Apple Crumb Cake with Drizzle
Introduction
For those who adore the blissful combination of sweet apples and a crumbly cake, this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a perfect treat. This delightful dessert merges the richness of a moist cake with the spiced warmth of cinnamon, creating an irresistible experience in every bite. Perfect for enjoying over coffee, at celebrations, or as a weekday indulgence, this recipe is ideal for any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering dessert right at home!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
To create this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, gather the following:
For the crumb topping:
– Flour – 1 and ¾ cups
– Sugar – ½ cup
– Brown sugar – ½ cup
– Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
– Melted butter – ½ cup
For the apple layer:
– Apples (peeled, cored, thinly sliced) – 3 cups
– Sugar – ½ cup
– Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
– Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
For the cake batter:
– Flour – 2 cups
– Sugar – ¾ cup
– Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
– Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
– Salt – ½ teaspoon
– Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
– Eggs – 2 large
– Melted butter – ½ cup
– Milk – 1 cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
For the cinnamon apple drizzle:
– Powdered sugar – 1 cup
– Apple cider – 1 to 2 tablespoons
– Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
Prep Time
This recipe requires some effort but is absolutely worth it. Begin by preparing your crumb topping. Mix the flour, sugars, and cinnamon together, then stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. For the apple layer, combine sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice for enhanced flavor. Finally, for the cake batter, whisk together the dry ingredients separately from the wet ones and then combine them into a smooth batter.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook the cake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the golden brown crumb topping to prevent overbaking. The total time to both prepare and bake this cake is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Once ready, allow the cake to cool before drizzling the cinnamon apple glaze on top for that extra touch of sweetness. This recipe yields a satisfying dessert large enough for 10 to 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crumb Topping
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and pour it into the mixture.
3. Use a fork to mix everything until crumbs begin to form. Set aside.
Prepare the Apple Filling
1. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium-sized apples into small pieces.
2. Combine the apple pieces in a bowl with 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Assemble the Cake
1. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
2. Sprinkle the apple mixture as an even layer over the batter.
3. Top with the remaining cake batter and gently spread it to cover the apples.
4. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the top layer of the batter.
Bake the Cake
1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before removing.
Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons apple juice (or milk).
2. Stir over low heat until the mixture is smooth and reaches a drizzle-like consistency.
Drizzle and Serve
1. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the prepared cinnamon apple drizzle over the top.
2. Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
On Crumb Topping Consistency
– Make sure to mix the crumb topping until it forms small clumps; this ensures a crunchy texture when baked.
Choosing Apples
– Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results. Softer apples may become too mushy during baking.
Adjusting Sweetness
– If you prefer a sweeter cake, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar to the apple filling.
Storage
– Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
– This cake freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Drizzle Thickness
– Adjust the amount of apple juice or milk in the cinnamon apple drizzle to achieve your desired consistency.
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Cook Techniques
Preparing the Apple Mixture
Peel and dice fresh apples into bite-sized chunks. Sprinkle them with a mixture of ground cinnamon and sugar to infuse flavor before layering them into the cake batter.
Making the Crumb Topping
Combine flour, sugar, and melted butter to achieve a crumbly texture. Gently spread the crumbs evenly on top of the cake batter for a buttery crunch upon baking.
Creating the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Prepare a syrup using a combination of apple juice, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Drizzle this over the cooled cake to enhance sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Ensure the oven is preheated at the designated temperature to guarantee even cooking and avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Cooling Before Drizzles
Let the baked cake cool completely before adding the cinnamon apple drizzle to maintain the integrity of the texture and avoid melting the topping.
FAQ
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any of your favorite apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balancing sweetness, while sweeter apples like Fuji can amp up the flavor.
What is the best way to store the Apple Crumb Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it is well-wrapped to maintain freshness.
Can I prepare the crumb topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the crumb topping ingredients in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative that is designed for baking. Ensure it is paired with a binder like xanthan gum for optimal texture.
Can I skip the cinnamon apple drizzle?
Yes, the cake will still be delicious without the drizzle. However, the drizzle adds a delightful sweetness and flavor that complements the apple crumb cake perfectly.
What should I do if my crumb topping sinks into the batter?
Make sure the crumb mixture is sufficiently crumbly and evenly distributed on top of the batter. Avoid pressing it into the batter to keep it from sinking.

Conclusion
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a delightful combination of soft, buttery cake, spiced apple flavors, and a crunchy crumb topping. It’s a perfect dessert choice for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. The added cinnamon apple drizzle elevates this treat into something truly special, leaving everyone craving more. This recipe is not only easy to follow but results in an impressive dessert that will surely become a household favorite.
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