Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle 🍎🍰✨
If fall had a flavor, this would be it! This Apple Crumb Cake is a warm, soft, and buttery dessert layered with juicy cinnamon apples, a golden crumb topping, and finished with a luscious cinnamon-apple drizzle. Perfect for cozy mornings with coffee, as an afternoon treat, or as a show-stopping dessert for gatherings. The combination of tender cake, sweet spiced apples, and a crunchy crumb makes every bite pure comfort.
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8–10
📌 Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
For the Crumb Topping:
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons apple cider (or milk)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prep your oven & pan:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the crumb topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Prepare the cake batter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
5. Add the apples:
Fold in the diced apples gently. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top it with crumbs:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. Press down lightly so it sticks.
7. Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Make the drizzle:
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider (or milk), and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid if needed.
9. Drizzle & serve:
Once the cake is warm but not hot, drizzle the cinnamon apple glaze generously over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
🍏 Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
🍯 Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cake batter for extra warmth.
🥧 Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.
☕ Perfect alongside a latte or chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack.