Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

of fall—even in the middle of summer. Moist, tender apple-studded cake sits beneath a thick blanket of cinnamon-brown sugar crumb topping, with a warm drizzle of spiced apple glaze sealing in the comfort. Whether you’re baking for a casual coffee morning or preparing a crowd-pleaser for a holiday spread, this cake is effortlessly impressive and always a hit.

This recipe brings together texture and flavor in all the right ways—soft cake, crisp crumbs, and a silky drizzle. Let’s walk through each part so you can bake it like a pro.

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

this recipe

• Moist and tender crumb: The sour cream in the batter keeps the cake soft and rich without being overly dense.
• Generous crumb topping: Loaded with cinnamon and brown sugar, the buttery streusel forms the perfect crispy crown.
• Warm apple drizzle: A sweet finish that brings even more apple flavor and just the right touch of indulgence.
• Simple ingredients, bakery-level results: You likely have everything you need in your pantry already.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or gifting during the holidays—everyone asks for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)

For the Crumb Topping

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix.
7. Gently fold in the chopped apples.

2. Prepare the Crumb Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the mixture until coarse crumbs form.

3. Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
3. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before adding the drizzle.

4. Make the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the diced apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring often, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in the cream and salt (if using), then remove from heat.
4. Spoon the warm drizzle over the cooled cake just before serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 12–16 slices
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• Warm with coffee or tea: Heat a slice slightly and pair it with your morning brew or an afternoon chai for a cozy treat.
• Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake for a dessert that feels restaurant-worthy.
• For brunch gatherings: Cut into squares and serve alongside quiche, fruit salad, or breakfast casseroles—it’s a sweet anchor on any brunch table.
• Holiday-ready presentation: Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with thin apple slices or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
• Make it a layered dessert: Cube leftovers and layer them with whipped cream or vanilla pudding in mini dessert cups for an easy trifle.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips & Variations

🧁 Expert Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffier texture.
• Chop apples finely so they bake evenly into the cake without sinking.
• Cool the cake slightly before adding the drizzle—this prevents it from soaking in too much or melting off.

🔄 Variations

• Add nuts: Mix ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or crumb topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Add spices: Boost the warmth with ½ tsp nutmeg or a pinch of cloves in the cake batter.
• Try different apples: Mix tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji for depth of flavor.
• Mini versions: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Recipe Variations of Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• Caramel Apple Crumb Cake: Replace the cinnamon drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra-decadent finish.
• Apple-Pear Combo: Use half apples and half ripe pears for a subtle flavor twist and added juiciness.
• Maple Walnut Version: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts to the crumb topping and a splash of maple syrup to the drizzle.
• Apple Spice Cake: Mix ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice into the cake batter for a deeper spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend—make sure your crumb topping holds together well.
• Mini Loaf Cakes: Divide batter into mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes. Great for gifting!
• Cranberry-Apple Holiday Cake: Fold ½ cup dried cranberries into the batter and top with sugared cranberries for festive flair.
• Apple Cheesecake Crumb Bars: Layer a thin cream cheese filling over the batter before adding crumb topping for a hybrid dessert.

Freezing and Storage for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

🧊 How to Store

• At room temperature: Store the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the fridge: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly in the microwave or oven before serving for best texture.

❄️ How to Freeze

• Whole cake: Once fully cooled, wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Individual slices: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab one at a time.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.

💡 Tip: If you’re freezing the cake, wait to add the cinnamon apple drizzle until after thawing—it’s best fresh and warm!

Special Equipment for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Ideal for even baking and serving a crowd. Glass or metal pans both work well.
• Mixing bowls (at least 2–3): You’ll need separate bowls for the cake batter, crumb topping, and drizzle.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Useful for working the butter into the crumb topping until pea-sized bits form.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in apples and scraping every bit of batter.
• Small saucepan: Needed to cook the cinnamon apple drizzle to the right consistency.
• Cooling rack: Helps the cake cool evenly and prevents it from getting soggy on the bottom.
• Toothpick or cake tester: Ensures the center is baked through.

Additional Tips for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—too much can make the cake dense.
• Don’t overmix: Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; overmixing leads to a tough cake.
• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert it into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
• Let it cool before drizzling: This helps the drizzle sit nicely on top instead of soaking in or melting away.
• Use tart apples for flavor balance: Granny Smith apples provide a nice contrast to the sweet crumble and glaze.
• Add a pinch of salt to the drizzle: It elevates the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• Double the crumb topping (optional): For extra crunch lovers, doubling the topping layer makes the cake even more indulgent.

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

This Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert—moist, tender apple cake layered with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping and finished with a warm apple drizzle. It’s easy to make, loaded with real apple flavor, and perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet fall treat. The crumb topping adds texture, while the drizzle brings a rich, spiced finish that sets this cake apart from the rest. Serve warm with coffee or vanilla ice cream for a bakery-style experience at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Cake:
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups peeled finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• For the Crumb Topping:
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
• For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:
• 1 small apple peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp heavy cream optional
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (3)
• Electric or stand mixer
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Small saucepan
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the cake batter: Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream. Mix dry ingredients separately, then combine. Fold in apples.
3. Make the crumb topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cut in cold butter until crumbs form.
4. Assemble and bake: Pour batter into the pan, top with crumbs, and bake for 55–60 minutes. Cool for 15–20 minutes.
5. Prepare the drizzle: In a small saucepan, cook diced apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until soft. Stir in cream and salt. Spoon over cooled cake.

Notes

Use tart apples for best flavor balance.

Don’t overmix your batter—just combine until smooth.

Let the cake cool slightly before adding the drizzle.

Freeze undecorated cake and add drizzle after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered. Add the drizzle just before serving.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I skip the drizzle?
You can—but it adds a lot of flavor. For a shortcut, use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something comforting, sweet, and just a bit rustic, this Apple Crumb Cake checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect balance of soft cake, crunchy topping, and a warm, gooey drizzle that makes each bite memorable. Serve it as a brunch centerpiece, afternoon snack, or late-night treat—it holds its own in every setting.