Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Name: Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 cups peeled and sliced apples; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

This delightful Apple Crumb Cake is perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert spread. Soft and moist, it's layered with tender apples and topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumb topping, creating a deliciously cozy treat. Drizzled with a warm cinnamon apple glaze, this cake will become a new holiday favorite, guaranteed to impress your guests.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-11-05T15:15:41.407Z

Every bite of this Apple Crumb Cake tells a story of warmth and comfort. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it encapsulates the spirit of the season.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and tender cake
Cinnamon apple drizzle adds incredible flavor
Perfect for holiday gatherings

      

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy delicious food. This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle stands out as a centerpiece dessert that is both inviting and satisfying. The layers of moist cake intertwine with tender apple slices, creating a warm and comforting flavor that embodies the essence of autumn. It’s a dessert that feels homemade and full of love, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

What truly sets this cake apart is the crunchy cinnamon crumb topping that adds texture and depth. The contrast between the soft cake and the crispy topping invites your guests to take another slice. Paired with the warm drizzle, every bite is an experience of seasonal flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, using freshly peeled and sliced apples is crucial. Apples that are too soft may turn mushy during baking, while firmer apples maintain their structure, providing the ideal balance in the cake. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work exceptionally well, bringing a delightful tartness that enhances the overall flavor profile.

When preparing the crumb topping, the key is to mix until crumbly without overworking the butter. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, which will help create that perfect crunchy texture when baked. Remember to sprinkle it evenly over the cake to achieve a harmonious combination of cake and topping in every slice.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Apple Crumb Cake is finished and drizzled, it can be served immediately or stored for later enjoyment. Covered at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to three days, making it an ideal dessert for meal prepping during the busy holiday season. For longer storage, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week.

Serve your cake warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This delightful addition will elevate the dish even more, creating a memorable dessert experience that everyone will love. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee for the perfect sweet ending to your holiday feast.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this delicious Apple Crumb Cake:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups peeled and sliced apples

For the Crumb Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Ensure all ingredients are prepared before starting the recipe.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Apple Crumb Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Apples

Fold in the sliced apples until fully incorporated into the batter.

Prepare Crumb Topping

In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Drizzle in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Drizzle

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create the drizzle.

Serve

Drizzle the cinnamon apple glaze over the cooled cake and slice to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

Helpful Variations

While the classic version of this Apple Crumb Cake is undoubtedly delicious, feel free to get creative with variations. You can enhance the flavor by adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an additional crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can also be folded into the batter for a further depth of flavor and a pop of sweetness.

Another fantastic twist is to incorporate spices into the cake batter; consider adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice kick. These subtle variations not only personalize the dessert but can also cater to the different taste preferences of your guests.

Pairing Wines and Beverages

When serving this delightful Apple Crumb Cake, consider pairing it with a sweet dessert wine such as a Riesling or a muscat. These wines complement the flavors of the cake beautifully, enhancing the apple and cinnamon notes while providing a refreshing contrast.

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, spiced apple cider is a perfect choice. Warm it gently on the stove and serve alongside the cake for a truly seasonal experience. This comforting drink echoes the flavors of the cake and creates a harmonious holiday atmosphere.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.