Luscious Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Last weekend, I decided to bake something that would make the house smell like autumn, even though the weather outside was still clinging to summer. I had a bowl of Granny Smith apples sitting on the counter, their bright green skins catching my eye every time I walked past.

The apples released that crisp, fresh scent that makes you think of orchard trips and chilly mornings. Mixing the batter came next, and the transformation of butter and sugar into a pale, fluffy cream always feels like a small bit of kitchen magic.

Luscious Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apple Drizzle were folded into the batter, I scattered a buttery crumb topping over the cake, already imagining the satisfying crunch it would add. While the cake baked, the kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and apples blending together into a fragrance that felt warm and welcoming.

Short Description

A moist apple crumb cake layered with tart Granny Smith apples, topped with a golden cinnamon crumb, and finished with a sweet cinnamon apple drizzle for the perfect cozy bake.

Key Ingredients

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

For the Crumb Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple juice (or milk)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Tools Needed

• 9×9 inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk for drizzle
• Parchment paper

Cooking Instructions

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

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Use a spatula to fold in the chopped apples. The pieces should remain intact and evenly distributed.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over the surface. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Whisk together powdered sugar, apple juice, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar (for thicker) or juice (for thinner).

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the crumb topping. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the crumb topping melts into the cake, your butter may have been too warm. Use melted but cooled butter for best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist, tender crumb with juicy apple pieces

Crumb topping adds texture and sweetness

Cinnamon apple drizzle takes it from homemade to bakery style

Easy enough for beginner bakers, impressive enough for guests

Perfect for fall gatherings, brunch, or dessert

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overmixing the batter
Solution: Stir only until combined to prevent a dense texture.

Mistake 2: Apples turning mushy
Solution: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith to hold their shape.

Mistake 3: Crumb topping sinking
Solution: Gently press the topping into the batter before baking so it adheres.

Mistake 4: Dry cake edges
Solution: Check for doneness at 40 minutes. Every oven differs, so avoid overbaking.

Mistake 5: Runny drizzle
Solution: Add extra powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert

Pair with hot coffee or chai tea for breakfast

Offer plated slices with a dollop of whipped cream

Cut into bite sized squares for a family style brunch buffet

Serve slightly chilled for a denser, refreshing texture

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days

Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months

Reheat in microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm treat

Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 7–8 minutes to refresh crumb topping

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for 1–2 days at room temperature, and the drizzle can be added just before serving.

2. What apples work best besides Granny Smith?
Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples give a sweeter flavor while still holding their shape.

3. Can I make this without sour cream?
Yes, substitute with plain Greek yogurt for similar moisture.

4. Can I bake this in a round pan?
Yes, use a 9 inch round pan, but adjust the baking time by checking at 35 minutes.

5. Can I skip the drizzle?
The cake tastes delicious without it, but the drizzle adds flavor and presentation.

Tips & Tricks

Chop apples into small, uniform cubes for even distribution

Allow the cake to cool at least 15 minutes before cutting for clean slices

Add ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the crumb topping for deeper spice flavor

Use cold sour cream to keep batter thick and stable before baking

Double the drizzle recipe if you prefer extra topping

Recipe Variations

Caramel Apple Crumb Cake
Swap the drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Drizzle over cake just before serving.

Nutty Apple Crumb Cake
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.

Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Cake
Add spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture (4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar) to the batter before baking. Swirl gently.

Apple Spice Cake
Increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon cloves for a stronger spice profile.

Gluten Free Apple Crumb Cake
Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Check for doneness 5 minutes earlier, as texture may differ.

Final Thoughts

This apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple drizzle is everything a cozy bake should be: moist, spiced, and just sweet enough to satisfy without being overwhelming.

The crumb topping provides that irresistible crunch, while the drizzle ties it all together with a glossy finish. Baking it fills your kitchen with warmth, and sharing it feels like offering comfort on a plate. Every slice delivers a balance of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.