If you are craving a dessert that perfectly blends the warm spices of fall with a moist, tender crumb, look no further than this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft cake studded with tart, juicy apple chunks, topped with a sweet, buttery crumb and finished with a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle that flows like a river of comfort. This recipe brings together the best of home-baked goodness and seasonal flavors in one irresistible treat that will quickly become your go-to dessert for cozy afternoons or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender flour and rich butter forming the cake’s base to the tart apples and fragrant cinnamon adding layers of flavor. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this cake simply unforgettable.
- Apples: Using Granny Smith apples provides the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, keeping the cake fresh and lively.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice enhances the warmth of the apples and adds that classic autumnal aroma.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for the cake and cold for the crumb topping, butter ensures tender cake crumb and a rich, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both sugars bring sweetness and depth—brown sugar adds caramel notes essential for the topping and drizzle.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tang that keeps the cake balanced without overpowering the fruit.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Flour, Baking Powder, and Baking Soda: These provide structure and lift for the perfect cake texture.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your 9×9-inch baking pan with greasing or parchment. This step ensures your cake releases easily and bakes evenly. Next, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt—in a medium bowl so they are nicely combined and ready to blend seamlessly into the wet ingredients. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until they’re light and fluffy, which creates the ideal base for a tender crumb. Adding eggs one at a time makes sure they emulsify perfectly, adding structure without toughness. Alternate incorporating the dry ingredients and sour cream gently to maintain a delicate texture. Finally, fold in your chopped apples carefully so every bite bursts with fresh fruit flavor.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
While the batter waits, dive into the crumb topping—a glorious blend of flour, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar mixed with cold, cubed butter. This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with little nuggets of butter that will melt into flakes of goodness during baking. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter; it’s what transforms a good cake into a spectacular one with a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pop your cake into the oven and let it bake for 55-65 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center should emerge clean or with a few moist crumbs. This careful timing gives the apples inside just enough softness while the crumb crisps up perfectly on top. After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures your drizzle won’t melt away when poured over.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
The crown jewel of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe is the luscious drizzle—made by melting butter and stirring in brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. This mixture simmers until smooth and bubbly, creating a gooey sauce that drapes the cake in an irresistible glaze. Pour the warm drizzle generously over the cooled cake for that perfect finishing touch or serve it alongside for guests to personalize their slice.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds visual appeal and extra texture. For a beautiful presentation, a fresh cinnamon stick or a few thin apple slices fanned on the side can elevate the dish and hint at the flavors awaiting inside.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance its sweet and spicy notes. For a cozy drink to accompany it, a cup of hot apple cider or spiced chai tea complements the flavors perfectly, turning any moment into a comforting escape.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice into neat squares and plate on rustic wooden boards for a charming country kitchen vibe. Serve warm with extra cinnamon apple drizzle spooned over the top, or layer small slices between thin apple chips for a playful twist. Hosting a brunch? Cut into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks as bite-sized treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crumb topping might soften slightly but will remain delicious and moist.
Freezing
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the cake’s freshly baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven for 10 minutes. Warm drizzle can be reheated separately on the stovetop to restore its silky consistency before adding to the cake.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples lend a perfect tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just be aware that sweeter apples may reduce the tang contrast in the cake.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The cake may have a slightly different crumb but will still taste amazing with all the classic flavors.
Can I prepare the crumble topping in advance?
Definitely. You can make the crumb topping a day ahead and refrigerate it. Keep it covered tightly to prevent it from drying out, then sprinkle it over the batter right before baking.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
Stored at room temperature in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for 2 days. Refrigeration can extend its life by a few more days but may firm up the crumb topping.
What if I don’t have sour cream—can I substitute it?
You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts. These alternatives maintain moisture and tang but might slightly alter the texture and flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. Once you make this cake, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire, turning ordinary days into celebrations of cozy flavors and comforting sweetness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious slice of happiness.
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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender chunks of Granny Smith apples folded into a cinnamon-spiced cake. It’s topped with a buttery crumb topping that adds a delightful crunch. Finished with a warm, sweet cinnamon apple drizzle, this cake delivers the perfect balance of tart apple notes and rich caramel sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ 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
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes (preferably Granny Smith)
Crumb Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to combine.
- Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender cake.
- Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without mashing to maintain texture.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Top the Cake with Crumbs: Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the apple batter, covering the surface completely.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before adding the drizzle.
- Make the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Drizzle Over the Cake: Pour the warm cinnamon apple drizzle evenly over the cooled cake or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness that complements the cake.
- Ensure the butter for the crumb topping is cold to create a crisp, flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the drizzle to prevent it from soaking in too much and making the crumb topping soggy.
- The drizzle can be warmed before serving for a fresh homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
