Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe

If you adore cozy flavors and tender, moist cakes, then the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is going to steal your heart. This delightful dessert perfectly balances the natural tartness of crisp apples with a buttery, crumbly topping and a sweet, warmly spiced drizzle that brings everything together in the best possible way. It’s comfort baked right into every bite, making this cake a true slice of happiness that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in your quiet moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is surprisingly simple to bring together, but each ingredient plays an essential role in creating those rich textures and irresistible flavors. From the tart apples to the velvety sour cream, all elements combine in harmony for a memorable treat.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the tender base of the cake and the crumbly topping, ensuring perfect structure.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully and create a soft texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake and topping with warm spice that complements the apples remarkably well.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors subtly, so nothing tastes flat or dull.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and crumb topping; softened for batter, cold for crumbs.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and crumb topping just right, balancing tart apple notes.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and add fluffiness and structure.
• Vanilla extract: A small splash uplifts all ingredients with its pure and inviting scent.
• Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender while providing a lovely tang.
• Apples (preferably Granny Smith): Offer natural sweetness and a slight tart bite that enlivens every mouthful.
• Brown sugar: Delivers a deep caramel sweetness in the crumb topping and the luscious cinnamon apple drizzle.
• Milk: Smooths out the cinnamon apple drizzle, giving it a silky finish.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy cake removal. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt — to ensure even distribution of leavening and spice. Then, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for that luscious, tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract to lift the flavor profile.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Next, gently add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients in alternating batches with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry mix. This alternating method helps keep the batter from becoming dense, ensuring your cake turns out perfectly soft. Once combined, carefully fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly without crushing their texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work it through the dry mixture until coarse crumbs form with pea-sized butter pieces. This crumbly, buttery mixture will baked into a golden, crunchy topping.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your cake batter into the prepared pan and evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface, covering the apples below. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or just with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool first in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the finishing drizzle.

Step 5: Make the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Once your cake is completely cooled, drizzle this warm cinnamon apple sauce generously over the top to add that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scattering of finely chopped toasted walnuts can bring an extra lovely crunch and a hint of elegance atop the crumb cake. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, enhancing the warm cinnamon and apple flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It also makes a fantastic companion to a light, refreshing fruit salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, transform your Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle into mini individual servings by baking it in a muffin tin or slicing into squares and layering with extra drizzle and whipped cream in pretty glass cups for a charming trifle-like dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this treat, wrap any leftover Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days or will last up to four days in the fridge, where the flavors meld even more deeply.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in foil and place inside a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, your Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle will keep for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy it well beyond baking day.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in an oven set to 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a little extra drizzle or a smear of butter before reheating can revive that freshly-baked charm.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, you can try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter or milder flavor. Just make sure to pick apples that hold their shape well when baked.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking, you can make a delicious gluten-free version of the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Remember to check the leavening agents if they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare the crumb topping and drizzle ahead of baking?

You can prepare the crumb topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. The drizzle, however, is best made fresh right before serving to maintain its smooth texture and warmth.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the batter?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that will maintain the moisture and tanginess of the cake without altering the flavor.

How do I know when my Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is done?

Your cake is ready when the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle a try — it’s a truly comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or simply because you deserve something sweet and heartwarming, this cake brings joy with every bite. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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