Warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced, Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the ultimate dessert for fall—and honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. This cake combines tender, moist apple-infused cake with a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth, all finished with a sweet, spiced cinnamon apple drizzle. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and halal-friendly, making it a treat everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Perfect flavor balance: Sweet, soft cake, crunchy crumb topping, and a warm cinnamon apple drizzle make every bite irresistible.
- Moist and tender: The sour cream in the batter keeps the cake soft, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for beginner bakers.
- Versatile: Serve it for fall gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift. Add nuts, caramel, or even pears for a fun twist.
Prep and Cook Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Bake: 60 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith recommended)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Cake
- Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients & Sour Cream: Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in chopped apples gently.
Make the Crumb Topping
- Mix Crumbs: In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top Cake: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter.
Bake
- Bake Cake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15–20 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- Prepare Drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Cook 2–3 minutes until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle warm sauce over cooled cake or serve on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Top with fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or spiced tea for cozy autumn vibes.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
- Don’t overmix: Keep the batter light for a soft, tender cake.
- Chill butter for crumbs: Cold butter ensures a crisp topping.
- Customize: Add nuts, caramel, or pears to the batter or topping.
Recipe Variations: Caramel Apple Crumb Cake, Pecan Crumb Topping, Maple Drizzle, Cranberry Apple Cake, Gluten-Free or Vegan versions.
Storage & Freezing
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm before serving.
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy fall evenings. The soft, spiced cake, buttery crumb topping, and sweet, warm drizzle combine to create a comforting treat everyone will love.