Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the perfect blend of moist, tender cake and crunchy, sweet crumbs in this delightful Apple Crumb Cake topped with a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle. Each bite offers a warm, comforting taste of fall, making it an ideal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Easy to bake and sure to impress your guests, this cake combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and apples for a nostalgic treat everyone will love.

Sam Johnson

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:28:20.359Z

This Apple Crumb Cake is a family favorite, evoking memories of autumn evenings spent together. The crunchy crumb topping pairs perfectly with the moist cake, and the cinnamon apple drizzle adds an irresistible touch of sweetness.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with the scent of cinnamon and apples, there's no better way to celebrate fall than with a warm slice of Apple Crumb Cake. This cake encapsulates the essence of the season, combining soft, tender cake with the delightful crunch of a crumb topping and complemented by a silky drizzle. Not only does this cake taste amazing, but its aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting friends and family to gather and enjoy a comforting dessert together.

Each bite of this Apple Crumb Cake transports you to cozy autumn afternoons, making it the perfect treat for any fall gathering. Whether it's a Thanksgiving feast or a simple family dinner, this cake is sure to impress. The blend of spices and fresh apples will have everyone reminiscing about their favorite childhood desserts, further enhancing the nostalgic experience and creating lasting memories.

Quick and Easy to Make

One of the best features of this Apple Crumb Cake is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, allowing even novice bakers to whip up this delightful dessert with minimal fuss. With just a few mixing bowls and simple utensils, you can create this cake without the stress that often accompanies complicated recipes. Additionally, the bake time is relatively short, meaning you can have a delicious homemade cake ready in almost no time at all.

The steps are clearly laid out, guiding you through the process from combining the cake batter to preparing the crumb topping and luscious drizzle. This ease of preparation makes the Apple Crumb Cake an ideal choice for impromptu gatherings or planned celebrations, ensuring that you can treat your loved ones to a delightful dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.

Customization Tips

While this recipe is delicious as is, there’s always room for personal touch. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of apples to enhance flavor and texture. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala add a nice contrast to the spiciness of the cinnamon, while tart apples like Granny Smith provide a delightful zing. You can also mix in nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness. Alternatively, consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the cake batter for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.

If you're looking for a little more indulgence, consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting beneath the crumble for a richer flavor experience. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, enhancing every slice with creamy goodness. No matter how you choose to customize it, this Apple Crumb Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Apple Crumb Cake.

For the Cake

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

For the Crumb Topping

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

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Apple Crumb Cake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. Mix until just combined.

Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and oats until crumbly. Set aside.

Combine and Bake

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Drizzle

While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Let the cake cool completely before serving for best flavor.

Storing and Serving

To keep your Apple Crumb Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of this delightful cake weeks later. Simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy it fresh out of the oven or microwaved for a few seconds to revive its moist texture.

This cake can also be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an afternoon snack with coffee or as a dessert after dinner, the Apple Crumb Cake is versatile. Consider serving it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delectable treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

Nutritional Insights

While indulging in a slice of Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful experience, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes when it comes to desserts. This cake is relatively balanced, providing a source of carbohydrates from the flour and fruits, along with some healthy fats from the butter. Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins, making this cake a better option than many store-bought alternatives filled with preservatives.

For those seeking a healthier twist, consider substituting some ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour or reducing sugar by using natural sweeteners. While the goal is to keep the flavor intact, these modifications can enhance the nutritional profile of your cake without sacrificing its deliciousness. Enjoy your Apple Crumb Cake as part of a balanced diet, keeping in mind that moderation is key.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Experience the perfect blend of moist, tender cake and crunchy, sweet crumbs in this delightful Apple Crumb Cake topped with a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle. Each bite offers a warm, comforting taste of fall, making it an ideal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Easy to bake and sure to impress your guests, this cake combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and apples for a nostalgic treat everyone will love.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 5 minutes

Created by: Sam Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1/2 cup milk
  6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  9. 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  10. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 1/2 cup oats

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

  1. 1 cup powdered sugar
  2. 2 tablespoons milk
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and chopped apples. Mix until just combined.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and oats until crumbly. Set aside.

Step 03

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 04

While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 3g