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Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle 1

Apple Crumb Cake with Cinnamon Drizzle

This classic New York style apple crumb cake combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly topping that's impossible to resist. With a perfect 1:1:1 ratio of cake to apples to crumble, every bite offers harmonious balance and exceptional flavor.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Parchment Paper
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Offset Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • 1 cup granulated sugar or 3/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3/4 cup milk any variety works
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract optional

For the Apple Filling

  • 3 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

For the Cinnamon Drizzle

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, mixing until apples are evenly coated.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add milk and extracts. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir just until combined.
  • For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
  • Spread the cake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Layer the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter, then sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, covering completely.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If the crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil around the 35-minute mark.
  • Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth to create the drizzle.
  • Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the slightly cooled cake in a zigzag pattern. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 more minutes before serving.

Notes

- For the best texture, keep all ingredients for the crumb topping cold.
- Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work best as they hold their shape during baking.
- The cake develops better flavor after sitting for a day, making it perfect for make-ahead preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 175mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35g
Keyword Apple Cake, Crumb Cake, Cinnamon Drizzle, New York Style Cake, Fall Dessert
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