Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a big warm hug. It’s soft and buttery with tender apple chunks and a golden crumbly top. And let’s not forget the cinnamon drizzle that soaks into every bite. This is the kind of cake you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Fall for This Apple Crumb Cake

This cozy treat checks all the boxes

• The cake is soft and moist with just the right touch of cinnamon
• The crumb topping adds a crunchy texture that melts into the top
• It’s beginner friendly and comes together in under two hours
• The cinnamon drizzle makes it feel extra special
• It slices beautifully for brunches or sharing with friends

You can enjoy it as an afternoon pick me up or serve it warm after dinner with a little ice cream

This apple crumb cake with cinnamon boasts a fluffy texture, crisp topping, and a sweet glaze—perfect for cozy fall mornings or dessert tables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cake

1 and a half cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Half a teaspoon baking soda
Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon
Quarter teaspoon salt
Three fourths cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Half cup sour cream
2 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced

For the crumble topping

1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Quarter teaspoon salt
Half cup cold unsalted butter cubed
Half cup brown sugar
Quarter cup granulated sugar

For the cinnamon drizzle

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Half cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons milk
A pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

Step one
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a nine inch square pan with parchment paper

Step two
Whisk the flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon and salt in a bowl

Step three
In a large bowl beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy

Step four
Add eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla

Step five
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream just until combined

Step six
Fold in the apple chunks gently so they don’t break up

Step seven
In another bowl mix flour cinnamon sugars and salt for the topping then cut in the cold butter until crumbly

Step eight
Pour the batter into the pan and scatter the topping evenly

Step nine
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean

Step ten
Cool the cake while you make the drizzle. Melt butter in a saucepan then stir in brown sugar cinnamon milk and salt. Let it bubble for a few minutes until smooth

Step eleven
Drizzle over the cooled cake and get ready for magic

Close-up of a thick slice of apple crumb cake with cinnamon, topped with crumb and glaze.

Best Tips for Baking Success

Use Granny Smith apples for a little tartness
Keep your butter cold for the perfect crumb
Mix gently so the cake stays tender
If you love extra drizzle double the batch and save some for serving

Looking for more apple desserts with a cozy vibe
Try this caramel apple pie crisp that’s pure autumn in a spoon

Easy Twists and Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping
Swap the drizzle for a maple glaze
Try half apples and half pears for a fun fruity combo
Fold in some cranberries for a holiday touch
Go gluten free with your favorite blend
Make it dairy free with plant based butter and cream

How to Serve This Apple Crumb Cake

Warm with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
Topped with a swirl of whipped cream
Alongside a cup of coffee or spiced tea
For a dreamy fall pairing try it with this maple brown sugar latte you’ll be in flavor heaven

Planning a brunch spread
Serve this with something warm and gooey like our baked cinnamon roll casserole for a real crowd pleaser

Square slice of apple crumb cake with cinnamon and glaze on a black plate with green apple in background.

Storing and Freezing

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to four days
You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly and rewarm them when cravings hit
Store extra drizzle in the fridge for up to a week and warm before using

What You’ll Need in the Kitchen

Nine inch square pan
Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
Mixing bowls and measuring tools
Pastry cutter or your fingers for the crumb
A small saucepan for the drizzle
Wire rack for cooling

FAQS

Can I use sweeter apples like Honeycrisp

Yes but Granny Smith gives a lovely contrast to the sweet topping

Can I skip the crumble topping

Technically yes but the topping really brings the magic

Is it okay to freeze the cake

Absolutely freeze without the drizzle and add it after reheating


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Close-up of a thick slice of apple crumb cake with cinnamon, topped with crumb and glaze.

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon


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  • Author: Ely
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 squares 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon is the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a big warm hug. It’s soft and buttery with tender apple chunks and a golden crumbly top. And let’s not forget the cinnamon drizzle that soaks into every bite. This is the kind of cake you’ll want to make again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 and a half cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Half a teaspoon baking soda
  • Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Quarter teaspoon salt
  • Three fourths cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Half cup sour cream
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • For the crumble topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Quarter teaspoon salt
  • Half cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • Half cup brown sugar
  • Quarter cup granulated sugar
  • For the cinnamon drizzle:
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Half cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a nine-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream just until combined.
  6. Fold in the apple chunks gently so they don’t break up.
  7. In another bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, sugars, and salt for the topping, then cut in the cold butter until crumbly.
  8. Pour the batter into the pan and scatter the topping evenly.
  9. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  10. Cool the cake while you make the drizzle. Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and salt. Let it bubble for a few minutes until smooth.
  11. Drizzle over the cooled cake and get ready for magic.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart bite that balances the sweetness. Keep your butter cold for the perfect crumb. Mix gently to keep the cake soft and tender. Love extra drizzle? Double the batch and save some for serving!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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