Introduction to Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
As a passionate home cook, nothing warms my heart quite like the aroma of freshly baked Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle filling my kitchen. This delightful dessert has become a cherished staple in my home, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak. The combination of tender cake, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly topping creates a comforting treat that is both satisfying and indulgent.
When I first made this Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, I was immediately drawn in by the sweet and spicy notes wafting through the air. The cascading drizzle of cinnamon apple on top adds an irresistible finishing touch that elevates the cake to another level. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance on the palate.
This recipe is excellent for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or just as a special treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether it’s served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means you’ll have more time to savor those precious moments with loved ones.
Join me as I guide you through the steps to create this delectable Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, and let’s make some delightful memories together in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
When I first baked the Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the tender cake and the crunchy topping, creating a texture that’s just irresistible. The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg dance harmoniously with the sweet, juicy apples, making it feel like a comforting hug on a chilly day.
One of the best things about this Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is its ease of preparation. I know life can get hectic, especially for busy women like us, juggling family, work, and everything in between. This cake comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy in a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The delightful aroma wafting through your home while it bakes will make you feel nice and cozy, and your family will be drawn in, eager to taste the deliciousness.
Not only is this cake easy to make, but it also looks stunning when served. The cinnamon apple drizzle on top adds a touch of elegance, making it excellent for gatherings or a casual family dinner. It makes for a delightful centerpiece that invites everyone to grab a slice. Plus, the combination of flavors is a crowd-pleaser, so you can be sure that your loved ones will adore this dessert.
Every time I prepare the Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, I’m reminded of the joy that simple ingredients can bring. It’s a recipe that resonates with nostalgia, and I’m confident it will become a beloved favorite in your home as well. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll create a comforting treat that encapsulates the essence of fall, no matter the season.
Ingredients for Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
When it comes to making my beloved Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, the ingredients are what truly bring this delightful dessert to life. Each component plays a significant role in creating a cake that is both warm and comforting, while the drizzle adds that excellent finishing touch. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
First off, we need all-purpose flour. This is the backbone of our cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. I always opt for unbleached flour because it has a more natural flavor. Next, we have granulated sugar. It sweetens the cake and adds a touch of moisture, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.
Don’t forget the baking powder and baking soda. These leavening agents work together to give our cake a light, airy texture. And, of course, a pinch of salt is essential; it enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Then there’s unsalted butter. I prefer using unsalted so that I can control the saltiness of the final product. Melted butter adds richness and moisture that makes this cake irresistible. For added depth, I often use eggs which also help bind everything together.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: apples. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a wonderful balance of flavors. Their natural juices seep into the cake, providing bursts of fruity goodness.
For the crumb topping, I use a combination of light brown sugar, oats, and more flour. This gives the topping a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon not only enriches the flavor but also evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Finally, to create that heavenly Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, I mix powdered sugar with apple cider and a dash of cinnamon. This drizzle ties everything together, adding a sweet and slightly tangy finish that complements the cake perfectly.
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Apples (a mix of sweet and tart)
- Light brown sugar
- Oats
- Cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Apple cider
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating an indulgent Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle. Each element contributes to the overall flavor and texture, making this cake a must-try for any dessert lover.
How to Make Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle
First, let’s prepare the Apple Crumb Cake batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly and develops a lovely golden color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This is a crucial step as it helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
Next, in another bowl, cream together ½ cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I find that using room temperature butter makes this process easier and yields a better texture in your Apple Crumb Cake.
Now, add in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your cake.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with ½ cup of sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
Now, let’s fold in the star of the show: the apples! Dice 2 cups of peeled and cored apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness) and gently mix them into the batter. Their sweetness and moisture will keep the cake incredibly tender.
Next, prepare the crumb topping. In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of cold butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spread the batter into a greased 9-inch round pan, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface. This will create a deliciously crunchy layer on top of your cake.
Bake your Apple Crumb Cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
While the cake cools, let’s make the cinnamon apple drizzle. In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup of apple juice, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Heat until bubbling, then reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened. Drizzle this heavenly mixture over your cooled cake and enjoy!
Tips for Success
When it comes to perfecting my Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, I’ve gathered some invaluable tips that make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, these insights will elevate your cake to a level that’s truly irresistible.
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance creates a delightful contrast in your Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Aim for a light and airy texture for the excellent crumb.
- Chill the Crumb Topping: For a crumb topping that’s crispy and crunchy, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step is crucial for achieving that bakery-style finish.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let it Cool: Allow your Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
By following these tips, you’ll create an Apple Crumb Cake that’s not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Each bite will be infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple, ensuring it becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Equipment Needed
When it comes to making my beloved Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle, having the right equipment is essential for achieving that excellent balance of flavors and textures. Over the years, I’ve discovered that certain tools can make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is crucial for combining ingredients. I prefer glass bowls, as they let me see the mixing process clearly.
- Electric Mixer: Whether you use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, having this tool on hand speeds up the mixing of the batter for the Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Invest in a good set to ensure your ingredients are just right.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This pan is excellent for baking the cake evenly. If you don’t have one, a round cake pan will work, but adjust baking times accordingly.
- Paring Knife: A sharp paring knife will make peeling and slicing the apples a breeze, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: To create that delightful crumb topping, a pastry cutter or even a fork will help you mix the butter into the flour effortlessly.
- Cooling Rack: Once your Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with Cinnamon Apple Drizzle is out of the oven, a cooling rack will help it cool evenly, preventing sogginess.
With these tools, you’re well on your way to creating a cozy, tasty dessert that fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of baking apples and cinnamon. Happy baking!
PrintApple Crumb Cake – Discover the wonderful Cinnamon Drizzle!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Crumb Cake topped with a delightful cinnamon apple drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, chopped walnuts (if using), and ground cinnamon to make the crumb topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter in the baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon apple drizzle by combining 1 cup of diced apples, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes before drizzling the warm cinnamon apple mixture over the top.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg