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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

A moist and tender apple crumb cake layered with spiced apples, topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb, and finished with a sweet cinnamon apple drizzle. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy family dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 people
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Cake Base

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Filling

  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed

Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider or apple juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix in buttermilk, baking powder, baking soda, and flour until just combined.
  • Spread half the batter into the greased pan. Layer with spiced apples, then top with remaining batter.
  • Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over cake batter.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Whisk powdered sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Drizzle over warm cake before serving. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra crunch, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Keyword apple crumb cake, apple dessert, cinnamon drizzle, fall baking