Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Ah, there’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a warm slice of Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe to brighten up any morning or afternoon tea. This recipe brings together tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a moist vanilla cinnamon cake, and the best part—a buttery crumb topping that adds that perfect crunch. Then, to finish it off, a drizzle of maple glaze that’s sweet, silky, and unmistakably autumnal. It’s a real showstopper that makes your kitchen smell like fall heaven.

I’ve made this cake countless times for brunches, family gatherings, and even lazy Sunday breakfasts. It’s one of those recipes that’s impressive but forgiving—you don’t have to be a pro baker to nail it. Plus, it’s flexible enough to tweak with your favorite apples or adjust the spice level, which makes this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe a keeper in my recipe box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this cake special. I recommend using fresh, good-quality produce and pantry staples to get the best results.

• Red Gala Apples: I like Gala for their natural sweetness and tender flesh—perfect for cinnamon-spiced softness inside the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Used for both the apples and the cake, it balances tartness and helps create a nice caramelized crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe that pairs perfectly with apples and adds warmth all around.
• All-Purpose Flour: A versatile staple that gives structure to the cake and crumble.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-y richness to the crumb topping for that classic comforting flavor.
• Butter (room temperature): Using butter at room temp is key for creamy batter and crumb topping—don’t skip softening it!
• Baking Powder: Leavens the cake, making sure it stays light even with the added moisture from the apples and sour cream.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Eggs (room temperature): They provide richness and help bind everything together for a tender crumb.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness and spices.
• Vegetable Oil (like canola): Keeps the cake moist and slightly tender—don’t replace it with butter here for best texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Another layer of warmth and aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar: For the smooth and sweet maple glaze that decorates and adds a final touch of magic.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness with a signature flavor that elevates the glaze and echoes the autumn vibe.
• Water: Just a little to adjust glaze consistency for drizzling.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe to suit different moods or guests. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients to match what you have on hand or dietary preferences—it still turns out delicious.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once made this using a gluten-free flour blend—it was a bit denser but still rich and moist. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Different Apples: Fuji or Honeycrisp work great if you want a crisper bite and slightly different sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon apples adds an unexpected but delightful twist.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve tried replacing butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg; it made the crumb a bit different in texture but still very tasty.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

Start by dicing your red Gala apples into small cubes to ensure they soften evenly. Toss them with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl—this simple mix makes the apples sweet and warmly spiced. Let them sit for about 10 minutes so the sugar draws out some juice, which infuses the apples with flavor as they bake. Pro tip: don’t skip this maceration step—it makes a big difference.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture with pea-sized pieces. This crumb topping is what I look forward to the most—it adds such a nostalgic crunch and contrast against the soft cake and tender apples.

Step 3: Whip Up the Vanilla Cinnamon Cake Batter

Next, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and a bit of cinnamon in a medium bowl. In your mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy—this usually takes a good 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; over-mixing can make the cake tough. This batter is wonderfully thick and creamy, which makes the crumb cake so moist.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of your cake batter into a greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, evenly distribute the cinnamon apples on top, followed by the remaining batter. Finish by sprinkling your crumble topping generously over the entire surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out with only a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla, and a teaspoon of water until smooth. Adjust water to get your desired drizzling consistency. I usually make this glaze a bit thicker so it slowly melts into the warm cake, adding just the right touch of sweetness and maple flavor.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake is warm but not hot, drizzle the maple glaze across the top. Serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans sprinkled on top for crunch and warmth. Sometimes, a sprig of fresh thyme adds a surprising aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black coffee or a warm chai latte. For a brunch spread, I serve it alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes layer this cake with whipped mascarpone and extra diced apples in between slices for a rustic apple trifle. Another fun idea is serving it in mini muffin tins for single servings, perfect for breakfast on the go or a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps preserve freshness but bring the cake back to room temp before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. When I’ve done this, the crumb topping stays remarkably crisp once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or a few minutes in a 325°F oven to revive that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out. If you want to refresh the maple glaze, add a quick extra drizzle after warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like autumn on a plate—warm spices, juicy apples, and that unforgettable crumb. I hope when you make it, you find the same joy I do, whether it’s a treat for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover it’s a lovely way to make cozy moments even sweeter.

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