon shortening melted
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
    • 1 large egg at room temperature
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • About 3 medium baking tart apples e.g. Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into ⅛ slices

    Streusel Topping:

    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1-½ tablespoons cold unsalted butter cut into pieces
    • ½ tablespoon heavy whipping cream
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Garnish (optional):

    • ¼ - ⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce or homemade dulce de leche sauce

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (about 177° C).  Grease bottom and side of a 8 x 8-inch baking pan.  Set aside.
    • First, make the streusel topping. Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl; cut in butter with a fork until obtaining fine crumbs.  Add heavy cream and vanilla, mixing well with a fork until crumbs form (the cream will add moisture to the streusel). Set aside at room temperature so that the vanilla will infuse the streusel with flavor.
    • In a medium bowl, combine together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Pour in and then mix both the melted shortening and butter with a fork until obtaining fine crumbs.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, cream, and vanilla. Add to crumb mixture, tossing gently with a fork or by hand until mixture forms a ball.  Press dough in an even layer into the prepared baking pan.  Arrange apple slices on top of crust and then sprinkle the reserved streusel evenly over apple slices.
    • Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool on a rack and slice into squares. Serve apple crumb cake or cuca de maçã plain (the traditional manner), or warm and drizzled with either caramel sauce or dulce de leche sauce and accompanied by a scoop of ice cream if desired (my favorite way).

    Nutrition

    Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 595IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1.7mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

     

     

    « Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Blueberry-Balsamic Reduction
    Candied Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Topping »

    Filed Under: Brazilian Recipes, Easy Breakfast and Brunch Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes Tagged With: Brazilian Cuisine, Dessert, maçã, Rio Grande do Sul

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sallybr says

      September 13, 2013 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      Nossa, que maravilha de bolo! Perfeito para abrir o outono!

      AMEI!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 13, 2013 at 9:23 am

        Obg, Sally! Pois é...Algo para celebrar minha estação favorita!

        Reply
    2. Ash-foodfashionparty says

      September 13, 2013 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      I can't wait for the festive season too. The colors, the weather, the festivities and of course all the wonderful dessert like yours. This looks really good Denise.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 13, 2013 at 12:59 pm

        Thanks, Ash!!!! Let's celebrate the season.

        Reply
    3. Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says

      September 13, 2013 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my! This cake looks so so good! Thank you for the history lesson and sharing this recipe - I had no idea apple crumb cake orginated in Portugal.
      Hope you have a great weekend

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 13, 2013 at 1:00 pm

        Thanks for stopping by, Shashi! This cake originated in Germany and it was brought to Brazil by German immigrants.

        Reply
    4. Deb says

      September 14, 2013 at 12:00 am

      5 stars
      The final swirl of caramel is just genius! What a scrumptious Apple Cake just in time to welcome fall!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 14, 2013 at 10:54 am

        Thanks, Deb! I had to welcome the upcoming season in style... 🙂

        Reply
    5. cquek says

      September 14, 2013 at 3:03 am

      Please can i have it on my plate.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 14, 2013 at 10:53 am

        Absolutely!!! 🙂

        Reply
    6. A Taste of Brazil says

      September 14, 2013 at 5:58 am

      Looks delicious. It brings the smells of fall all the way to Brazil.
      -Saskia

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 14, 2013 at 10:55 am

        Thanks, Saskia!

        Reply
    7. Mi Vida en un Dulce says

      September 14, 2013 at 7:00 am

      5 stars
      Wow Denise, looks very delicious, I can smell the apples being cooked in the oven...!!!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 14, 2013 at 10:53 am

        Thanks, Nydia! I love that aroma as well...

        Reply
    8. The Café Sucre Farine says

      September 14, 2013 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Denise, I grew up in Wisconsin in a very German-American community. My mom didn't speak English till she went to grammar school. I grew up on wonderful kuchens and streusels. This looks wonderful and very authentic! 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 15, 2013 at 12:55 am

        Thanks, Chris! I did not know this detail about your Mom...Well, this cake was brought to Brazil by Germans and more than one century later, we still enjoy it!

