A soft and buttery apple cake layered with a spiced crumb topping and finished with a warm cinnamon apple drizzle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, moist cake packed with fresh apples

• Sweet and crunchy cinnamon crumb topping adds delightful texture

• Warm cinnamon apple drizzle brings extra flavor and richness

• Perfect for fall but delicious any time of year

• Great for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon snack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons milk

• Pinch of salt

Directions

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Calories: 460 kcal per serving

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly incorporated.

7. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for the crumb topping.

8. Add cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until coarse crumbs form.

9. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

10. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.

11. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. To make the drizzle, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

14. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth.

15. Once the cake is cool, drizzle the warm sauce over the top or serve it alongside.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea

• Add chopped nuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness

• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred

• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their texture well during baking.

How do I store leftover cake?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the perfect blend of soft cake, crisp crumb topping, and warm, flavorful drizzle. It’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make and sure to please any crowd.