Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake, sweet apples, and a crunchy crumb topping, all drizzled with a warm cinnamon apple glaze.

Anya Coleman

Created by

Anya Coleman

Last updated on 2025-12-19T13:36:03.447Z

This Apple Crumb Cake is not just a treat; it's a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of soft cake, juicy apples, and crunchy topping is sure to impress your guests!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm, spiced apple flavor that fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma
  • Crispy crumb topping adds the perfect crunch
  • Versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of Apple Crumb Cake. This dessert captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and juicy apples. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to please. The combination of tender cake and crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast that makes every bite memorable.

Baking this cake fills your home with an irresistible aroma that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. The scent of cinnamon and fresh apples wafts through the air, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it even cools. It's a perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a sweet ending to a weeknight dinner.

A Versatile Dessert

One of the best aspects of Apple Crumb Cake is its versatility. It can be served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. The cake also stays moist for several days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

This cake can also be adapted to suit your tastes. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples, such as tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji. You can even add nuts or raisins for an extra layer of flavor and texture. No matter how you choose to make it, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Apple Crumb Cake turns out perfectly, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results. Overpacking flour can lead to a dense cake, which is not the goal here! Additionally, letting your butter soften at room temperature will help create a light and fluffy batter.

When it comes to the apples, choose varieties that hold their shape during baking. This will prevent them from turning to mush and help maintain a lovely texture. Lastly, don’t skip the cinnamon apple drizzle—it's the finishing touch that elevates this cake to new heights of deliciousness.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon.

Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.

Assemble the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.

Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Drizzle

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cinnamon apple glaze over the top and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

Storage and Reheating

To store your Apple Crumb Cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, and they can last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy a slice from the fridge or freezer, simply let it come to room temperature or reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds. For a freshly baked taste, consider warming it in the oven for a few minutes. This will help revive the crumb topping's crunch and the cake's delightful flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Crumb Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions. For a festive touch, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finishing touch. Pair it with a warm beverage, such as spiced cider or a latte, to enhance the cozy experience.

For those looking for a lighter option, consider serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tartness of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully, making it a delightful breakfast or brunch option. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute with pears or peaches for a different flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and drizzled with icing just before serving.

→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake, sweet apples, and a crunchy crumb topping, all drizzled with a warm cinnamon apple glaze.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Anya Coleman

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
  10. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

  1. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  2. 1 tablespoon milk
  3. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.

Step 04

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 07

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cinnamon apple glaze over the top and serve.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g