APPLE CRUMB CAKE HEAVEN

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Easy Apple Crumb Cake – Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Forget fussy desserts that take all day; this recipe is designed for busy bakers who still want to impress. Prepare yourself for a moist, flavorful cake topped with a buttery crumb and drizzled with a decadent cinnamon-infused glaze – it’s truly apple crumb cake heaven!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Apple Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Step-by-Step to a Slice of Paradise

Let’s get down to the fun part! This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner bakers.

Making the Apple Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent your cake from sticking!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where an electric mixer comes in handy, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!
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. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

Crafting the Crumbly Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the better the crumb! I sometimes even pop my butter in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting.
3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple cake batter.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.
2. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the cinnamon apple drizzle. This is important, otherwise, the drizzle will melt right in!

Creating the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, milk, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. If the drizzle is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
5. Drizzle the cinnamon apple drizzle evenly over the cooled cake.

Choosing the Perfect Apples: An Apple-solutely Important Decision

The type of apples you use can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your APPLE BROWNIES. I generally recommend using a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Granny Smith apples add tartness and hold their shape well during baking, while Honeycrisp apples provide sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Other great options include Fuji, Gala, and Braeburn apples. Just make sure your total amount is 3 cups diced!

Making the Crumb Topping Extra Special

Want to take your crumb topping to the next level? Consider adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. You could also add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the crumb mixture for a warm, spiced twist. For a truly decadent experience, try browning the butter for the crumb topping before adding the other ingredients. This will give it a richer, nuttier flavor. And remember, cold butter is KEY to a perfect crumb. Don’t skip that step!

The Secret to a Moist and Tender Cake

The sour cream in this recipe is the secret ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender. It adds richness and tanginess, which complements the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt. Just be sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results. Don’t be tempted to skip this ingredient – it really makes a difference! You could even enjoy a slice of this cake with a warm mug of APPLE CIDER SPELL

Tips for a Picture-Perfect Drizzle

The cinnamon apple drizzle is the finishing touch that elevates this cake from good to amazing. For the best results, make sure the cake is completely cool before drizzling. This will prevent the drizzle from melting and running off the sides. If you want a thicker drizzle, use slightly less milk. If you want a thinner drizzle, use slightly more milk. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices! A pinch of ground cloves or allspice would also be delicious. Don’t forget to try making TWIX CARAMEL APPLE SALAD for another apple inspired desert!

Make Ahead Magic: Preparing in Advance

This Easy Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for making ahead of time! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Wait to drizzle with the cinnamon apple drizzle until just before serving. You can also prepare the crumb topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will save you time on the day you want to bake the cake. Plus, this cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. The warm apple flavor of APPLE DUMPLINGS is another great option when planning a make ahead meal.

Variations to Delight Your Taste Buds

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this Easy Apple Crumb Cake! Try adding a layer of caramel sauce to the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter for a caramel apple crumb cake. Or, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the crumb topping for added crunch. If you’re a fan of spices, add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or cloves to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor. You can even substitute other fruits for the apples, such as pears, peaches, or berries. For a simpler treat try making COZY APPLE CRISP!

Storing Your Leftover Apple Crumb Cake

If you happen to have any leftover Easy Apple Crumb Cake (which is unlikely!), store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in a low oven until heated through. It’s also delicious served cold straight from the refrigerator. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Experience

This Easy Apple Crumb Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce or sprinkle it with chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture. For a truly decadent experience, serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special holiday celebration. For a fun topping idea, try adding the crumble topping from CRUNCHY APPLE CRISP!

So, there you have it: a recipe for Easy Apple Crumb Cake that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With simple steps and delicious results, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Happy Baking!

Apple Crumb Cake Heaven with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

This Apple Crumb Cake is the epitome of comfort food, featuring a moist and flavorful cake base, a buttery crumb topping, and a luscious cinnamon-infused glaze. Perfect for busy bakers, this recipe delivers impressive results with straightforward steps and readily available ingredients. Indulge in a slice of apple crumb cake heaven!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour for cake
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for cake
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for cake
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for crumb topping
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar for crumb topping
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for crumb topping
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar for drizzle
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for drizzle
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for drizzle
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Small saucepan
• Wooden skewer
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1 tsp 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.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup flour, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (crumb topping).
9. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple cake batter.
11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil.
12. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the cinnamon apple drizzle.
13. In a small saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.
14. Stir in the brown sugar, milk, and cinnamon (drizzle). Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
15. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (drizzle).
16. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. If the drizzle is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
17. Drizzle the cinnamon apple drizzle evenly over the cooled cake.
18. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Ensure the butter for the crumb topping is very cold for a perfect crumbly texture. You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. For an enhanced flavor, consider browning the butter used in the crumb topping before adding the other ingredients.