Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about apple desserts, particularly when they’re warm from the oven. Apple crumb cake brings together the sweet, tart flavors of fresh apples and a buttery crumb topping, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
What elevates this cake even further is the rich cinnamon apple drizzle that adds a touch of decadence. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this dessert captures the essence of cozy, fall-inspired baking, while still being easy enough for home cooks at any skill level.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour serves as the foundation for the cake, providing structure and texture. It balances the moisture from the apples and helps give the cake its height and density. - 1½ cups granulated sugar
Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its moistness and texture. It creates a lovely balance with the tartness of the apples, enhancing their natural flavor. - ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake. When melted, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, contributing to a tender crumb while helping the top crumble to brown beautifully. - 3 large eggs
Eggs provide moisture, act as a binding agent, and help the cake rise. They contribute to the overall texture, ensuring a light and fluffy cake. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a warm and inviting aroma. It complements the apples and cinnamon beautifully. - 1 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise and achieve a light texture. It's essential for a fluffy crumb. - ½ teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda helps to create additional lift in the cake. It reacts with the acidity of the apples, contributing to leavening and promoting a nice rise. - ½ teaspoon salt
Salt enhances the flavors in the cake, making the sweetness more pronounced and preventing the cake from tasting flat. - 3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
Apples add moisture, flavor, and texture to the cake. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cake, while also providing a pleasant bite. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cake)
Cinnamon infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with the apples. It creates that quintessential fall flavor. - 1 cup brown sugar (for crumb topping)
Brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the crumb topping, creating a rich flavor and a slight chewiness that contrasts with the cake. - ¾ cup oats (for crumb topping)
Oats provide a hearty texture to the crumb topping and contribute to a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall appeal of the cake. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Additional cinnamon in the topping ties the flavors together, adding a warm and inviting aroma when baked. - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for topping)
Nuts introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the crumb topping, elevating the cake’s texture and flavor profile. - 1 cup powdered sugar (for drizzle)
Powdered sugar serves as the base for the drizzle, ensuring a smooth and sweet finish that enhances the visual appeal of the cake. - 2-3 tablespoons milk (for drizzle)
Milk helps to thin the powdered sugar for drizzling, allowing the glaze to coat the cake evenly while adding a touch of creaminess.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is a crucial step that ensures your cake begins to bake at the right temperature from the moment it goes in. This helps to create a consistent environment for the cake to rise evenly, yielding a perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
Properly greasing the pan is vital to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal once baked. This trick allows for a cleaner presentation, especially for crumb cakes.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
Whisking the dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, preventing dense spots in your cake. This is especially important for baking, where balance and uniformity are key to achieving the desired rise and texture.
Step 4: In another bowl, beat together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
This step allows the sugar to dissolve partially into the butter, ensuring a smooth batter. Beating them together not only blends the flavors but also incorporates air, setting the stage for a light and fluffy cake.
Step 5: Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Incorporating the eggs one by one ensures that each is fully blended before the next is added, preventing clumping. This step adds moisture and helps create a cohesive mixture, which is essential for a uniform cake.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Mixing until just combined prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake. It's important to leave some small lumps in the batter, as these will hydrate during baking, resulting in a tender crumb.
Step 7: Fold in the diced apples gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Gently folding in the apples helps to maintain the integrity of the pieces without breaking them down too much. This step infuses the batter with apple goodness, ensuring each slice is packed with flavor.
Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Evenly spreading the batter ensures that it bakes uniformly. Taking a moment to smooth the top also results in a professional finish, giving your cake an inviting appearance.
Step 9: Prepare the crumb topping by combining the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and nuts (if using) in a bowl, mixing until crumbly.
Achieving a crumbly texture for the topping is important for that satisfying crunch. Mixing the ingredients with your fingers allows the butter to distribute evenly, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Step 10: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter before placing it in the oven.
An even distribution of the crumb topping ensures a consistent texture in every bite. The topping should be generous, as it complements the moist cake beautifully and enhances the overall presentation.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Baking the cake until the toothpick test yields a clean result is crucial for doneness. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the cake may need more time, but be careful not to overbake, as this could lead to dryness.
Step 12: While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon apple drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
This drizzle adds sweetness and visual appeal, complementing the cake's flavors perfectly. Adjusting the consistency with milk should be done gradually to ensure it’s pourable, but still thick enough to cling to the cake.
Step 13: Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling the cake slightly in the pan makes it easier to handle while ensuring it doesn’t break apart when transferred. Allowing it to cool completely helps the flavors meld and intensifies the overall taste.
Step 14: Drizzle the cinnamon apple glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Adding the drizzle last ensures that it stands out visually and enhances the cake’s flavor. The glaze adds a delightful finish, making each slice even more tempting and enjoyable.
The Heart of the Cake: Fresh Apples
Using fresh apples in this cake is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Granny Smith apples are particularly great due to their tartness, which offsets the sweetness of the cake. Their texture also holds up well when baked, creating a pleasant bite that complements the soft crumb of the cake.
Creating the Perfect Crumb Topping
The crumb topping is a defining feature of this apple cake, providing a delightful contrast in texture. The combination of oats, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon creates a sweet, crunchy layer that enhances every bite. It's helpful to use cold butter to ensure the crumbs remain distinct and don’t meld completely into the cake.
Cinnamon Apple Drizzle: A Flavor Accent
The cinnamon apple drizzle ties everything together, giving the cake an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. By adjusting the amount of milk you add to the powdered sugar, you can create the perfect consistency for drizzling. This glaze not only elevates the cake but also emphasizes the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use various apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, but aim for those with a balance of sweetness and tartness for best results.
What should I do if my crumb topping is too dense?
If your crumb topping feels too dense, ensure your butter is cold when mixing, and avoid overworking the mixture to maintain a lighter texture.
How can I tell if my cake is overcooked?
If the edges of the cake are excessively dry, or if the toothpick inserted comes out with crumbs that are too dry, it may indicate overcooking.
What if I want a lighter cake?
For a lighter version, consider using a mix of half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat pastry flour. This change can incorporate more fiber without compromising the taste.
How can I enhance the flavor of the drizzle?
You can enhance the drizzle by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract for added depth and richness.
Is there a way to make the cake more visually appealing?
Drizzling the glaze in a decorative pattern can make the cake look more attractive. Additionally, you can sprinkle some additional oats or nuts on top of the glaze.
Conclusion
This apple crumb cake topped with cinnamon apple drizzle is sure to become a favorite in your home. Its warm, inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, and the delightful layers of flavor and texture will impress everyone at your table.
Whether enjoyed at afternoon tea or as a comforting dessert, this cake is a celebration of apple goodness. Take your time in preparation, and savor every bite of this indulgent yet simple masterpiece.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.