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

I absolutely love this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe because it layers all the best parts of fall into one comforting, cozy dessert. The tender, moist cake studded with tart apples pairs perfectly with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping that has just the right amount of spice. What really sets it apart, though, is the drizzle of apple cider glaze that adds a sweet and tangy finish — it’s like a little hug in every bite.

You’ll find that this cake is perfect for weekend brunches, as an after-dinner treat, or to bring along to holiday gatherings where you want to impress without stressing. When I first made it, I was amazed how simple the technique is, but the flavor feels so special. Trust me, once you try this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe, it’ll become a go-to for your apple season baking.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe, the ingredients come together to deliver deep autumn flavors and the perfect texture. I always recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for that bright, fresh contrast within the cake.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for both the crumb and cake for structure and tenderness.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel note to the crumble topping.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both batter and topping without overpowering flavors.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle complexity to the crumble’s spice blend.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the cake and crumble richness and moistness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to make the cake light and tender.
• Eggs: Help bind and lift the batter for the perfect crumb.
• Full-fat sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang.
• Tart apples: Freshly peeled and chopped for juiciness and texture.
• Powdered sugar: Base of the glaze for smooth sweetness.
• Apple cider: Gives the glaze that wonderful fruity tartness.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch in the glaze to balance sweetness.

Variations

I love to tweak this Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe to suit different occasions and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with the crumble spices or swap apples depending on what you have on hand.

• Use Pears Instead of Apples: One year, I swapped apples for ripe pears and it added a mellower sweetness that my family adored.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—you’ll still get a lovely crumb and texture.
• Nut Toppings: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble gives extra crunch and richness.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve used coconut yogurt in place of sour cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free treat that didn’t skimp on flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble

Start by whisking together the flour, brown and granulated sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to combine, then your fingers to pinch the mixture into crumbly chunks of various sizes. This texture is key—it creates that irresistible crunch on top.

Step 2: Mix the Coffee Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then, in your mixer, cream the butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this took me a few minutes but really makes a difference. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients just until combined; the batter should be thick and dense.

Step 3: Layer Apples, Batter, and Crumble

Grease your 9×13 pan and spread half the batter in a thin layer with wet hands—it’s sticky, so wetting your hands makes it easier. Sprinkle the chopped apples evenly over the batter, then add half the crumble topping. Dollop the remaining batter over the crumb layer and gently spread it again with your wet hands; don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even. Finally, top with the second half of your crumble mixture.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Bake at 350°F for 38 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on the crumb topping—if it’s browning too fast, loosely cover the cake with foil after 30 minutes. While the cake bakes, mix powdered sugar, apple cider, melted butter, and a pinch of kosher salt until thick but pourable. Drizzle the glaze over warm slices for that extra wow factor.

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

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top after glazing, and sometimes add a few thin apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Fresh rosemary sprigs can also bring a subtle herbal note when serving to guests — it’s such a lovely touch!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a full brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or even a warm apple compote to double down on the apple goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to cut the cake into mini squares and serve on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apples for decoration. It makes everything feel homey and festive. You can also drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern for a simple yet elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover slices covered tightly with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to five days. While the crumbs do lose some crunch, reheating helps bring back that fresh-baked texture nicely.

Freezing

When I want to freeze this cake, I skip the glaze and wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It freezes great for up to two months. Just thaw overnight before glazing and serving for best results.

Reheating

I reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to crisp up the topping again. Both methods work well, but the air fryer brings back extra crunch that makes it feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon-Spiced Crumble and Apple Cider Glaze Recipe has become one of my favorite autumn indulgences, and I hope you’ll find the same joy in it. It’s the perfect mix of cozy and fresh, a little sweet and a little tart — exactly what you want in a fall dessert or brunch treat. Give it a try and I promise, you’ll enjoy serving slices to your family and friends as much as I do.

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