Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple

Q: Can I make this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

Jump to Recipe

When the leaves start turning and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is the kind of dessert that makes you want to throw on your softest sweater, light a candle, and pretend you’re living in a cozy cabin (even if you’re just in your suburban kitchen).

Whether you’re looking for a treat to bring to a fall gathering or just need something warm and delicious after a long day—this recipe is here for you. The soft, tender cake, the buttery crumb topping, and that gooey cinnamon apple drizzle? Pure magic. And yes, your kitchen will smell like fall exploded—in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

This isn’t your average coffee cake, ladies. Here’s why this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle will have your whole family sneaking into the kitchen for seconds:

Moist & Fluffy – Thanks to sour cream and fresh apples, every bite is tender and moist without being too heavy.
Crispy Crumble Topping – That golden-brown, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping adds the perfect crunch.
Sweet Cinnamon Apple Drizzle – It’s like the icing on the cake… but better. Rich, buttery, and just the right amount of gooey.
Easy Enough for Weeknights – But impressive enough for the holidays. Win-win.

And let’s be honest: any recipe that includes the words “crumb” and “drizzle” is already off to a fabulous start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
2 medium apples (Granny Smith preferred), peeled and chopped

For the Crumb Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle:

1 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp milk
A pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

1. Get That Oven Warmed Up

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan or line with parchment paper. Trust me—this makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Mix the Dry Stuff

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set it aside and try not to inhale the cinnamon like I did the first time. (Regrets.)

3. Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This is your arm workout for the day, or let the mixer do the heavy lifting.

4. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. It should look creamy and smooth.

5. Alternate Dry Ingredients with Sour Cream

Add dry mix and sour cream in batches—starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined. Don’t overdo it or your cake might lose its fluff.

6. Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in your chopped apples. No need to mash them—just let them mingle with the batter.

Make the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and both sugars. Add cold cubed butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until you have a crumbly texture—like chunky sand. (But, you know, edible.)

Sprinkle this glorious mess evenly over your batter.

Bake It Up

Pop the cake into the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Resist the urge to dive in just yet. The drizzle is coming.

Whip Up the Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, milk, and a pinch of salt. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until it’s smooth and pourable. Your kitchen will smell like fall dreams.

Drizzle it generously over your cooled cake, or serve it on the side and let your guests drizzle like the fancy folks they are.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumb Cake

Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and just-right tartness.
Don’t skip the sour cream—it’s the secret to that perfect moist crumb.
Make the crumble first if you’re multitasking—it gives the butter time to chill in the fridge while you mix your batter.
Leftovers? Warm a slice in the microwave and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Thank me later.

My Cozy Little Story Behind This Cake

This recipe was born out of one rainy Saturday, two bored kids, and one too many apples staring at me from the counter. I threw this cake together on a whim, and let’s just say—it’s been on family repeat ever since. Now, it’s one of our go-to desserts for holidays, potlucks, or just because “Mom, is there anything sweet in the house?” days.

Close-up of Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle showcasing soft apple chunks, crumb topping, and warm cinnamon glaze. — Rich and buttery Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, loaded with fresh apple pieces and topped with cinnamon-sugar crumble and drizzle.

FAQs About Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle

Can I make this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Honeycrisp and Fuji work beautifully if you prefer a sweeter bite, but Granny Smith gives the perfect tang.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. Warm it slightly before serving—it makes the drizzle dreamy again.

Can I freeze it?

You sure can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

A Slice of Fall in Every Bite

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is more than just dessert—it’s a warm, spiced hug that makes any day feel special. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself after a long workweek, or just celebrating the magic of apples and cinnamon, this cake delivers comfort, flavor, and a little wow-factor in every bite.

Now go on—bake it, drizzle it, and maybe sneak a slice before anyone else notices. I won’t tell.

Want more cozy chicken or dessert recipes like this? Stay close, friend—I’ve got plenty more magic coming your way at Chicken Magic Recipes.

Keep the Cozy Going with These Reader Favorites

If this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle made your heart (and oven) warm, you’re in for a treat with these other soul-soothing recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen! Here are a few more comforting bites you’ll want to check out next:

Craving something savory and equally comforting? This Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs is rich, luscious, and comes together fast—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
If you’re all about the ultimate comfort food mashups, you have to try the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. It’s like a warm hug in pasta form.
Pair your slice of apple crumb cake with a hearty bowl of Sausage Potato Soup for the coziest cold-weather dinner duo.
And for the potato lovers (we see you!), don’t miss out on Boursin Cheese Scalloped Potatoes—creamy, cheesy, and made to impress.

Go ahead—bookmark a few for your next kitchen adventure. Your dinner table (and your taste buds) will thank you!