Are you ready for fall baking? Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect dessert for crisp weather and cozy gatherings. This cake combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with tender apples, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this cake will surely impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and apples provides a cozy, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as a coffee cake for breakfast or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Crowd Pleaser: It serves 12, making it ideal for sharing at parties or potlucks.
Perfect Pairing: The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with warm beverages.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

8-inch springform pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

8-inch springform pan: This allows for easy removal of the cake while keeping its shape intact.
Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized for efficient mixing.
Whisk: A whisk ensures that your batter is smooth and well combined, which is crucial for texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

1 and 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter – melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 large (or 2 small) tart apples – peeled and chopped

For the Crumb Topping

4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar

For the Batter

1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 and 1/2 – 2 tablespoons apple cider

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel Crumb

In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Add melted butter and vanilla; stir until evenly moist. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together 4 tablespoons of butter with 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add in one egg, beating well after each addition. Finally, mix in vanilla and sour cream until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Layers

Spread half of the batter on the bottom of the prepared pan; it will form a very thin layer. Evenly distribute chopped apple over this layer, then sprinkle about 1 cup of cinnamon streusel crumbs on top. Spread remaining batter over the crumbs followed by the rest of the streusel.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, run a thin knife around the inside edge of the springform pan before removing it. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Step 8: Glaze It Up!

To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with apple cider until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, perfect for any autumn occasion!

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging on a cozy afternoon, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor complement the warm, spiced cake perfectly.
Caramel swirl ice cream: Adds an extra layer of richness and matches the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

Warm caramel sauce: A drizzle over the cake adds sweetness and gooeyness that makes it even more irresistible.
Homemade caramel: Prepare your own sauce for a gourmet touch that impresses guests.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream: Serve alongside the cake for a light, airy contrast to the dense crumb.
Flavored whipped cream: Try adding vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.

Served with Coffee or Tea

Hot coffee: The rich flavors of coffee pair wonderfully with the warmth of the cake.
Spiced chai tea: Offers a complementary spice profile that enhances the overall tasting experience.

How to Perfect Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

To make sure your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use tart apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour to maintain a tender crumb.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Cool before slicing: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing for cleaner pieces.
Add nuts for crunch: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the streusel topping for extra texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Pairing your Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake with delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the spices in the cake.
Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the dessert table.
Cheese Platter – Sharp cheddar or creamy brie contrasts nicely with sweet desserts like crumb cake.
Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts bring crunchy texture and savory notes to balance sweetness.
Hot Apple Cider – This warm drink echoes apple flavors and spices, making it perfect for fall gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can impact the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Incorrect oven temperature – Always preheat your oven. If it’s too hot or too cold, the cake won’t bake evenly.
Not measuring ingredients correctly – Use precise measuring cups and spoons. Improper measurements can lead to a dense or dry cake.
Skipping the streusel – The cinnamon streusel adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; ensure you mix it until crumbly.
Using the wrong apple variety – Tart apples work best. Avoid sweet apples like Fuji, as they won’t provide the right balance of flavors.
Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of light and fluffy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave – Heat in 15-20 second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake.

Can I use different types of apples for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake?

Yes, but stick to tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.

How do I know when my Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I add nuts to the crumb cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance flavor and texture.

What should I serve with my Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a cozy dessert perfect for any fall gathering. Its warm spices and tender apples make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or additional spices. Enjoy baking this comforting dish that brings joy to every bite!

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Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, perfectly blending warm spices and tender apples to create a heartwarming treat. Ideal for cozy gatherings or quiet afternoons at home, this delightful cake is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. The aromatic combination of cinnamon and nutmeg pairs beautifully with sweet-tart apples, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. Drizzle it with apple cider glaze for an extra touch of sweetness that complements hot beverages. Treat yourself to this irresistible dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1 large egg
1 cup tart apples (peeled and chopped)
4 tablespoons butter (for crumb topping)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crumb topping)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
apple cider (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix dry ingredients for the crumb topping, then add melted butter until moist.
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream; mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients for the cake batter; gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
Spread half the batter in the pan, layer with chopped apples, sprinkle with crumb topping, then add remaining batter followed by more crumbs.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool slightly before removing from the pan. Drizzle with apple cider glaze before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American