There’s something magical about the combination of tender apples, buttery crumb topping, and a sweet drizzle that ties everything together. This apple crumb cake is soft, spiced, and melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for cozy gatherings, fall dessert tables, or simply when you want a sweet slice of comfort.

why you’ll love apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple drizzle

This crumb cake is the best of both worlds. It has a moist, fluffy cake base layered with apple chunks that add sweetness and texture. On top is a golden, cinnamon-spiced crumb that’s crunchy yet buttery. The final touch is a cinnamon apple drizzle that makes it irresistible. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holidays.

For another indulgent fall dessert, check out this Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for festive gatherings.

how to make apple crumb cake with cinnamon apple drizzle

Start with the cake batter by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream for moisture. Fold in diced apples and spread into a pan.

For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until clumps form, then scatter evenly over the batter. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

The drizzle is the finishing touch. Whisk powdered sugar with apple juice and cinnamon for a sweet glaze that soaks into the crumb topping. Pour it over the cake warm or cooled either way, it’s heavenly.

If you love bite-sized fall desserts, try these Pumpkin Pie Cookies that capture pumpkin pie flavor in adorable cookie form.

Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 cup peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Crumb Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp apple juice or milk
¼ tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced apples. Spread into pan.
Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, apple juice, and cinnamon. Drizzle over cake before serving.

tips for success

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tang.
Don’t overmix the batter keep it light and fluffy.
Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling so it sets beautifully.

creative variations

Caramel Drizzle: Swap the glaze for warm caramel sauce.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.

serving suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair with coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Slice into small squares for a fall dessert bar spread.

storing leftovers

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle – Soft, Spiced & Irresistible!