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If you crave a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tender cake with a crispy crumb topping and a burst of warm cinnamon, then you need to try this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe. This cake features soft, moist layers packed with juicy diced apples, a buttery crumb that adds a satisfying crunch, and a luscious cinnamon-spiced apple drizzle that elevates every bite into an unforgettable experience. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate, ideal for cozy afternoons or special gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most extraordinary flavors. Each element in this recipe plays a key role, from the flour that forms a tender crumb to the fresh apples that bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This gives structure to the cake and mixes perfectly with the other dry ingredients.
- 1½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the sour cream to create a tender crumb.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a buttery cake texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the natural apple taste.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a lovely cake rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake moist with a slight tanginess that enhances the apples.
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples: The heart of the cake, providing juicy bursts and a fresh, fruity contrast.
- ½ cup brown sugar: For the crumb topping, adds caramel notes and texture.
- ½ cup flour: Mixed into the crumb topping to create delightful crunchy bits.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Sprinkles of spicy warmth in the crumb and drizzle that tie the whole dessert together.
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed: Ensures the crumb topping stays tender and crumbly when baked.
- 1 apple, peeled and finely diced: In the drizzle, giving that gorgeous fresh apple essence on top.
- 2 tbsp butter: For cooking the drizzle, adding smooth richness.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the drizzle for a luscious finish.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: A hint of spice to complement the drizzle’s sweetness.
- ¼ cup water: Helps cook down the drizzle into a syrupy perfection.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan well. This step is crucial because a well-prepared pan ensures your cake will release easily without any frustrating sticking, setting you up for cake perfection from the get-go.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This small but important step ensures that your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed so your cake rises evenly and tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Wet Ingredients
Using a mixer or vigorous hand whisk, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, which add moisture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Apples
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Fold in the diced apples carefully so their juicy texture shines through without turning the batter too wet.
Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping and Assemble
Pour the batter into your greased pan, smoothing the top gently. Next, in a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping generously over the cake batter for that signature crunch and sweet spice.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your cake for 40 to 45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, let the cake cool fully; this helps the crumb topping set and makes the next step even more satisfying.
Step 7: Cook the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle and Serve
For the delightful drizzle, cook the finely diced apple with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it thickens over 5 to 7 minutes into a sticky, aromatic sauce. Drizzle this warm, cinnamony apple syrup over your cooled cake just before serving for that unforgettable finishing touch.
How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of vanilla whipped cream complements the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe beautifully. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts can also add a lovely touch of elegance and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or warm spiced tea for perfect pairing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast to the warm spices and buttery crumbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic dessert into a showstopper by serving it in mini ramekins or layered in a trifle style with alternating layers of cake, extra cinnamon apple drizzle, and whipped cream. You can also plate individual slices with a swirl of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a gourmet feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe stays moist and delicious for up to 2 days. Beyond that, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for up to 4 days, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully and makes a perfect make-ahead treat. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place the whole cake (if uncut) in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its texture or taste.
Reheating
To reheat, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling. Adding a bit more of the cinnamon apple drizzle or a scoop of ice cream after reheating makes it taste like you just baked it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing the sweetness, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also work beautifully, adding their own unique flair to this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute that adds moisture and a subtle tanginess, making your cake just as tender and flavorful. It’s a handy alternative if you want a slightly lighter cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With a few simple swaps, you can! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to choose one that already contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the crumb’s texture.
How do I ensure the crumb topping stays crunchy?
Using cold butter cubed into the topping and not overmixing helps create that perfect crumbly texture. Also, letting the cake cool fully before slicing keeps the crumb topping crisp rather than soggy.
Can I make the drizzle ahead of time?
You sure can! The cinnamon apple drizzle can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Warm it gently before drizzling over the cake to restore its silky consistency and vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that combines homey comfort with a touch of elegance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite, perfect for making any occasion special or simply brightening up an ordinary day. So go ahead—bake, savor, and share this divine treat with your loved ones!
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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Featuring tender chunks of diced apples baked within a fluffy cake and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb, it is finished off with a warm, sweet cinnamon apple drizzle for an extra burst of flavor. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings and is ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- 1 apple, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream to form a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Fold in the diced apples carefully to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Crumb Topping and Assemble: Pour the batter into the greased pan. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold, cubed butter. Mix until crumbly, then evenly sprinkle the topping over the cake batter.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the drizzle.
- Make Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the finely diced apple, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the apples soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drizzle this warm topping over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and texture contrast.
- Ensure the butter for the crumb topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before adding the apple drizzle to prevent it from soaking too much into the cake.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slight tang and moisture.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
