Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle – The Coziest Fall Dessert You’ll Ever Make

I still remember the first time I baked this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle on a cool October morning. The air outside had that crisp bite of early fall, but my kitchen was warm, filled with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and apples softening in the oven. I’d just pulled on a sweater, poured myself a coffee, and by the time the timer dinged, the whole house smelled like comfort. One forkful was all it took tender, buttery cake studded with tart Granny Smith apples, a thick cinnamon-spiced crumb, and a warm drizzle that tasted like liquid caramel. This is the kind of bake you’ll want to share… or not.

Whether you serve it at brunch, bring it to a potluck, or keep it as a weekend treat, this cake has everything: texture, flavor, and that irresistible homemade feel. And the best part? It’s much easier to make than it looks.

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

This cozy fall dessert features a tender buttery cake filled with tart Granny Smith apples, a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, and a warm brown sugar drizzle — perfect for brunch, potlucks, or just a cozy morning at home.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 9 squares

Course: Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Fall Baking

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 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 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
• ¼ tsp salt (for crumb topping)
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for crumb topping)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar (for crumb topping)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for drizzle)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar (for drizzle)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for drizzle)
• 2 tbsp milk (for drizzle)
• 1 pinch salt (for drizzle)

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• mixing bowls
• electric mixer or hand whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• rubber spatula
• saucepan
• cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in diced apples gently until evenly distributed.
7. Make the crumb topping: mix flour, cinnamon, salt, sugars, and cubed butter until coarse crumbs form.
8. Spread cake batter into prepared pan and sprinkle topping evenly over it.
9. Bake 55–65 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 15–20 minutes.
10. Make the drizzle: in a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Cook 2–3 minutes until smooth.
11. Drizzle over cooled cake or serve on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 620IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for better mixing. Chill the crumb topping before baking for extra crunch. Replace milk in the drizzle with apple cider for more flavor. Store the drizzle separately if making ahead. Let cake cool slightly before adding drizzle to preserve topping texture.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the ultimate cozy bake. Every slice offers the perfect bite: fluffy, moist cake layered with juicy apples, a buttery cinnamon-spiced crumble, and a warm drizzle that sinks into the cracks. Here’s why it will become a regular in your kitchen:

• Perfect flavor balance: Tart apples keep the sweetness in check.
• Irresistible texture: Soft cake, juicy apple chunks, and a crisp, crumbly topping.
• Easy to make ahead: Bake the day before and reheat it tastes even better the next day.
• Crowd-pleaser: Works for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack with tea.
• Customizable: Add nuts, swap apples for pears, or infuse the drizzle with apple cider.

Once you’ve tasted the combination of cinnamon-spiced apples with buttery crumb, you’ll understand why this cake disappears in minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)

For the Cake Batter

• 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
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

For the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Apples: Granny Smith’s tartness balances the sweetness and keeps the cake from feeling heavy.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to every layer.
• Butter: Essential for a rich crumb and tender cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the topping and drizzle a caramel-like depth.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Combine Batter: Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined.
6. Add Apples: Gently fold in diced apples until evenly distributed.
7. Make the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, sugars, and butter. Cut together until coarse crumbs form.
8. Assemble: Spread cake batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the top.
9. Bake: 55–65 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15–20 minutes in the pan.
10. Make the Drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth.
11. Finish: Drizzle over cooled cake or serve on the side.

How to Serve This Apple Crumb Cake

• Warm & Fresh: Serve slightly warm so the drizzle seeps into the crumb.
• With Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon-apple combo is perfect with a hot drink.
• Holiday Twist: Add chopped pecans or drizzle with salted caramel for a festive version.
• Summer Version: Swap the drizzle for a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter.
• Chill crumb topping for 10 minutes before adding to the cake for extra crunch.
• Dice apples evenly so they bake consistently.
• Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling so the topping stays crisp.
• For extra flavor, replace milk in the drizzle with apple cider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing batter: Makes the cake dense.
• Too-juicy apples: Can make the cake soggy pat diced apples dry.
• Drizzling too early: Hot cake can cause the topping to lose its crunch.
• Overbaking: Can dry out the cake check at the 50-minute mark.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Keep covered up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Store up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap slices without drizzle in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Add drizzle after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the definition of cozy baking. The tender, buttery base, sweet-tart apples, crunchy streusel, and warm spiced drizzle make it a dessert worth saving and sharing. Whether it’s a crisp fall morning or you’re simply craving something warm and sweet, this cake delivers every single time.