Description

This recipe checks all my ultimate snack cake boxes:

One-bowl cleanup, because fewer dishes means less stress.

Single-layer simple, with no fussy stacking.

Pantry-staple friendly, with no rare ingredients needed.

No peanut butter powder? No problem. You can easily make the crumble without it. Just swap it for ½ tsp vanilla or cinnamon to boost those cozy flavors instead.

Tools:

Large bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
8×8-inch baking pan
Fork
Whisk
Rubber spatula

Ingredients

Scale

1 egg
1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
½ cup of grapeseed oil (vegetable or canola would be fine as well)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup of white sugar
2 tsps cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
⅛ tsp all spice
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt

1 ¼ cup all purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

Crumble topping:

3 tbps very soft butter

3 tbps sugar

¼ cup flour

3 tbps rolled oats

2 tsps peanut butter powder (optional)

½ tsp vanilla or cinnamon (if skipping the pb powder)

Glaze (optional): Put all ingredients into a small bowl except the kefir (or milk/yogurt). Add 1 tbsp of kefir and mix well. Add kefir another tbsp of kefir and mix. Add additional 1 tsp at a time until drizzling consistency.

¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tbps peanut butter
2-3 tbps kefir (can sub yogurt or milk)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease your 8×8-inch baking pan.
Whisk the wet ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, blend the egg, applesauce, sugar, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the oil.
Add the leavening and spice: Mix in the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in the baking soda and baking powder, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Fold in the flour: Slowly add the flour in three separate parts. Mix gently after each addition, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Stop mixing as soon as the dry flour disappears—do not overmix!
Pan it: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to get every last drop.

Step 2: Make the Crumble & Bake

Mash the crumble: In that same (now empty) mixing bowl, combine all the crumble ingredients. Mash them together with a fork until nice, distinct clumps form.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the crumble evenly over your cake batter.
Bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before adding the glaze.

Step 3: Drizzle the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and peanut butter.
Add 1 tbsp of kefir (or milk/yogurt) and stir well.
Add a second tablespoon and mix again. Continue adding liquid just 1 tsp at a time until it reaches a perfect, drizzly consistency.
Drizzle generously over the warm cake, slice, and enjoy!

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American