Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Description of this recipe

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a sweet, buttery crumb topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or anytime you crave a warm, homey baked good.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this cake is a breeze to whip up.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or a festive gathering, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream ensures a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.
That Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: The drizzle adds another layer of warm sweetness that takes this cake over the top.

Ingredients:

Cake Ingredients:

1 ½ 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 (for moisture)
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes (preferably Granny Smith apples)

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

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

Cinnamon Apple Drizzle Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons milk
A pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easy to remove.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Cake Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cake’s texture. Set aside the bowl when you are done to avoid using them.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, making the cake lighter and more tender.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a hint of that warm vanilla essence.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches with the sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients, then add the sour cream, and continue alternating until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. This method ensures that the flour is evenly distributed, preventing gluten development, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples should be spread out but not mashed. This adds moisture and apple flavor to every bite of the cake.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Cold butter ensures that the topping remains crumbly rather than melting into the cake.

Step 8: Top the Cake with Crumbs: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cake batter, covering the entire surface. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake.

Step 9: Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

Step 10: Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling with the cinnamon apple sauce. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and allows it to set properly.

Step 11: Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This creates a luscious, sweet, and spiced drizzle.

Step 12: Drizzle and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm cinnamon apple sauce over the top. If you prefer, you can also serve it on the side for guests to add as they like. Serving it warm enhances the flavors and textures.

COOKING Rating:

Easy to Medium

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a burst of fruity flavor.
Warm a slice and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Tips:

Use Cold Butter for Crumb Topping: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will become greasy.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use a Variety of Apples: For a more complex flavor, try using a mix of apple varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.
Adjust Sugar to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or crumb topping.
Store Properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

55-65 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories:

Approximately 350-400

Protein:

Approximately 4-5 grams

Sodium:

Approximately 150-200mg

Conclusion

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: a moist, tender cake and a sweet, crumbly topping, all enhanced by a luscious cinnamon apple drizzle. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this comforting and delicious cake!

Questions and Answers about this Recipe

Can I use a different type of apple?
- Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. A mix of apples can also add complexity to the flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check the label to ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture.
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to keep it well-covered to prevent it from drying out.
How do I store the leftover cake?
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
- Yes, adding nuts to the crumb topping can enhance the flavor and texture. Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition. Simply mix them in with the other crumb topping ingredients before sprinkling over the cake.