Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cake because it’s rich and moist with layers of flavor and texture. The crumb topping gives it that classic bakery-style crunch, while the cinnamon apple drizzle adds an extra burst of warmth and sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert I can serve with coffee in the morning or as a show-stopping treat after dinner. And best of all, it’s simple to make with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

For the Crumb Topping:

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• All-purpose flour

• Cold unsalted butter (cubed)

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• Apple juice or apple cider

• Powdered sugar

• Ground cinnamon

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a deep 9-inch square pan.

2. To make the crumb topping, I mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly. I set it aside.

3. For the cake, I cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then I add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.

4. I mix in the sour cream, followed by the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon) until just combined.

5. I fold in the diced apples, then spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

6. I sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. While the cake bakes, I make the drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, apple juice or cider, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.

8. Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, I drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 and takes about 15 minutes to prep, 45 minutes to bake, and another 15 minutes to cool and glaze. It’s ready in just over an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch. For even more apple flavor, I stir in a bit of applesauce to the batter. If I want a little tang, I use buttermilk instead of sour cream. I’ve also added a few chopped dates or raisins for a twist on the classic.

Storage/reheating

I store this cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. It also freezes well—just wrap individual slices and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for this cake?

I like using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it the day before and drizzle it right before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Can I skip the drizzle?

Yes, but I love how the drizzle adds a final layer of flavor. If I want to skip it, I dust the top with powdered sugar instead.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

I prefer butter for the flavor and structure in this recipe, but in a pinch, I’ve used a neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) and it still turns out moist.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure my other ingredients (like baking powder) are gluten-free. The texture stays soft and flavorful.

Conclusion

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is everything I want in a cozy dessert—warm spices, juicy apples, and a crumbly, buttery topping with that sweet, sticky drizzle to finish it off. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and the perfect excuse to use up fresh apples. Whether I’m baking for brunch, holidays, or just to make my kitchen smell amazing, this cake always delivers.

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