Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Treat your guests to a warm, fluffy Apple Crumb Cake that is bursting with flavorful chunks of fresh apples and topped with an irresistible cinnamon apple drizzle. This delightful dessert is perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering, offering a cozy blend of spices and textures. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, it's the ultimate sweet ending to your festive feast.
This cake combines the sweetness of apples with a crumbly topping that adds a delightful texture. The cinnamon apple drizzle is an essential finishing touch that enhances the flavors of the cake.
A Cozy Delight for Every Occasion
Apple Crumb Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a warm embrace on a chilly evening. Perfect for family gatherings, this cake brings everyone together, filling your home with the sweet aroma of baked apples and spices. Its tender crumb and crunchy topping create a delightful contrast that makes every bite an experience to savor. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a weekend gathering, or an afternoon treat, this cake shines in its ability to elevate any occasion.
What sets this Apple Crumb Cake apart is its versatility. You can easily customize it with different spices or add-ins, such as nuts or dried fruits, making it adaptable for any palate. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, enhancing its comforting qualities. Enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature; this cake promises to please your guests no matter how you serve it.
Cooking Tips for Success
When baking, using the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Opt for fresh, firm apples for your cake; varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the best balance of sweetness and tartness. It's also important to measure your flour accurately—too much can lead to a dry cake. Consider spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off for precision.
To enhance the cake's flavor, let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flour to hydrate fully, leading to a fluffier result. Additionally, don’t skimp on letting the crumb topping get golden brown; a well-baked topping adds depth and rich flavor, contrasting beautifully with the soft, moist cake underneath.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients before you start:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Make sure to have everything ready to go!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious cake:
Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Drizzle
While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
Finish and Serve
Once the cake is done, let it cool slightly, then drizzle the cinnamon apple mixture over the top. Slice and serve warm!
Enjoy your delectable Apple Crumb Cake!
Enhancing the Flavor Profile
Add depth to your cake by incorporating spices like nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. These warm spices not only complement the apples but also elevate the overall flavor profile of the cake. You can experiment with different combinations to find your perfect balance. Just a pinch can transform your dessert into something truly special.
Another way to enhance the flavor is by using flavored extracts in addition to vanilla, such as almond or even hazelnut. These subtle notes can add complexity and surprise to each bite, making your Apple Crumb Cake a standout dish that guests will remember long after the gathering ends.
Allergy-Friendly Adaptations
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be modified. Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour, and ensure any additional mix-ins (like oats) are certified gluten-free. You can also replace the eggs with a flaxseed or applesauce mixture if you're catering to vegan guests, preserving the moisture and fluffiness of the cake.
If you're aiming to reduce sugar intake, try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that adjustments to liquid ingredients may be necessary. With these adaptations, everyone can enjoy a slice of this delightful dessert, proving that a delicious treat doesn’t have to compromise on dietary needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different fruits?
Yes! Pears or peaches work wonderfully as substitutes for apples.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
Treat your guests to a warm, fluffy Apple Crumb Cake that is bursting with flavorful chunks of fresh apples and topped with an irresistible cinnamon apple drizzle. This delightful dessert is perfect for your Thanksgiving gathering, offering a cozy blend of spices and textures. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, it's the ultimate sweet ending to your festive feast.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the cake is done, let it cool slightly, then drizzle the cinnamon apple mixture over the top. Slice and serve warm!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g