Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle transforms your kitchen into a cozy autumn bakery with its irresistible aroma and perfectly balanced flavors. This tender, moist cake combines sweet apple chunks with a buttery crumb topping that creates the most satisfying texture contrast.

I still remember the first time I made this apple crumb cake recipe on a crisp October morning. The smell of cinnamon and baking apples filled my entire house, drawing my family to the kitchen before the timer even went off. What makes this dessert so special is how the soft cake base pairs beautifully with the crunchy crumb topping, while the warm cinnamon apple drizzle adds that perfect finishing touch. It’s become my go-to recipe for fall gatherings and cozy weekend baking sessions.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Crumb Cake

I always recommend using Granny Smith apples for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully and they hold their shape during baking. Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious apple crumb cake:

Cake Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (adds incredible moisture)
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Crumb Cake Success

I prefer to prep all ingredients before starting since this cake comes together quickly once you begin mixing.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake texture.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.

Step 5: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – overmixing leads to tough cake.

Step 6: Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: For the crumb topping, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and both sugars. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create coarse, pea-sized crumbs.

Step 8: Spread cake batter in prepared pan and evenly sprinkle crumb topping over the surface.

Step 9: Bake for 55-65 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool in pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 11: For the drizzle, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 12: Drizzle the warm cinnamon sauce over the cooled cake before serving.

Perfect Pairings for Your Apple Crumb Cake

This apple crumb cake pairs wonderfully with both warm and cold accompaniments that complement its spiced apple flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coolness perfectly balances the warm spices and creates a delightful temperature contrast.

Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds richness without overwhelming the cake’s delicate apple flavor.

Hot Coffee or Chai Tea: The warm, aromatic beverages enhance the cinnamon notes and make this an ideal afternoon treat.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle additional caramel over individual slices for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Cinnamon Ice Cream: Double down on the warm spice flavors for true cinnamon lovers.

More Incredible Apple Desserts and Perfect Dinner Companions

This apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple drizzle brings bakery-style elegance to the beloved flavors found in our Classic Apple Crumble and Perfect Apple Crumble Recipe. For equally stunning presentation desserts, try our impressive Fall Apple Crumble Pie or luxurious Apple Crumble Cheesecake Recipe.

Enjoy these apple-cinnamon flavors in portable formats with our delightful Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins and seasonal Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins that bring the same cozy comfort to breakfast or snack time. This cake makes an excellent finale to hearty comfort meals featuring Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread or Roasted Garlic White Chicken Pizza.

Smart Storage Solutions for Apple Crumb Cake

Store your finished apple crumb cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, where it will maintain its moisture and flavor perfectly. The crumb topping may soften slightly over time, but the cake remains delicious.

For reheating, I recommend warming individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore that fresh-baked taste. The drizzle can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to one week and gently rewarmed before serving.

Pro tip: This cake actually tastes even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

Common Questions About Apple Crumb Cake

Your Next Favorite Fall Dessert Awaits

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle delivers everything you want in a homestyle dessert – tender cake, satisfying crunch, and warm autumn flavors that bring comfort to any gathering. The combination of techniques creates layers of texture and taste that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

The beauty of this apple crumb cake lies in its simplicity and reliable results every single time. Try this recipe tonight and discover why it’s become such a beloved addition to my fall baking collection!

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