Buttery Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, fall gatherings, or an easy homemade dessert.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 9
• Category: Dessert / Coffee Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1½ cups peeled and diced apples

For the Cinnamon Apple Filling

• 1½ cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Crumb Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

• Thin apple slices
• Chopped pecans
• Ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the crumb topping:
   Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until thick crumbs form. Set aside.
3. Cook the apple filling:
   Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
4. Mix the dry ingredients:
   Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
5. Cream the butter and sugars:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add the eggs:
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
7. Finish the batter:
   Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream and milk. Mix gently just until combined.
8. Add the diced apples:
   Fold the diced apples into the batter.
9. Build the first layer:
   Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
10. Add the apple filling:
    Spoon the cinnamon apple mixture evenly over the batter.
11. Add remaining batter:
    Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the surface.
12. Add the crumb:
    Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the entire cake.
13. Bake:
    Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
14. Cool:
    Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
15. Make the glaze:
    Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
16. Finish:
    Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped pecans, cinnamon, apple slices, or powdered sugar if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples work especially well.
• Do not cook the apple filling until completely soft; the apples will continue cooking in the oven.
• For thicker crumbs, chill the prepared crumb topping for 10 minutes before using.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour.
• Wait until the cake has cooled before adding the glaze so it stays visible on top.

Serving Ideas

Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices briefly before serving for a soft, fresh-baked texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake a day ahead, cool completely, cover tightly, and add the glaze before serving.

Can I use a different baking pan?

Yes. A similar-size baking dish can be used, but baking time may vary slightly depending on the depth of the pan.

Can I leave out the glaze?

Absolutely. The buttery crumb topping provides plenty of sweetness on its own.

Can I add nuts?

Yes. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the crumb topping or sprinkled over the finished cake.

Conclusion

Buttery Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake combines tender apple cake, a warm cinnamon filling, and thick golden crumbs in every slice. Finished with a light vanilla glaze, it is an easy bakery-style dessert that is especially perfect during apple season.