Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
The Warmth of Home: My Apple Crumb Cake Story
There’s something magical about the scent of apples baking in the oven and the warm embrace it brings to a chilly day. I stumbled upon the recipe for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle during a particularly cozy fall afternoon. As I paired this delightful treat with a steaming cup of tea, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and the delightful aromas of her baking. This cake is more than just a dessert; it embodies the connection between family, comfort, and the sweet moments in life. Each bite is like a hug, reminding me of quiet weekends spent together and the joy of sharing something homemade.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Apple Crumb Cake stands out for its intoxicating combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and a buttery crumb topping. It’s not just another dessert; it’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn. Whether it’s for Sunday brunch with friends or a cozy evening at home, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s family-approved, easy to whip up, and looks wonderfully homemade, making it a must-try recipe for anyone craving a taste of nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (freshly ground is best)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apples:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works beautifully)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can swap out buttermilk with regular milk or a dairy-free option if needed!
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon for the cake. Set aside.
Step 3:
In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy – this is perfect!
Step 5:
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Step 6:
Fold the apple mixture into the batter gently, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
Step 7:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 8:
For the crumb topping, in a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Step 9:
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
Step 10:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 11:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 12:
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle your cinnamon mixture over the top and slice to serve. Enjoy!
Tips & Recipe Variations
- Experiment with Different Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free treat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and coconut oil as substitutes in the recipe.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
How to Serve
This Apple Crumb Cake is best served warm, with its gooey apple filling and crumbly topping stealing the show. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra jazz. For beverages, consider enjoying it with a cup of spiced chai or a rich coffee. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top before serving adds a lovely touch of warmth.
Common Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge overnight, then add the crumb topping and bake the next day.
- Can I freeze the leftovers? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of buttermilk? You can use regular milk or make a quick substitution by adding 1 tsp of vinegar to 1 cup of milk, letting it sit for five minutes.
- How do I prevent the cake from becoming watery? Make sure to thoroughly coat the apples with sugar and cinnamon and avoid excess liquid when mixing them into the batter.
- Can I make this vegetarian or dairy-free? This recipe is already vegetarian; to make it dairy-free, swap out dairy products for suitable alternatives.
Together Over Cake
Whether it becomes a staple in your home or just a delightful treat for a special occasion, this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle will surely bring joy. The lovely smells that waft through your kitchen will create beautiful memories as you enjoy each bite with loved ones. I encourage you to make this recipe your own experiment, share your results, and, most importantly, savor the sweetness of togetherness.
“Delicious and comforting! This cake has captured my heart with its lovely balance of fluffiness and crunchy topping. It’s a true family favorite!” – Emily, Recipe Enthusiast
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring the cake releases easily after baking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon for the cake. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy – this is perfect!
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- Fold the apple mixture into the batter gently, ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- For the crumb topping, in a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle your cinnamon mixture over the top and slice to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Crab Macaroni and Cheese – Ultra Creamy Seafood Mac & Cheese Recipe - December 13, 2025
- Flavorful Indian Potato Masala - December 11, 2025
- Juicy Roasted Chicken with Asparagus and Green Olives - December 11, 2025
