There’s something magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. My Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle brings together everything we love about cozy fall desserts—warm spice, tender apples, buttery crumb topping, and a drizzle that ties it all together. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like a sweet autumn morning, yet it’s so timeless that you’ll find yourself baking it year-round. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, enjoying afternoon tea, or just craving something special, this cake hits all the right notes—soft, moist, and full of cinnamon-kissed comfort.
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect blend of cozy flavors: Sweet apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon come together in harmony for that nostalgic fall aroma.
- Buttery crumb topping: A crisp, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist cake beneath.
- Versatile & evergreen: Perfect for fall holidays but just as delightful for a spring brunch or cozy weekend bake.
- Easy, beginner-friendly recipe: No special skills required—just basic pantry ingredients and a little love.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day when the flavors meld together.
- Halal & family-friendly: Completely alcohol-free and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & PreparePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry IngredientsIn a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & SugarIn another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine the BatterAdd the dry ingredients and sour cream alternately, mixing gently until combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Make the Crumb ToppingIn a small bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, salt, and sugars. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble & BakeSpread the cake batter evenly into the pan, top with the crumb mixture, and bake for 55–65 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the DrizzleIn a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Cool for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle & ServeOnce the cake is cooled, drizzle the cinnamon apple sauce over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Variations to Try
- Caramel Apple Crumb Cake: Add caramel drizzle instead of the cinnamon one for a decadent twist.
- Pecan or Walnut Crunch: Add chopped nuts to the crumb topping for extra texture.
- Maple Drizzle: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in the glaze for a rich fall flavor.
- Apple Pear Crumb Cake: Combine apples and pears for a cozy winter blend.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Keep butter cold for a crisp, bakery-style crumb topping.
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined.
- Drizzle the sauce while slightly warm for picture-perfect ribbons.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~330
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugars: 27g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use other apple varieties?
A: Yes! Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well if you prefer a sweeter cake. - Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: Substitute plant-based butter and yogurt for a delicious dairy-free version. - Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze the cake (without drizzle) for up to 3 months. Thaw before drizzling. - Q: How should I serve it?
A: Warm it slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or spiced chai.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle captures everything cozy and comforting about home baking. It’s golden, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple flavor—perfect for fall yet timeless enough to enjoy year-round. Serve it at brunch, pack it for picnics, or gift it to a neighbor. Either way, it’s sure to earn a spot on your favorite dessert board. Save this recipe now so it’s ready for your next cozy baking day!
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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle – Buttery, Spiced & Irresistible Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A buttery, spiced Apple Crumb Cake layered with tender apples, cinnamon, and a golden crumb topping—finished with a sweet apple drizzle. Cozy fall baking meets year-round comfort in this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 apples, diced
- Crumb Topping: 1 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup sugar
- Drizzle: 1 tbsp butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 2 tbsp milk, pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients with sour cream; fold in apples.
- Make crumb topping by cutting butter into flour, sugars, and cinnamon.
- Spread batter in pan, top with crumbs, and bake 60 minutes.
- Prepare drizzle in saucepan and pour over cooled cake.
Notes
Use tart apples for flavor balance. Keep butter cold for crumb topping. Freeze without drizzle for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: apple crumb cake, cinnamon apple drizzle, spiced apple dessert, cozy fall baking, crumb topping, buttery apple cake, cinnamon drizzle cake, moist apple cake, comfort dessert, Thanksgiving baking idea