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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Hey y'all! If you're looking for an irresistible treat that's cozy, comforting, and bursting with autumn flavor, this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle is your new go-to. With a buttery crumb topping, tender apple chunks, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, it's a crowd-pleasing dessert for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • Moist and fluffy cake packed with juicy apples for the ultimate bite.
  • Crispy, buttery crumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
  • Sweet cinnamon drizzle ties everything together with warm, homey flavor.
  • Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy equipment needed!
  • Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a coffee break snack.

Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • For the Cake:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup sour cream
    • 2 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and cored)
  • For the Crumb Topping:
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup (half stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Cinnamon Drizzle:
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 ½ tablespoon milk (or more for desired consistency)
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for the Best Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

  • In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Pour in melted butter and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Crumb Cake Batter

  • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • Mix in sour cream, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  • Gently fold in diced apples.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

  • Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  • Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the batter.
  • Bake for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make and Add the Cinnamon Drizzle

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Notes for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle Success

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for flavor balance and texture (learn more about apple varieties).
  • Don’t overmix the batter—gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
  • Baking times vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick near the center.

Variations on Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • Pear Crumb Cake: Swap apples for pears for a mellow, sweeter twist.
  • Nutty Crumb Topping: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb mix for extra crunch.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Required Equipment for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire cooling rack

Storage Instructions for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To serve, thaw at room temp and warm for a few seconds in the microwave if desired.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings

  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting breakfast or snack.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Great addition to a fall brunch spread with savory egg dishes.

Pro Tips for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

  • Chop apples into small, evenly-sized cubes for even baking and texture (see apple prep tips).
  • Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling to avoid melting the glaze.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and spice (nutmeg health info).

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle FAQ

  • Can I use applesauce instead of apples?
    Applesauce will change the texture—use diced apples for best results.
  • Can I make this Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Make a day ahead and store tightly covered; drizzle with glaze just before serving.
  • Can I double the recipe?
    Yes! Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time, checking for doneness.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

★★★★★ 4.70 from 86 ratings

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

yield: 8 servings
prep: 25 mins
cook: 45 mins
total: 50 mins
A moist and tender apple crumb cake topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb and finished with a sweet cinnamon drizzle. Perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat.
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for crumb topping)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for drizzle)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for drizzle)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. 2
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. 3
    In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream.
  4. 4
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  5. 5
    For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
  6. 6
    Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool. For the drizzle, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon, then drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 340 caloriescal
Protein: 4gg
Fat: 14gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 50gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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