Craving the cozy embrace of autumn flavors in a single, irresistible bite? Look no further than this Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle. This delightful breakfast cake is a harmonious blend of tender, spiced apples nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly topping, all crowned with a sweet, aromatic cinnamon drizzle.
Perfectly suited for a leisurely weekend morning, a festive holiday brunch, or even a comforting dessert, this recipe brings the essence of fall directly to your table, promising a taste experience that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying.
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Key Ingredients for Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake this autumnal masterpiece:
For the Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cups (210g) – Provides the structure for a tender, moist cake.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) – Sweetens the cake without overpowering the apple flavor.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons – Ensures a light and airy texture.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- Large Eggs: 2 – Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s structure.
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) – Adds moisture and tenderizes the crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Apples: 3 medium (about 1.5 lbs), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces (e.g., Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith) – The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a slight tartness.
For the Crumble Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup (60g) – Forms the base of the crumble.
- Brown Sugar (packed): ½ cup (100g) – Adds a caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (57g), cold and cut into small pieces – Creates a rich, flaky crumble.
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon – Provides a warm, autumnal spice note.
For the Cinnamon Drizzle:
- Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar): 1 cup (120g) – Forms the sweet base of the drizzle.
- Milk (or cream): 2-3 tablespoons – Adjusts the consistency of the drizzle.
- Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon – Infuses the drizzle with warm spice.
How to Make Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle
This Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle is incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious and satisfying experience with minimal effort. You’ll love its simple, straightforward preparation, yielding a moist cake studded with sweet apples and topped with a delightful crumbly texture.
The aromatic cinnamon drizzle adds a final flourish that elevates this fall breakfast cake to an irresistible treat. In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes of total time, including 25 minutes of prep, you’ll have a sensational dessert or breakfast centerpiece ready to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the ¼ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients for the Cake: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, ½ cup milk, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the 3 medium diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Add Crumble and Bake: Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping evenly over the cake batter. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before drizzling and serving. This allows the cake to set and prevents the drizzle from melting too quickly.
Prepare the Cinnamon Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of milk (or cream) until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Drizzle and Serve: Once the cake has cooled sufficiently, generously drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the top. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle
You’ll absolutely adore this Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle for its irresistible charm and heartwarming flavors. The main highlight is the perfect marriage of tender, spiced apples within a moist cake, crowned with that glorious buttery crumble. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Making this at home is a fantastic way to save money, offering a gourmet-quality treat at a fraction of the cost you’d find at a bakery, and you get to use fresh, wholesome ingredients.
The sweet, crunchy crumble topping, paired with the aromatic cinnamon drizzle, adds layers of texture and flavor that make every bite an experience. Compared to a simple apple pie, this cake offers a delightful, less intimidating, and often quicker alternative for your fall baking needs. Don’t just take my word for it – try making this cozy, flavorful cake yourself and bring a little autumn magic into your home today!
What to Serve Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle With
This delightful Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert:
For Breakfast/Brunch:
- Hot Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing that complements the cake’s sweetness.
- A Scoop of Greek Yogurt or Whipped Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing balance to the rich cake.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a complete sweet and savory breakfast spread.
For Dessert:
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The warmth of the cake with cold ice cream is a dream combination.
- A Dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it enhances the dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle extra caramel for an even more decadent treat.
- Custard Sauce: A classic European pairing that adds richness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle
To ensure your Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle turns out absolutely perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Apples: Don’t skimp on apple quality! A mix of sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Fuji works best. Granny Smiths offer a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake and crumble, while sweeter varieties add depth. Avoid overly watery apples.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and a few lumps remain.
- Cold Butter for Crumble: Ensure your butter for the crumble is very cold and cut into small pieces. This is crucial for achieving that distinct, crumbly texture. If the butter is too warm, it will melt into the flour rather than forming distinct crumbs.
- Even Apple Distribution: When folding in the apples, try to distribute them as evenly as possible throughout the batter. This ensures every slice gets a good amount of apple goodness.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: If your apples are particularly juicy, you can toss them with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the batter. This can help absorb excess moisture and prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- Cool Before Drizzling: Patience is key! Allow the cake to cool significantly (at least 30 minutes, or longer if you prefer) before applying the cinnamon drizzle. If the cake is too hot, the drizzle will melt and be absorbed into the cake, becoming less visible and flavorful.
- Adjust Drizzle Consistency: The amount of milk needed for the cinnamon drizzle can vary slightly based on humidity and powdered sugar consistency. Add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. You want it thick enough to sit on top but thin enough to spread.
- Test for Doneness: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s still wet, continue baking for a few more minutes. If the crumble topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the cake with foil for the last part of the baking time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To enjoy your Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle beyond the first scrumptious serving, proper storage and reheating are essential:
- Room Temperature Storage: For up to 2-3 days, you can store the cake, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, at room temperature. This helps maintain its moist texture.
- Refrigeration: If you wish to extend its freshness, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odors.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: This cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Tips:
- From Room Temperature/Refrigerated: For a warm, freshly baked experience, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes, until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out.
- From Frozen: Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Then, reheat as you would from room temperature. You can also reheat directly from frozen in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through, though this may make the crumble slightly less crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle truly embodies the essence of fall in every bite – a perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and irresistible flavor. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and gather with loved ones. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday brunch or a delightful, unexpected treat on a Tuesday morning, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied bellies.
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Apple Crumble Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle FAQs:
Q1: Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like one containing xanthan gum) for the regular flour in both the cake and the crumble. The texture might be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.
Q2: What other fruits can I use if I don’t have apples?
A2: While apples are traditional, you could experiment with pears, peaches (peeled), or even berries (fresh or frozen, tossed with a tablespoon of flour) for a seasonal twist. Adjust baking time if using very juicy fruits.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also prepare the crumble mixture a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated.
Q4: My crumble topping isn’t crunchy, what went wrong?
A4: This usually happens if the butter wasn’t cold enough or if the crumble was overmixed, making it more paste-like than crumbly. Ensure your butter is ice-cold and work it quickly into the dry ingredients until just coarse crumbs form. Baking too short or at too low a temperature can also affect crispness.
Q5: Can I omit the cinnamon drizzle?
A5: While the cinnamon drizzle adds a lovely finishing touch and extra flavor, the cake is still wonderfully delicious without it. It’s an optional, but highly recommended, enhancement!
Q6: How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
A6: Tossing the diced apples in 1-2 tablespoons of the dry cake batter mixture before folding them into the wet batter can help absorb some moisture and create a barrier that prevents them from sinking too much.