Description
This easy apple crumb cake recipe features a soft, buttery cake base loaded with tender apple chunks, topped with a generous layer of cinnamon-spiced crumb topping, and finished with a sweet cinnamon drizzle. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, brunches, or any time you crave a comforting, homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cinnamon Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in an even layer.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Drizzle: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle with the cinnamon glaze and slice into squares.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool before drizzling to prevent the icing from melting.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice