How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle in 60 Minutes

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, especially when it involves apples and cinnamon! Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. This delightful dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a perfect way to bring family and friends together. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up in just 60 minutes! So, if you’re looking for a sweet addition to your cozy gatherings or a simple way to satisfy your sweet cravings, you’re in the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Deliciously moist with a crumbly topping that everyone will adore.
• Perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting dessert any time of year.
• Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile.
• Pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Apple Crumb Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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 (for moisture)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes (preferably Granny Smith apples)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for crumb topping)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for crumb topping)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for crumb topping)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for drizzle)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed (for drizzle)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for drizzle)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for drizzle)
• A pinch of salt (for drizzle)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches with the sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients, then add the sour cream, and continue alternating until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.
6. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apple pieces should be spread out but not mashed.
7. Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
8. Top the Cake with Crumbs: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cake batter, covering the entire surface.
9. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling the cinnamon apple sauce.
11. Make the Drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
12. Drizzle Over the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm cinnamon apple sauce over the top. If you prefer, you can also serve it on the side for guests to add as they like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your Apple Crumb Cake turns out perfectly:

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Don’t skip the cooling step before drizzling; it helps the sauce adhere better.
• For an extra touch, add chopped nuts to the crumb topping for added crunch.
• If you have leftovers, try warming a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before serving!

How to Serve

This Apple Crumb Cake is delightful on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
• Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Cucumber Vinegar Salad for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This cake is perfect for making ahead of time! Here are some storage tips:

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick dessert option!

So there you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for September Deserts or just a sweet treat to enjoy, this cake is a winner. Don’t forget to check out my other favorite Cucumber Tomato Salad for a refreshing side dish to complement your meal. Happy baking!