Description
This Apple Crumb Cake features tender vanilla cinnamon cake layered with sweet cinnamon apples and topped with a rich, buttery crumble. Finished with a smooth maple glaze, it’s a comforting dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Apples
- 4 small or 3 large red gala apples, diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Crumble
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 85 g butter, room temperature
Vanilla Cinnamon Cake
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 125 g butter, room temperature
- 225 g granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 225 g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature
- 40 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sour cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the other components.
- Make the Crumble: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, dark brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the room temperature butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it reaches a crumbly texture. Set the crumble aside.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cinnamon Cake Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently to combine into a smooth batter.
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the pan. Layer the cinnamon apples over the batter, then spoon the remaining batter over the apples and spread gently to cover. Finally, evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the cake.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the crumble topping is golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of water. Add more water, a few drops at a time, to achieve desired consistency if needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the warm cake. Allow the cake to cool slightly so the glaze sets before slicing and serving. Enjoy this cozy apple crumb cake warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing and cake texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet apple layer, reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with a natural sweetener.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use suitable substitutes for butter and sour cream.
- Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping can provide extra crunch and flavor.
Keywords: apple crumb cake, cinnamon apple cake, vanilla cinnamon cake, maple glaze cake, fall dessert, apple dessert