The Best 5 Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Letโ€™s talk about the ultimate comfort dessert: this incredible Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Honestly, is there anything better than the smell of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? This recipe is my go-to for a cozy weekend treat, a last-minute potluck savior, or just because.

Itโ€™s the kind of simple, homestyle baking that feels like a warm hug. Furthermore, it comes together so easily, youโ€™ll have it in the oven before it even preheats. So, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and letโ€™s make something magical.

WHY YOUโ€™LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will absolutely adore this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle for so many reasons! First, itโ€™s incredibly simple and uses mostly pantry staples.

Secondly, the texture is pure perfection: a tender, moist cake, a layer of soft, spiced apples, a buttery crumb topping, and that glorious, glossy drizzle. Itโ€™s the complete package.

Moreover, this cake is wonderfully versatile; itโ€™s perfect for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a show-stopping dessert. Ultimately, itโ€™s a foolproof recipe that delivers impressive results every single time.

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The Best 5 Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle


  • Author: Lidia Bellacci
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and tender Apple Crumb Cake topped with a buttery streusel and finished with a warm cinnamon-apple drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • ย 
  • For the crumb topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • For the cinnamon apple drizzle:
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • 3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
  • 4. Mix in sour cream, then gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
  • 5. Fold in diced apples and spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
  • 6. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
  • 7. Bake 40โ€“45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • 8. Meanwhile, prepare drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer.
  • 9. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2โ€“3 minutes.
  • 10. Drizzle warm sauce over cooled or slightly warm cake before serving.

Notes

  • Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best for this recipe.
  • The cake can be made ahead and stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: apple crumb cake, cinnamon apple cake, fall dessert

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRUMB CAKE WITH CINNAMON APPLE DRIZZLE

Making this stunning cake is a straightforward process. Essentially, we work in three simple layers: the cake base, the apple filling, the crumb topping, and finally, the signature Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Therefore, you don’t need to be a professional baker to master it. Just follow these steps for a perfect result.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Apple Layer:

  • 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Then, grease and flour a 9-inch springform or square baking pan.

STEP 2: First, make the cake base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

STEP 3: In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

STEP 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

STEP 5: Spread the cake batter evenly into your prepared pan.

STEP 6: Now, prepare the apple layer. In a bowl, toss the chopped apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and tablespoon of flour. Then, scatter the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.

making-apple-crumb-cake-crumble-topping
The secret to the perfect texture: creating a buttery, clumpy crumb topping.

STEP 7: Make the crumb topping. In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over it and stir with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple layer.

STEP 8: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake (not through an apple) comes out clean.

STEP 9: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.

STEP 10: Finally, make the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Whisk the powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the slightly warm cake before serving.

drizzling-cinnamon-apple-glaze-on-crumb-cake
he final, essential step: drizzling the warm cake with the cinnamon apple glaze.

IS A NUTRITION HERO

Believe it or not, this deliciousย Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzleย can be a bit of a nutrition hero, thanks to its star ingredient: the apple! Apples are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, specifically pectin.

Consequently, they are great for supporting digestive health. Additionally, they provide a wonderful dose of Vitamin C and various antioxidants. So, while it’s a treat, you’re also giving your body some beneficial nutrients.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Enjoying sweet treats while managing your weight is all about balance and smart choices. This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle can fit into that balance. For instance, the natural sweetness and fiber from the apples can help satisfy cravings.

Moreover, you can easily make simple swaps, like using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or reducing the sugar slightly. Ultimately, a small, mindful portion of this satisfying cake can prevent you from feeling deprived.

HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE

Choosing the right apples is key. For a balanced flavor and texture that holds up, I recommend a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet, firm Fuji or Honeycrisp apples. To store your masterpiece, first, ensure the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is completely cool.

Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

EASY AND TASTY LOW-CAL RECIPES

If you’re looking to lighten things up, this recipe is very adaptable. You can create a lighter version of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle by using a sugar substitute, applesauce in place of some butter, and low-fat sour cream.

The result is still wonderfully moist and flavorful, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health.

SWEET TREATS THE HEALTHY WAY

Indulging in a slice of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a perfect example of enjoying sweet treats the healthy way. Itโ€™s made from scratch with real ingredients, unlike many store-bought cakes loaded with preservatives.

drizzling-cinnamon-apple-glaze-on-crumb-cake
cinnamon apple drizzle being poured over the baked crumb cake.

Furthermore, baking at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of everything that goes in, making it a genuinely better-for-you dessert.

DON’T FORGET THE SEEDS!

For an extra boost of nutrition and a delightful crunch, don’t forget the seeds! Simply stir a quarter cup of flax seeds or sunflower seeds into the crumb topping mixture. They add healthy fats, fiber, and a wonderful texture that takes this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle to the next level.

HOW TO SERVE APPLE CRUMB CAKE WITH CINNAMON APPLE DRIZZLE

This cake is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or even cold straight from the fridge! For an extra-special treat, serve a slice of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle ร  la mode with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce also makes it absolutely irresistible.

serving-apple-crumb-cake-with-coffee
Perfect for any time of day: serve a slice with your favorite coffee or tea.

HOW TO STORE APPLE CRUMB CAKE WITH CINNAMON APPLE DRIZZLE

You can store any leftover Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle covered at room temperature for two days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator. Interestingly, this cake also freezes beautifully.

Simply wrap cooled, undrizzled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the drizzle fresh before serving.

TIPS TO MAKE

To ensure your Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

First, make sure your butter is properly softened for the cake base to achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Secondly, do not overmix the batter after adding the flour; mix until just combined. Finally, for the best crumb topping, use your fingers to press the melted butter mixture into clumps of varying sizes.

TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION

  • Details: This recipe is very forgiving. If you don’t have apple cider for the drizzle, apple juice, milk, or even a teaspoon of vanilla extract mixed with water works perfectly.
  • Variation: Feel free to add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for a nutty crunch. You can also experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles.
  • Notes: The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out with a few moist crumbs. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking.

APPLE CRUMB CAKE WITH CINNAMON APPLE DRIZZLE FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Absolutely! Pears are a wonderful substitute for apples in thisย Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. You could also try a berry version using blueberries or a mix of berries, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Why is my crumb topping not crumbly?

If your crumb topping is more like a paste, you likely added too much butter or over-mixed it. The key is to mix with a fork until the mixture is clumpy but still dry in parts. If it happens, you can sprinkle on a bit more flour and sugar to balance it out.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the cake, apple layer, and crumb topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The result will be just as delicious.

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