Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Name: Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of our Apple Crumb Cake, perfectly topped with a sweet cinnamon apple drizzle. This cake is a wonderful treat for any occasion!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:56:28.565Z

This Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful blend of fresh apples and warm spices, creating a cozy cake that’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home. The cinnamon apple drizzle on top adds an irresistible finishing touch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm, comforting flavors that evoke fall with every bite
Crispy crumb topping adds a delightful crunch
Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack with coffee

      

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple desserts wafting through your home. This Apple Crumb Cake captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and tender apple pieces, making it an ideal treat for any gathering. Whether enjoyed at a family dinner or a cozy afternoon with friends, this cake is sure to evoke fond memories and create new ones.

The combination of tart and sweet apples adds depth to the flavor profile, while the crumb topping provides a delightful contrast. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of textures, from the soft cake to the crispy topping. It's a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms your heart.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Apple Crumb Cake turns out perfectly moist and flavorful, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together, providing a balance of flavors that enhances the cake. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter; gently folding in the apples keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Another important tip is to let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from breaking apart. Once cooled, the drizzle adds a lovely finishing touch, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Crumb Cake is versatile enough to be served in a variety of settings. For a casual brunch, enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, allowing the warmth of the cake to complement your favorite beverage. Alternatively, serve it as a dessert at dinner parties, where its rich flavors can shine against lighter dishes.

For an extra special treat, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests. No matter how you choose to serve it, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups peeled and chopped apples

For the Crumb Topping

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

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to use fresh apples for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

Make the Crumb Topping

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

Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Drizzle

While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

Storing Your Apple Crumb Cake

To keep your Apple Crumb Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before covering it to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the crumbs soggy.

If you're looking to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently in the oven.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize your Apple Crumb Cake to suit your taste preferences. For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a dash of nutmeg to the batter for a richer flavor profile.

You can also experiment with different types of apples to discover your favorite combination. Mixing in dried cranberries or raisins can add a delightful chewiness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to make it your own with just a few simple tweaks.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

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

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the drizzle for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

→ What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work wonderfully.