CINNAMON APPLE CRUMB HEAVEN

I can almost smell the cinnamon and baked apples just thinking about it! My grandma used to make an apple cake every autumn, and the entire house would be filled with the most comforting aroma. It was pure magic. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Get ready to experience apple cake perfection! This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s an Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle that will have everyone begging for seconds. The tender, moist cake, the buttery crumb topping, and the luscious cinnamon apple drizzle come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. I promise, you’ll feel like a baking rockstar after whipping up this beauty!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• It’s surprisingly easy: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is incredibly straightforward to make. Perfect for beginner bakers!
• Unbeatable flavor: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery crumble is a classic for a reason.
• Perfect for any occasion: From casual brunch to holiday gatherings, this cake is always a hit.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare components ahead of time, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• That Cinnamon Apple Drizzle! Seriously, that drizzle elevates everything!

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s everything you need to create this masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, but adds a nice texture!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Trust me, greasing and flouring is important, or your cake might stick.
2. Combine dry ingredients (cake): In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so your cake rises properly.
3. Cream butter and sugars (cake): In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This is where your electric mixer is your best friend! The mixture should be pale and almost doubled in volume.
4. Add eggs and vanilla (cake): Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Alternate wet and dry ingredients (cake): Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
6. Fold in apples (cake): Gently fold in the diced apples. Ensure the apples are evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter needs to be cold for the best crumbly texture.
8. Assemble the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary! If the crumb topping starts to get too brown, tent the cake with foil.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
11. Make the cinnamon apple drizzle: While the cake is cooling, prepare the drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, milk (or cream), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
12. Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the cinnamon apple drizzle generously over the warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature. Prepare to be amazed!

Success Tips for the Perfect Apple Crumb Cake

Want to ensure your Apple Crumb Cake is absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips:

• Use cold butter for the crumb topping: This is crucial for creating those perfect, crumbly clumps. Cut the butter into cubes and keep it in the fridge until just before you’re ready to use it.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in the apples.
• Choose the right apples: I recommend using a firm, tart apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Let the cake cool before drizzling: While it’s tempting to drizzle the cake immediately after it comes out of the oven, allowing it to cool slightly first will prevent the drizzle from melting completely and disappearing.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the cake batter and crumb topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving. You can also bake the entire cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch!

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to the crumb topping.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter or crumb topping for an extra layer of warmth.
• Use different fruits: Try using pears, blueberries, or cranberries instead of apples for a unique twist.
• Add a glaze: Instead of the cinnamon apple drizzle, you could top the cake with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced cake.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
• Caramel sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the cake with caramel sauce.
• Coffee or tea: This cake is a delightful accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

Storing Your Apple Crumb Cake

To keep your cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick and easy dessert.

Don’t Forget These Delicious Apple Treats!

While you’re in the mood for apple goodness, be sure to check out some of my other favorite apple-themed recipes! If you’re craving cookies, the CARAMEL APPLE COOKIE recipe is a must-try. And for a decadent dessert, you can’t go wrong with my CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE. I also have a similar version called the CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE, which is just as amazing. For a quick and easy treat, the AIR FRYER APPLE FRITTER is absolutely divine! And if you’re looking for something cute and delicious, the Caramel Apple Cupcakes are perfect! Finally, if you like quick breads, you’ll love my PUMPKIN CRUMB BREAD. I promise, there’s something for everyone!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle! I truly believe this cake is a winner, and I’m confident that you’ll be thrilled with the results. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touches. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process! Happy baking!

Lady Maria

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Heaven

This Easy Apple Crumb Cake features a tender, moist cake base, a buttery crumb topping, and a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a satisfying crumble.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour for cake
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for crumb topping
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar for crumb topping
• 1/2 cup rolled oats optional, for crumb topping
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for crumb topping
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar for cinnamon apple drizzle
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for cinnamon apple drizzle
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract for cinnamon apple drizzle
• Pinch of salt for cinnamon apple drizzle

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• medium bowl
• Large bowl
• electric mixer
• whisk
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Small saucepan
• Wooden skewer
• measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
6. Gently fold in the diced apples.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats (if using), and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the crumb topping starts to get too brown, tent the cake with foil.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
11. While the cake is cooling, prepare the drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, milk (or cream), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
12. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
13. Drizzle the cinnamon apple drizzle generously over the warm cake. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For the best results, use cold butter when making the crumb topping. Do not overmix the cake batter, as this will result in a tough cake. Firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best. Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling to prevent the drizzle from melting completely. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra flavor and texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a delicious accompaniment.