Oh, get ready for pure autumn bliss, my friends! There’s nothing quite like the smell of this Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle baking in your kitchen. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! I’ve been making this for years, and it’s honestly my go-to when I want something truly special. The cake itself is just so wonderfully moist, and that crunchy crumb topping? Total perfection. And then, that sweet, gooey cinnamon apple drizzle just ties it all together. Trust me, this isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this cake? It’s just pure fall magic packed into one amazing dessert! Here’s why it’s a total winner:
- So Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baking whiz, you can totally nail this recipe. It’s one of those Fall Simple Desserts that looks way fancier than it is. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those apples from your latest orchard trip!
- The Perfect Flavor Combo: You get that super moist, tender apple cake, then a delightful crunch from the crumb topping, all finished off with a warm, gooey cinnamon apple drizzle. It’s basically fall in every single bite!
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is ideal for everything from a weekend brunch to a cozy afternoon treat. It’s a Light Fall Dessert Recipe that won’t weigh you down, making it perfect for potlucks or just enjoying with a cup of coffee. Everyone always asks for seconds!
- That Comforting Aroma: Honestly, the smell alone is worth it. The cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking apples will fill your home with that quintessential cozy fall feeling. It’s pure happiness!
Gather Your Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Okay, let’s get our ducks in a row! Having everything ready makes baking this cake a breeze. You’ll want to grab your ingredients and get them prepped before you even think about turning on the oven. Trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother!
For the Apple Crumb Cake Batter
For the cake itself, you’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, and then our warm spices: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of nutmeg. For the wet ingredients, we’ve got 1 cup of softened butter (that’s two sticks, folks!), a cup and a half of granulated sugar, two big ol’ eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a cup of sour cream for that amazing moisture. Oh, and don’t forget 2 cups of chopped, peeled apples – about two medium ones should do the trick!
For the Irresistible Crumb Topping
This is where the magic happens for that crunchy layer! You’ll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of packed brown sugar (that molasses flavor is key!), and half a cup of cold, cold butter, cut into little cubes. Pop that butter in the freezer for a bit if you need to! And of course, another teaspoon of cinnamon to make it extra fragrant.
For the Sweet Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
For that final touch of deliciousness, we’ll use half a cup of chopped peeled apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Just a little bit of cinnamon, about half a teaspoon, will finish it off beautifully. This little sauce really takes the cake over the top!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Alright, let’s get this baking party started! It’s actually super straightforward, and I promise, even if you’re a little nervous, you’ll do great. Just follow along, and we’ll have the most amazing Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle before you know it!
Preparing the Cake Batter
First things first, get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9-inch round cake pan a good grease and flour. In a medium bowl, just whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Easy peasy! Now, in a big bowl, we’re going to cream that softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s nice and fluffy. Think pale yellow and airy! Then, beat in those eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Pour in the sour cream and give it a gentle mix until it’s just combined. Don’t go crazy mixing here! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until *just* combined – seriously, a few streaks of flour are totally fine. Overmixing is the enemy of a tender cake, remember that! Finally, gently fold in those yummy chopped apples.
Assembling the Apple Crumb Cake
Now for the fun part! Grab your prepared cake pan and pour that lovely batter in. Spread it out evenly so you don’t have any weird humps. Next, let’s make that crumb topping. In a little bowl, mix up your flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then, cut in that cold butter – you can use a pastry blender or even just your fingertips – until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this gorgeous crumbly mixture all over the top of the cake batter. Try to get it as even as possible so you get that lovely crunchy layer everywhere!
Baking and Creating the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Pop that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer or a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking away and making your house smell amazing, let’s whip up that drizzle! In a small saucepan, combine the chopped apples for the drizzle, the sugar, and the butter. Cook this over medium heat, stirring now and then, until those apples are nice and soft and the mixture gets a little syrupy – usually about 5-7 minutes. Stir in that last bit of cinnamon right at the end.
Finishing Touches and Cooling
Once the cake is out of the oven, let it sit in the pan for about 10 minutes to cool down a bit. This helps it firm up. Then, take that warm, syrupy apple drizzle and pour it all over the top of the cake. It’s going to look so beautiful! Let the cake cool completely in the pan before you even think about slicing into it. Patience is key here, but oh boy, is it worth it!
Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Making this cake is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks really make it sing! For the best texture, especially with the apples, I always reach for firm apples. Think Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji – they hold their shape so well when baked and give you that perfect bite. Avoid anything too soft or mealy! And remember that crumb topping? Make sure your butter is super cold, like straight from the fridge, and cut into little cubes. This is what gives you that lovely, crisp texture instead of a greasy mess. If your oven runs a little hot or cool, don’t be afraid to adjust the baking time slightly; just keep an eye on it and do the toothpick test!
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Crumb Cake
Got questions about this amazing Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle? I’ve got answers! Baking is all about knowing a few little secrets, and I’m happy to share them.
Q: Can I use different types of apples for this Apple Crumb Cake?
Absolutely! While I love Honeycrisp or Gala for their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor, you can totally use other apples. Just make sure they’re firm and hold their shape when baked. Granny Smith is great if you like a bit more tartness! Avoid apples like Red Delicious, as they can get mushy.
Q: How long can I store leftover Apple Crumb Cake?
This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep well for about 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If your kitchen is super warm, the fridge is okay, but it might dry it out a bit. The drizzle can sometimes make it a tad sticky, so just keep that in mind!
Q: Is this a good Fall Breakfast Dessert?
Oh, 100%! It’s definitely one of my favorite Fall Breakfast Desserts, or even just a really lovely weekend brunch treat. It’s not overly heavy, and that hint of cinnamon and apple feels so perfectly autumnal. It’s a great way to start a cozy fall morning!
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the batter and the crumb topping a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready! The drizzle is best made fresh, but you could technically make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Crumb Cake
This Apple Crumb Cake is absolutely divine served warm! I love it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is just heavenly. A little swirl of fresh whipped cream is amazing too, especially if you want to keep it a bit lighter. Once the cake has cooled completely, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about two to three days. If you want to gently reheat a slice, just pop it in a low oven or even the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that cozy warmth!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Apple Crumb Cake
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional details for this amazing Apple Crumb Cake are estimates! They can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the type of apples or even which brand of butter you grab. So, consider these numbers a helpful guide rather than a strict rulebook!
For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
PrintAmazing Apple Crumb Cake: 1 Sweet Bite
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist apple cake with a crunchy crumb topping and a sweet cinnamon apple drizzle.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chopped peeled apples (about 2 medium)
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup chopped peeled apples
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Add sour cream and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Prepare the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine chopped apples, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and the mixture is syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in cinnamon.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the warm apple mixture over the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for best results.
- Ensure all ingredients for the crumb topping are cold for a crisp texture.
- The drizzle can be made while the cake is baking to save time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American