Irresistible Apple Crumb Cake with Decadent Cinnamon Drizzle (Ready in 45 Minutes)

Name: Irresistible Apple Crumb Cake with Decadent Cinnamon Drizzle (Ready in 45 Minutes)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup flour (for crumb topping); 2 tbsp butter, melted (for crumb topping)

Author: lia

Published: August 9, 2025

Updated: August 9, 2025

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Is there anything cozier than the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in your oven? This Apple Crumb Cake – Topped With Cinnamon Apple Drizzle has been my go-to recipe for years, perfect for lazy Sunday breakfasts or impressing last-minute guests. What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is to make) is how the tart apples play against that sweet, buttery crumb topping. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast from the kitchen counter – trust me, I’ve seen it happen at every family gathering! The secret’s in that drizzle though – just a little extra cinnamon-kissed sweetness that takes it from good to “can I have another slice?”

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake

Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle - detail 1

Oh, where do I even start? This cake is basically a hug in dessert form. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:

That perfect crumb texture – crisp on top, tender underneath, with little bursts of cinnamon-sugar in every bite
Not too sweet, not too tart – the apples balance everything beautifully
Whips up in one bowl (seriously, my kind of baking)
Works for breakfast OR dessert (no judgment if you eat it for both)
Always disappears fast – I’ve made this for book clubs, potlucks, and even my picky nephew’s birthday

Honestly? The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before digging in!

Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you’ve got most already! We’ll make the batter first, then that irresistible crumb topping:

For the cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (that means leave it out for 30 mins!), 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
For the apple layer: 2 medium apples (peeled and diced – I’ll tell you why Granny Smiths rock below), 1 tsp cinnamon
For the crumb topping: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (press it into the cup!), 1/4 cup flour, 2 tbsp melted butter

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Granny Smith apples are my MVP here – their tartness cuts through the sweetness perfectly. But Honeycrisp or Braeburn work too! Dairy-free? Swap the milk for almond milk. Gluten-free? Use 1-to-1 GF flour. And if you’re out of brown sugar (been there!), mix 1/2 cup white sugar with 1 tbsp molasses – works like a charm. The only thing I wouldn’t skip? That melted butter in the topping – it’s what makes those crumbs irresistibly crispy!

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Ready to make magic happen? Here’s how I put together this beauty – I’ve made it so many times I could probably do it in my sleep now!

Prep your pan and oven: Turn that oven to 350°F (175°C) – no cheating on preheating! Grease your 9-inch pan really well (I use butter and a little flour dusting).
Mix the batter: In your trusty mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then alternate adding the flour and milk until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Apple layer: Spread the batter evenly in your pan (a spatula works great). Now scatter those diced apples evenly over the top – I like to pretend I’m planting little flavor bombs!
Crumb time: Mix your topping ingredients with your fingers until it looks like wet sand with some pea-sized chunks. Sprinkle this over the apples – cover every inch!
Bake it right: Pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine – wet batter isn’t!).

That heavenly smell means it’s time to resist temptation – let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. I know, it’s torture!

Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Crumb Topping

The secret to that dreamy crumb? Mix with your fingers – a fork overworks it! You want uneven pieces for texture. And don’t skimp on the butter – when you pinch some topping, it should hold together slightly before crumbling. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon more melted butter. Too wet? A dusting of flour fixes it!

Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumb Cake

Oh, the possibilities! This apple crumb cake is magical all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it: warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the crumb topping (heaven!), or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. My dad insists it’s best with his afternoon coffee – the cinnamon and apple flavors come alive! And don’t even get me started on how amazing it is with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Just remember – let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving so those flavors can really settle in. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to keep your apple crumb cake tasting fresh – if there’s any left to store! Once completely cooled, tuck it into an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For that just-baked feel, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that crispy topping magic! Pro tip: Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months – perfect for sudden apple crumb cake cravings!

FAQs About Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Can I use other fruits besides apples? Absolutely! Pears work beautifully, and I’ve even used peaches in summer. Just make sure they’re firm so they don’t turn to mush. Berries are trickier (they release more liquid), so I’d toss them with a teaspoon of flour first.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom? Two secrets: Don’t overmix the batter (it toughens up), and pat those apple pieces dry with a paper towel before sprinkling. Also, make sure your oven’s fully preheated – a slow start can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze this apple crumb cake? You bet! Freeze whole or in slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil first, then plastic. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 300°F oven to revive that crispy topping.

Why did my crumb topping sink? Usually means the batter was too thin (measure flour right – spoon it into the cup!). Also, sprinkle topping gently – don’t press it down. And no peeking – opening the oven early can make toppings collapse!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per slice (remember, these are estimates – your exact amounts may vary slightly based on ingredients and portion size): Each serving of this heavenly apple crumb cake clocks in at about 320 calories, with 12g fat (7g saturated), 50g carbs, and 2g fiber. It’s definitely a treat, but oh-so-worth every bite! Just balance it out with an extra walk around the block – that’s my philosophy!

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram – seeing your creations makes my day. You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.