Apple Crumb Cake Cinnamon Drizzle (Print-Friendly Version)

A fall favorite, this apple crumb cake features tart apples, cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping finished with a warm cinnamon drizzle. Bring autumn spice to any gathering—one to keep handy.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

→ Crumb Topping

09 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
14 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
16 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
17 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
19 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
05 - Gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a spatula. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
06 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, ground cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
07 - Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is golden brown.
08 - While the cake bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, ground cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
09 - Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes. Drizzle the warm cinnamon apple glaze over the cake before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Tart apples such as Granny Smith offer a pleasing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
02 - Do not overmix the cake batter to maintain a tender crumb.
03 - Cold butter in the crumb topping ensures a crisp, crumbly texture.
04 - For a thicker drizzle, simmer the glaze longer to reduce it.
05 - For maximum freshness, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

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