Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a warm, comforting dessert that brings together tender, spiced apples, a moist cake base, and a buttery crumb topping, all finished with a luscious drizzle that takes the flavor to the next level. This cake is a celebration of fall flavors, though it’s delicious any time of year, especially when served warm with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a brunch, or simply want to enjoy a cozy homemade treat, this apple crumb cake is a perfect crowd-pleaser that bridges the gap between rustic charm and indulgent bakery-style desserts. The contrast between the soft cake, the spiced apple chunks, and the crispy, buttery crumb topping makes every bite memorable and satisfying.
The History of Apple Crumb Cake
Apple crumb cake is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts: apple cake and crumb cake. Its roots trace back to European baking traditions, especially in Germany, where “streuselkuchen” (crumb cake) became a staple in both homes and bakeries. German immigrants brought their baking techniques to America, particularly to regions like Pennsylvania and the Midwest, where apple orchards were abundant. Over time, bakers began adding spiced apples to the simple butter cake base, inspired by the local harvests and the American love for apple desserts like pie and crisp. This adaptation not only enhanced the flavor but also turned the humble crumb cake into a more seasonal and celebratory dish. The addition of a cinnamon apple drizzle is a more modern twist, emphasizing the dessert’s rich flavor and making it as visually appealing as it is tasty. Apple crumb cake has become a popular choice at potlucks, brunches, coffee shops, and holiday tables, combining old-world heritage with contemporary indulgence.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Apple Filling: Apples – peeled, cored, and chopped; tart varieties like Granny Smith offer the best flavor balance. Granulated Sugar – to lightly sweeten the apples. Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – warm spices that bring out the natural sweetness and aroma of the apples. Lemon Juice – to brighten the flavor and prevent the apples from browning. For the Cake Base: All-Purpose Flour – gives structure to the cake. Baking Powder and Baking Soda – provide leavening, helping the cake rise and stay tender. Salt – enhances the overall flavor. Unsalted Butter – for richness and a moist texture. Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness to the cake base. Eggs – provide structure and help bind the ingredients. Vanilla Extract – adds warm depth of flavor. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – makes the cake moist and slightly tangy. For the Crumb Topping: All-Purpose Flour – the foundation for the streusel texture. Brown Sugar – adds a deeper sweetness and moisture to the topping. Ground Cinnamon – adds spice to the crumb. Unsalted Butter – melted to form the perfect crumbly texture. For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: Powdered Sugar – forms the base of the glaze. Apple Juice or Cider – adds flavor and creates the drizzle consistency. Ground Cinnamon – ties the drizzle into the flavors of the cake. Optional: a touch of vanilla extract or melted butter for added richness.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside to let the flavors blend. 2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir with a fork until large, moist crumbs form. Set aside. 3. Make the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix in the sour cream until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix. 4. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apple mixture on top. Add the remaining batter and smooth it out. Top with the remaining apples. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. 5. Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes. 6. Make the Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and enough apple juice or cider to achieve a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the slightly cooled cake before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Crumb Cake
Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor—they won’t get mushy during baking and balance out the sweetness of the cake. Let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes after mixing to allow the sugar and spices to soak in. For a higher, fluffier cake, avoid overmixing the batter; stir just until the ingredients are combined. When making the crumb topping, be sure to use melted butter and mix just enough to create large, clumpy crumbs—this creates the iconic streusel texture. If your crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the cake with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Let the cake cool slightly before adding the drizzle to prevent it from melting too much into the crumb. Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture, or reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave. This cake stores well at room temperature for a couple of days, and it also freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Mix dried fruits like cranberries or raisins into the apple layer for a festive touch. Use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor—combining tart and sweet varieties enhances depth. Swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter texture. For a richer cake, replace part of the flour in the crumb topping with finely ground almonds or oat flour. Add a dash of cardamom or ginger for a spicier profile. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, non-dairy yogurt, and almond or oat milk in the glaze. Instead of a single large cake, bake the batter in muffin tins to create individual crumb cakes perfect for serving or freezing. For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce instead of or in addition to the apple glaze.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, while rich and satisfying, can be made more balanced with a few mindful adjustments. A typical serving contains moderate calories primarily from butter, sugar, and flour, along with a good amount of carbohydrates from the apples and cake base. However, it also includes nutritional benefits from apples, which are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Using whole wheat pastry flour or a flour blend can add more fiber. Reducing the amount of sugar in both the cake and topping doesn’t significantly affect the overall flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of apples. You can also use coconut sugar or maple syrup as more natural sweetener alternatives. Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces the need for excess fat. To reduce saturated fat, use light or plant-based butter alternatives. Consider portion control or baking in smaller dishes to help manage intake. If following a specific diet, substitutions for gluten, dairy, and refined sugars can still produce a delicious result without compromising taste or texture. Even with indulgent toppings like the drizzle, using fresh apple juice or cider as the liquid base keeps the flavor authentic and reduces added refined sugars.
FAQ
Q: What kind of apples work best for this recipe? A: Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness. Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, it keeps well for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. Reheat slices slightly before serving. Q: Can I freeze apple crumb cake? A: Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving. Q: Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour in both the batter and crumb topping. Q: Can I make the drizzle without powdered sugar? A: For a less sweet drizzle, try blending a small amount of cream cheese with apple juice and cinnamon for a tangy alternative. Q: Why did my crumb topping sink into the cake? A: This can happen if the batter is too thin or if the crumb is too fine. Be sure the crumb mixture is thick and clumpy before adding it on top.
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Streusel Crumb:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large tart apple or 2 small, peeled and finely chopped
For the Cake:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ to 2 tablespoons apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.
- To prepare the cinnamon streusel crumb, whisk together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Set aside.
- For the cake, in a large bowl, cream 4 tablespoons of butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well, then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour with the baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
- Spread half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan (it will be a very thin layer). Distribute the chopped apples evenly over the batter, then sprinkle about 1 cup of the cinnamon streusel crumb mixture on top. Spread the remaining batter over the crumb layer, then sprinkle the rest of the streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, run a thin knife around the edges before removing the springform ring.
- To make the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with apple cider until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.