Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Name: Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with this delightful Apple Crumb Cake, featuring tender apples layered between a moist vanilla cake and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping. Finished with a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle, this recipe is the perfect blend of cozy flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. This cake is a crowd-pleaser and an essential addition to your seasonal celebrations.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:43:33.892Z

This Apple Crumb Cake is a family favorite during the holiday season. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dessert option for any gathering.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. This Apple Crumb Cake is not just a dessert; it's a centerpiece that brings people together. The combination of tender apples, a moist vanilla cake, and a buttery crumb topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that complements the holiday spirit perfectly. With its warm autumn spices, this cake captures the essence of the season, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving table.

In addition to its scrumptious taste, this cake is wonderfully versatile. While it shines during Thanksgiving, it's equally great for fall gatherings, weekend brunches, or simply an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

To ensure your Apple Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time, use fresh, high-quality apples. Varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work exceptionally well, offering a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Remember to peel and chop the apples evenly to ensure that they cook uniformly and integrate seamlessly into the cake.

When preparing your crumb topping, make sure the butter is melted but not too hot. This helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture. If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, feel free to adjust the cinnamon measurement to suit your taste. It’s all about finding the right balance that you and your guests will love.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups apples, peeled and chopped

For the Crumb Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a bowl, combine the chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and set aside.

Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.

Layering

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, layer the apple mixture, then spread the remaining batter on top.

Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle it evenly over the batter.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Prepare the Drizzle

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon for the drizzle.

Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cinnamon apple mixture over the top and serve.

Enjoy your delicious cake!

Storing Your Apple Crumb Cake

Once you've made this delightful cake, you'll want to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature; it will stay fresh for about three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, which can keep it good for up to a week.

For longer storage, this cake can be frozen. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

Pairing Suggestions

This Apple Crumb Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of hot, moist cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast that will please your palate.

For a cozy twist, serve it with a cup of spiced apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. The warm spices in the cake complement the beverages beautifully, creating a comforting experience perfect for chilly fall evenings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely! Pears or berries can be great alternatives.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.