Perfect Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

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There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. It’s the scent of comfort, of cozy sweaters, and of cherished fall traditions.

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the very essence of the season in every single bite, you’ve found it.

Think of crisp leaves outside and the scent of cinnamon inside. Apple desserts capture this season like nothing else. They offer comfort in every bite.

This apple crumb cake stands out. Just when you think it can’t get any better, it combines a soft, spiced cake base with tender apples. A crunchy crumb topping adds texture.

A glossy cinnamon apple drizzle ties it all together. The result? A triple threat of flavors and contrasts.

Baking this cake fills your home with inviting aromas. Cinnamon and apples blend perfectly. The process is straightforward. Gather your ingredients. Preheat the oven. In under an hour, you have a masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-bowl simplicity: Mix most ingredients in a single bowl. Clean-up stays minimal. Focus on the fun part: baking and eating.
• Uses fresh apples: Incorporate seasonal produce. Apples add natural sweetness and moisture. They make the cake feel fresh and wholesome.
• Irresistible crumb topping: Buttery and crunchy. It contrasts the soft cake below. Each bite delivers satisfaction.
• Versatile for any occasion: Bake it for holidays or weekdays. It fits potlucks, family dinners, or solo treats. Adapt portions as needed.
• Fills your home with a warm, autumnal aroma: Cinnamon, apples, and vanilla create magic. The scent draws everyone to the kitchen. It evokes cozy memories.

This recipe shines in its balance. Flavors harmonize. Textures vary. Preparation remains simple. You get professional results at home. Try it once. You will return to it often.

Ingredients & Notes

Gather fresh items for best results. This recipe serves 8-10 people. Use a 9-inch square baking pan. Prep time takes 20 minutes. Baking lasts 35-40 minutes.

For the Cinnamon Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

This topping creates the signature crunch. Flour provides structure. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Cinnamon infuses spice. Butter binds it all.

For the Apple Cake Base

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and diced fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)

Choose the right apples. Granny Smith offers tartness. It balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp provides crisp texture and mild flavor. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious. They turn mushy.

Flour forms the base. Baking powder and soda ensure rise. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. Sugar sweetens. Egg binds. Milk and oil keep it moist. Vanilla enhances depth.

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider (or milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

This drizzle adds shine and extra flavor. Powdered sugar thickens. Apple cider brings fruity notes. Cinnamon reinforces the theme. Vanilla smooths it out.

Important Notes

Use cold butter for the topping. It creates large crumbs. Room temperature butter makes it doughy. Cut butter into small cubes first. Work quickly to keep it chilled.

Prevent apples from sinking. Toss diced apples in a tablespoon of flour. This coats them. They stay suspended in the batter.

Consider substitutions. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Add xanthan gum if needed.

For vegan, replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). Use plant-based milk and oil. Vegan butter works in the topping.

Measure accurately. Spoon flour into cups. Level off. Do not pack. Fresh spices matter. Check expiration dates. Room temperature eggs and milk mix better. Plan ahead.

These notes ensure success. They address common pitfalls. Follow them for a flawless cake.

Essential Equipments

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter or forks
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Peeler and knife
• Toothpick or skewer
• Wire rack

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How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Follow these steps closely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your pan. Line with parchment for easy removal.

Make the Crumb Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir well. Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or forks. Blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Some pea-sized butter pieces are fine. They melt and create pockets. Set aside in the fridge. This keeps it firm.

Make the Cake Batter

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, beat sugar and egg until light.

Add milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix. Lumps are okay.

Prepare apples. Peel and dice into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon flour. Fold into batter gently. Apples distribute evenly this way.

Assemble and Bake

Spread batter into prepared pan. Use a spatula for even layer. Sprinkle crumb topping generously. Cover the entire surface. Press lightly. This helps it adhere.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Edges turn golden. Center sets. Insert a toothpick in the middle. It comes out clean or with few crumbs. No wet batter. Rotate pan halfway for even baking. Ovens vary. Check at 30 minutes.

Remove from oven. Place on wire rack. Cool for 10 minutes in pan.

Make the Drizzle

Whisk powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add apple cider one tablespoon at a time. Stir until smooth. Aim for pourable consistency. Too thick? Add more liquid. Too thin? Add sugar.

Drizzle over warm cake. Use a spoon or piping bag. Let it cascade down sides. Allow to set for 5 minutes.

Slice and serve. Enjoy the layers. Each step builds flavor.

Related Recipes You’ll Love to Try

• Autumn Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage & Apple
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins: Easy & Cozy Fall Breakfast
• Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars (Refined Sugar-Free)
• 3-Ingredient Banana Breakfast Cookies: Vegan & Sugar-Free

Tips for Success

• Keep batter tender. Mix wet and dry just until incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten. This makes cake tough.
• Check doneness properly. Use a toothpick or skewer. Insert in center. Clean means done. Moist crumbs are fine. Avoid overbaking. It dries out.
• Cool slightly before drizzling. Warm cake absorbs some glaze. Too hot melts it away. Room temperature sets it nicely.
• Choose pan wisely. Metal conducts heat well. Glass needs lower temperature. Adjust to 325°F if using glass.
• Handle apples fresh. Dice just before folding. Prevent browning. Lemon juice helps if delayed.
• Test spices. Taste batter subtly. Adjust cinnamon if needed. Freshness counts.

These tips elevate your bake. They come from experience. Apply them for best results.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serve warm for peak enjoyment. The crumb stays crisp. Apples remain juicy. Pair with cold milk. It cuts sweetness.

Hot coffee complements spices. Add whipped cream for indulgence. Ice cream melts nicely on top.

For gatherings, cut into squares. Arrange on a platter. Dust with powdered sugar. It looks festive.

Store at room temperature. Cover loosely with foil. Lasts 2-3 days. Moisture stays in. For longer, refrigerate. Wrap in plastic. Up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before eating. Cold dulls flavors.

Freeze for later. Cool completely. Wrap slices individually. Use freezer bags. Thaw overnight in fridge. Warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Crumb revives.

These methods keep cake fresh. Plan ahead for meals or gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?

Yes. Pears work well. They offer similar texture. Dice and fold in. For a twist, try berries. Blueberries add bursts. Reduce to 1 1/2 cups.

They release more moisture. A pumpkin spice variation fits fall. Add puree instead of apples. Adjust spices.

Can I make this into muffins or a loaf?

Absolutely. For muffins, divide batter into 12 cups. Top with crumbs. Bake 20-25 minutes. For a loaf, use 9×5 pan. Bake 45-50 minutes. Check doneness. Both formats travel easily.

How do I get a really thick crumb layer?

Double the topping recipe. Use 1 1/2 times for moderate thickness. Press firmly. It holds shape. Extra crumbs mean more crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake a day in advance. Store at room temperature, covered. Add drizzle before serving. Warm briefly in a 300°F oven for freshness. Freezing works for longer prep. Thaw and reheat as needed.

How do I adjust for high altitude baking?

Increase flour by 1-2 tablespoons. Add 1 tablespoon extra liquid. Raise oven temperature to 360°F. Check doneness earlier, around 30-35 minutes. High altitude affects rise and moisture.

Plate, Pour, and Enjoy!

This apple crumb cake defines fall comfort. Layers of flavor delight. Soft cake meets spiced apples. Crunchy topping contrasts. Drizzle seals the deal.

Bake it soon. Share with loved ones. Post your results online. Tag your creations. Inspire others. This recipe brings joy. Enjoy every slice.