        Reply
    9. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

      September 15, 2013 at 1:25 am

      I can't seem to let go summer just yet, but I get the enthusiasm for fall baking. Can't wait to jump into the bandwagon soon!

      This is so delish, Denise. I love the decadent toppings!!

      Reply
    10. Raymund says

      September 15, 2013 at 3:02 am

      Ohh my look at that dripping caramel, it makes that crumb cake even more delicious.

      Reply
    11. Coffee and Crumpets says

      September 15, 2013 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      We'll be totally ready for the autumn season with delicious cakes like this! Love the crumb topping!

      Nazneen

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 15, 2013 at 3:40 pm

        Thanks, Nazneen!

        Reply
    12. john@kitchenriffs says

      September 15, 2013 at 11:34 am

      Such a nice cake! Apples are just starting to arrive in the grocery in quantity - one of my favorite times of the year! Good stuff - thanks.

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 15, 2013 at 3:41 pm

        Thanks, John! I am looking forward to making many apple baked goodies.

        Reply
    13. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

      September 15, 2013 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      Denise, this cake looks amazing! I've been baking a lot with apples too - love apple desserts! My mother-in-law just sent me a whole bag of apples right from her apple tree! And, I also prefer dulce de leche to caramel sauce. Pinned!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 15, 2013 at 3:42 pm

        Thanks, Julia! Luck you that got many apples to make delicious treats...

        Reply
    14. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

      September 15, 2013 at 2:30 pm

      Love apple desserts. And the caramel topping puts this very high on my list!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 15, 2013 at 3:43 pm

        🙂 I hope you try it one of these days...

        Reply
    15. Daniela says

      September 16, 2013 at 4:02 am

      5 stars
      I love apple crumble cake and this version looks sooo good,mmh.
      Can you believe that in this very moment I'm in one of the wonderful Viennese Cafés, having a Melange (Capuccino) and would love to have a bite of your applecake, Denise 🙂

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 16, 2013 at 10:50 am

        Thank you, Daniela! I wish I could send some to you. Enjoy your time in Austria!

        Reply
    16. Dina says

      September 16, 2013 at 9:58 am

      sounds delish!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 16, 2013 at 10:50 am

        Thanks, Dina, and welcome to FBTY!

        Reply
    17. Asmita says

      September 16, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Amazing!!! Would love this anytime!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 16, 2013 at 10:51 am

        Thanks, Asmita! Good to hear from you again.

        Reply
    18. Purabi Naha | Cosmopolitan Currymania says

      September 17, 2013 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      Holy Cow! What a delicious cake to celebrate your favourite season! I was simply looking at this gorgeous cake for sometime...I am going to make this cake for sure as it has apples in it, which I love to add in my baking. Wonderful crumb cake recipe...I am confident that my family would love this. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 17, 2013 at 8:42 am

        Thank you, Purabi! I hope your family enjoy it.

        Reply
    19. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

      September 17, 2013 at 11:30 am

      5 stars
      You started baking using fall ingredients. Beautiful and delicious cake. Lately I introduced your blog to my Brazilian neighbor and she said she enjoys reading your blog. I should ask her to bake this together. 😀 Looks yum!

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 17, 2013 at 12:38 pm

        Thanks, Nami! I hope you and your Brazilian neighbor bake it together. This is an excellent coffee cake.

        Reply
    20. Sugar et al says

      September 17, 2013 at 11:48 pm

      5 stars
      Goodness me...this is stunning! Apple, cinnamon, dulce de leche...somehow can magic at any time of the year. I am going to dive into the screen now:-)

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 18, 2013 at 8:07 am

        Sonali, dear! Thank you so much for such a nice comment. I am so glad that you enjoy seeing my cake on the screen.

        Reply
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