Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of apples, the spice of cinnamon, and a buttery, crumbly topping that will melt in your mouth. This cake is perfect for autumn, but it’s so delicious that it can be enjoyed year-round. The cake itself is soft and moist, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. The cinnamon apple drizzle ties everything together with a sweet, spiced sauce that enhances the apple flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Here’s why Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the perfect dessert for any occasion:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tender apple cake combined with the spicy, sweet cinnamon drizzle is the ultimate flavor duo that will satisfy your cravings.

• Soft and Moist: The cake is incredibly moist, making every bite melt in your mouth while the crumb topping gives it the ideal crunchy texture.

• Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavor, this cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginner bakers or those who want something delicious in a short amount of time.

• A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it at a party, family dinner, or giving it as a homemade gift, this cake will delight anyone who tries it.

• Customizable: Add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping or even layer the apples with some caramel for extra sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream (for moisture)

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes (preferably Granny Smith apples)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons milk

• A pinch of salt

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches with the sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients, then add the sour cream, and continue alternating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the Crumb Topping:

7. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.

8. Top the Cake with Crumbs: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter, covering the entire surface.

Bake the Cake:

9. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling the cinnamon apple sauce.

Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

11. Make the Drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

12. Drizzle Over the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm cinnamon apple sauce over the top. You can also serve it on the side for guests to add as they like.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 12-16 slices.

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 60 minutes

Variations

• Caramel Apple Crumb Cake: Add a swirl of caramel sauce to the cake batter for an extra indulgent flavor.

• Pecan Crumb Topping: Add chopped pecans to the crumb topping for a nutty crunch that pairs well with the apples.

• Maple Drizzle: Swap out the brown sugar in the drizzle for maple syrup for a rich, maple-infused version.

• Cranberry Apple Crumb Cake: Add fresh cranberries to the batter for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples.

• Apple Pear Crumb Cake: Add pears alongside apples for a mixed-fruit version with a unique flavor.

• Vegan Apple Crumb Cake: Replace the eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. It will stay moist and flavorful for several days after baking.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave before adding the drizzle.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use other apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness.

2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives, and use plant-based milk in the drizzle.

3. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

4. Can I freeze the drizzle?

The cinnamon apple drizzle can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but freezing is not recommended due to its texture.

5. Can I make this recipe without the crumble topping?

Yes, you can bake it as a plain apple cake, but the crumb topping adds flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a delicious, comforting dessert that will leave everyone craving more. The combination of soft, spiced cake, buttery crumb topping, and sweet cinnamon drizzle makes for a truly indulgent treat. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a homemade dessert that’s sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a cake that’s warm, satisfying, and full of flavor. Enjoy this scrumptious dessert with loved ones, and it will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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