Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting desserts that instantly remind you of fall, then this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe is one you absolutely need to try. What makes it so special is the perfect balance between a tender coffee cake loaded with tart apples and a crunchy cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that just melts in your mouth. Plus, that apple cider glaze drizzled on top adds a lovely tangy sweetness that pulls everything together beautifully.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend when I craved something both sweet and a little spicy, and it quickly became my family’s new favorite brunch treat. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or just want to brighten up your morning coffee routine, this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe always impresses without any fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to create a tender, moist cake with just the right touch of sweetness and spice. I always recommend using fresh, crisp apples and good-quality butter to get the best results.

• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of both the cake and crumb topping for that perfect crumb structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and depth to the crumb topping, balancing the spices.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the batter and topping without overpowering the apple’s natural tartness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure everything sings together.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The classic warming spices that bring out that cozy autumn vibe in the crumb topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness; melted butter helps make the crumb topping perfectly clumpy and buttery.
• Vanilla Extract: Boosts the cake’s sweetness and rounds out the spice notes.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise gently and maintain a tender texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cake rich but light.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture, plus it helps keep the crumb incredibly tender.
• Tart Apples: I like Granny Smith or Pink Lady because their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping and glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze – it melts into the apple cider to create that perfect drizzle.
• Apple Cider: This is the star in the glaze; it adds a subtle fruity tang that lifts the whole cake.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch in the glaze to balance sweetness and highlight flavors.

Variations

I love making this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to get creative and make it fit your taste!

• Spice it Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the crumb topping for an extra warm spice punch that my family adores.
• Different Fruit: I’ve swapped apples for pears once, and it was delicious—just make sure the fruit is firm and slightly tart.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well; just check your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use a dairy-free butter and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and it still turns out moist and flavorful.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping

Start by whisking together your flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Then pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is evenly moistened. I love using my fingers here to pinch the mixture into crumb clusters of different sizes—this little bit of texture variety makes every bite delightful!

Step 2: Mix the Coffee Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, in your stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla and sour cream. Finally, add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed just until combined. The batter will be thick, so don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Grease your 9×13-inch pan and spread half the batter into a thin layer at the bottom. If the batter feels stubborn, wet your hands and press it evenly into place—this trick really helps. Next, evenly sprinkle the peeled and chopped tart apples over the batter, then top with half the crumb topping. Drop dollops of the remaining batter over the crumbs, wetting your hands again to gently spread it out—it’s okay if it’s patchy! Finish with the rest of the crumb topping.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 38-45 minutes. About 30 minutes in, check the top—if it’s browning too quickly, lightly cover it with foil for the remaining time. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. The crumb topping will be golden and crisp—trust me, the aroma alone is worth the wait!

Step 5: Whisk Up the Apple Cider Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, melted butter, and a pinch of kosher salt until you have a thick but pourable glaze. This glaze adds that extra burst of flavor and shine that makes this cake truly irresistible. I like to drizzle it over warm slices, but you can also serve it on the side.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the top right before serving—it adds a lovely hint of spice fresh from the oven. Sometimes, I add a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

This crumb cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a relaxing morning. For brunch, I often serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged individual slices on a wooden board garnished with fresh apple slices and a sprig of thyme or rosemary. It makes the rustic look pop and guests love the extra homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake covered loosely with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to five days. The crumb topping might lose some crunch, but reheating helps bring back some of that texture.

Freezing

When freezing, I skip the glaze and wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil before popping them in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy a fresh slice anytime and avoid a soggy topping.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I use my air fryer for a few minutes—it crisps up the topping beautifully without drying the cake. Otherwise, a quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, just cover to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumb Topping and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s become my go-to for bringing warmth and smiles on brisk mornings. I know you’ll love how simple it is yet so full of comforting flavors—perfect to share with friends or to treat yourself. Give it a try, and I promise, it’ll become one of your favorite cakes to bake and enjoy all fall long!

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