Apple Crumb Cake Recipe with Spiced Cinnamon Topping
Delectable apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple promises pure comfort and warmth straight from your kitchen.
Sweet aromas will drift through your home, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a cozy autumn morning.
Soft, buttery layers combine with delightful spiced notes that spark memories of family gatherings and cherished moments.
Baking this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular and memorable.
Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts will adore how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with minimal effort.
Rustic charm meets elegant flavors in a dessert that effortlessly transitions from casual weekend treats to elegant dinner party endings.
What Makes Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apple So Satisfying
Ingredient List For Apple Crumb Cake
Apple Cake Base:Supporting Ingredients:Topping and Glaze:Required Kitchen Tools for Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apple
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apples
Prepare the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. Grease the pan or line it with parchment paper so your cake comes out easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together these dry ingredients:
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat ¾ cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding your dry flour mixture and ½ cup sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix gently until everything just comes together – don’t overwork the batter.
Fold in Apples
Peel and chop 2 medium Granny Smith apples. Gently fold these into your cake batter, distributing them evenly.
Create Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix the crumb topping ingredients:
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the top.
Bake the Cake
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Prepare Drizzle
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, make the drizzle by melting in a saucepan:
Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle the cinnamon sauce over the cooled cake. Slice and serve right away for the best flavor and texture.
Little Things That Help With Apple Crumb Cake And Cinnamon Apples
What Creative Spins Enhance Apple Crumb Cake
How To Plate Apple Crumb Cake
How To Store Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apples
Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apples FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. Just make sure they’re firm and crisp for the best texture in your cake.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, a hand mixer or even mixing by hand works perfectly. The key is beating the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy.
How do I know the crumb topping is right?
Your crumb mixture should look like coarse, sandy breadcrumbs. When you squeeze it, it should hold together slightly but still crumble easily.
Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes! The cake stays fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when covered. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight.
What if my batter looks curdled after adding eggs?
Don’t worry. This is normal and happens to everyone. Keep mixing, and it will come together smoothly.
Is sour cream essential in this recipe?
Sour cream adds moisture and tanginess. If you don’t have it, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute with similar results.
Apple Crumb Cake With Cinnamon Apple Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Warm slices of apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple glide from your oven, filling the kitchen with comforting aromas that whisper autumn memories. Crisp apple chunks nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly topping create the perfect weekend breakfast or afternoon treat that feels like a sweet hug.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping and Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Whisk 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, cream ¾ cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and ½ cup sour cream to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold 2 chopped Granny Smith apples into the batter.
- Create the crumb topping by mixing 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Cut ½ cup cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir ½ cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar into the crumb mixture.
- Pour cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly across the surface.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
- For the drizzle, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons milk, and a pinch of salt to the butter.
- Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Drizzle the warm cinnamon sauce over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and better cake texture.
- Chop apples into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
- Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and structure.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 139 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg


Logan Lemaster
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Recipe Development and Innovation, Menu Design and Optimization, Fine Dining Techniques, Ingredient Pairing and Flavor Science
Education
Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute
Logan’s culinary journey kicked off in his vibrant Chicago family kitchen, where fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors were always front and center.
After graduating from the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and honing his skills in renowned restaurants, Logan mastered the art of blending classic techniques with exciting, modern twists.
His kitchen is a dynamic lab for flavor exploration. Through Yum Utopia, Logan aims to empower you to cook with both confidence and creativity, turning simple ingredients into spectacular meals.