Apple Crumb Cake Cinnamon Drizzle (Print-Friendly Version)

Enjoy this autumn-inspired apple crumb cake elevated with a cinnamon apple drizzle—ideal for crisp days or festive gatherings. Features tart Granny Smith apples and a crunchy crumble top. One to keep handy for dessert cravings or special occasions.

# 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 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
13 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
14 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

→ Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

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

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in diced apples.
03 - Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
05 - Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake for 30–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown. Cool slightly in pan before removing.
06 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until dissolved and smooth.
07 - Drizzle the warm syrup over slices of apple crumb cake. For a special touch, serve with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use tart Granny Smith apples for a bright contrast to the sweetness of the cake and drizzle.
02 - Mix cake batter just until combined to maintain a light texture.
03 - Keep the butter for the crumb topping very cold for maximum crispness.
04 - Drizzle can be customized for consistency by cooking longer to thicken.
05 - The cake can be easily frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.

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