Chunky apple bites baked into a moist, fluffy cake with a buttery cinnamon crumb… this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with fall aromas! The perfect breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this easy apple cake is sure to be a family favorite any time of day.
This easy Apple Cake with Crumb Topping is one of my favorite coffee cake recipes! Fluffy, moist, and loaded with soft bits of apple and a buttery crumb topping, it's irresistible. I make it year-round, not just during the Fall season. If you love spiced treats, try my Apple Cream Cheese Cake, Applesauce Coffee Cake, or Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake for cozy weekends. This cinnamon apple cake is perfect for using fresh-picked or store-bought apples!
Quick Look: Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🍰 Bake Time: 40-50 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: About 1 hour
- 👨👩👧👦 Servings: 8 slices
- 🔥 Calories: 434 per slice (may vary)
- 🍎 Flavor Profile: Warm Fall spice, sweet apple, buttery crumb topping
- 🍴 Serving Suggestions: Perfect as a fall breakfast, holiday brunch, afternoon snack, or cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- 👍 Difficulty: Easy
Jump to:
Just made this for the office. Everyone raved about it. I loved that the apples were still crunchy and the crumb was delish! I was a little worried when preparing it because there seemed to be so little batter and it was difficult to spread in the pan but it all worked out. The cake was light, fluffy and moist! LOVE this recipe!
Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.
- Apples - Fresh apples are the star! Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith apples all work well.
- Flour - All-purpose flour gives the cake and crumb topping structure.
- Sugar - A mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar adds sweetness and depth.
- Butter - Unsalted butter creates richness and helps the crumb topping hold together.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg - Warm spices that give this apple crumb cake its classic fall flavor.
- Sour Cream - Keeps the cake moist and tender (Greek yogurt works too).
- Apple Cider (for glaze) - Enhances the apple flavor with a light drizzle on top.
How to make this Easy Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch springform pan (or line with parchment paper). Gather ingredients to make crumb topping.
Step 2. Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
Step 3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Step 4. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream.
Step 5. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Spread half the batter into the pan using a rubber spatula.
Step 6. Sprinkle chopped apples and some crumb topping, then repeat with remaining batter and topping.
Step 7. Bake 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. While cake is baking, whisk powdered sugar with apple cider.
Step 8. Drizzle over the warm crumb layer, and enjoy!
Baking Tips
- Room Temp Ingredients - Butter, eggs, and sour cream mix more smoothly when not cold.
- Don't Overmix - Stir batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Glaze Optional - Skip for less sweetness or swap with cream cheese frosting (use the frosting from my Pumpkin Spice Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting).
- Pan Size Matters - Using an 8×8 pan? Add 5-7 minutes to the bake time.
Storing & Serving
- Room Temperature: Once cooled, cover tightly or use an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat slices before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw and drizzle glaze if desired.
- Serving Ideas: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert! Pair with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy twist, try alongside my Cinnamon Spiced Eggnog Coffee.
Apple Crumb Cake Recipe FAQs
Nope! The apple cider glaze is optional. For a different twist, try a cream cheese frosting like on my Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Firm, crisp apples work best - Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or tart Granny Smith. If you've loved them in my Apple Quick bread or Homemade Apple Biscuits, they shine here too!
Use room temperature butter and sour cream, and don't overmix the batter. This keeps your cinnamon apple crumb cake light, fluffy, and moist every time.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
This soft Apple Crumb Cake is fluffy and packed with warm apple and cinnamon flavor -a tasty breakfast, brunch, or perfect dessert!
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Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cinnamon Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples peeled and chopped
Cake:
- 4 tablespoon butter room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan or line with parchment paper.
- Crumb Topping: Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
- Cake Batter: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Layer Cake: Spread half the batter in pan. Add apple chunks and half the crumb topping. Repeat with remaining batter and topping.
- Bake 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and apple cider; drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Keeps batter smooth and light.
- Do Not Over-mix: Ensures fluffy, moist crumb cake.
- Glaze Optional: Skip or swap with cream cheese frosting for less sweetness.
- Pan Swap: 8×8 pan works; bake 5-7 minutes longer.
- Serving: Perfect with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Wayne Gooding says
Just made this for the office. Everyone raved about it. I loved that the apples were still crunchy and the crumb was delish! I was a little worried when preparing it because there seemed to be so little batter and it was difficult to spread in the pan but it all worked out. The cake was light, fluffy and moist! Love this recipe!
Kristin says
Yay! Love hearing this! This is one of my most favorite Fall cakes, so glad the office and you enjoyed!
LuAnn says
This cake looks AMAZINGLY delicious. Can this recipe be doubled for a 13×9 baking pan??
Kristin Hayes says
Absolutely! Great idea and hope you enjoy as much as we do!
Suzan Zehner says
Y’all have inspired me! could this be baked in a loaf pan? thank you!
Kristin says
Yay!! Although I haven’t tried that, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work! Just be sure to adjust the bake time and keep an eye on it!
Margaret says
Delicious cake! Could I bake this in a Bundt pan next time? Thank you 🙂
Kristin says
Glad you enjoyed! I haven’t tried that, but as long as you adjust the bake time, that should work too!!
RHnn says
Do you think adding diced apple into the cake batter might work? Maybe a cup or so? This looks really good as is, so no insult intended. I just really love apple! 🙂
Kristin says
I love that idea! I think that would be a great idea!! About 1 cup max and be sure to pat with a paper towel to get out any excess liquid if you can! Enjoy!
Krystall says
Do you have to use a Springfield pan? I don’t have one
Kristin says
Nope, a regular baking pan works too!! No worries! Enjoy!
Toya says
Can I substitute home made cake batter for one of the box cakes if so which brand and type. I was thinking of the cinnamon flavored or cream cheese
Kristin says
Although I have never tried it, I don’t see why that wouldn’t work. I would suggest the cinnamon flavor, spice cake, or even yellow cake in this recipe! Should be a great shortcut! Enjoy!
Karen says
How many apples did you use?
Kristin says
2 medium apples are used in this recipe! Enjoy!