There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking together, don’t you think? This cinnamon apple crumb cake recipe has been my go-to for years, and it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple enough to whip up on a lazy Sunday morning but impressive enough to bring to a holiday gathering. The buttery crumb topping is the real star—it’s crunchy, sweet, and just a little messy in the best way. I remember making this with my mom when I was a kid, and now it’s a tradition with my own family. Trust me, one bite of this cake, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—this is where the magic starts! The secret to this cake’s irresistible texture and flavor is using just the right stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! That keeps the cake light.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For that perfect sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Room temp is key—press it with your finger. If it leaves a dent, it’s ready.
- 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp baking soda – Our little leavening helpers.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The star spice! Don’t skimp.
- 1 large egg – Pull it out early to take the chill off.
- 1 cup buttermilk – Tangy and moist—trust me, it makes a difference.
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced – Granny Smiths are my favorite here—they hold their shape.
For the crumb topping (the best part!):
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Pack it tight for that caramel vibe.
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed – Straight from the fridge—no cheating!
- 1/2 cup rolled oats – Adds a little chew to the crunch.
See? Nothing fancy—just good, honest ingredients. Now let’s make some crumbs!
Equipment You’ll Need for the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Don’t worry—you don’t need anything fancy here! Just grab:
- A 9-inch baking pan (square or round works)
- Two mixing bowls (one for batter, one for crumbs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk or wooden spoon
- A peeler and knife for those apples
Nice-to-haves? A stand mixer for lazy days, or a pastry cutter to make the crumb topping extra easy. But honestly, your hands work just fine—I usually end up using my fingers to mix the crumbs anyway!
How to Make the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Ready to bake? Let’s dive in! This recipe is so simple, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you’ll feel like one by the end. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a crumbly, apple-packed masterpiece in no time.
Preparing the Batter
First, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In goes the softened butter, egg, and buttermilk—mix until just combined. Overmixing? Big no-no! Fold in the diced apples gently. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want. It’s like a cozy blanket for all those apples.
Making the Crumb Topping
Now for the best part—the crumb topping! In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cold butter cubes, and oats. Use your fingers to mash it all together until it looks like coarse crumbs. Keep that butter cold—it’s what gives the topping that perfect crunch. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; that’s half the fun!
Baking the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
Spread the batter evenly into your greased 9-inch pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the top—don’t hold back! Pop it in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Want to take your crumb cake from good to oh-my-goodness? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Apples matter! Granny Smiths are my go-to—they hold their shape and give that perfect tart balance. If you use softer apples, they’ll disappear into mush.
- Butter temperature is key. Softened for the batter, ice-cold for the topping. I stick mine in the freezer for 10 minutes before crumbling—it makes all the difference for that crispy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter. A few flour streaks are fine! Overworking it makes the cake tough instead of tender.
- Watch the clock. Start checking at 40 minutes—overbaking dries it out. The edges should pull away slightly, and the crumbs should be golden, not dark brown.
Follow these, and you’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
Serving Suggestions for the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Oh, the joy of slicing into this cake while it’s still slightly warm—that’s when it’s absolute perfection! I love serving big squares with a dollop of fresh whipped cream melting over the top, or better yet, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pooling around the edges. Coffee? Tea? Either one makes this cozy dessert feel like a special occasion. For breakfast (no judgment here!), try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce—you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
This cake disappears fast in my house, but if you somehow have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasty! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want that just-baked warmth? Pop a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds, or toast it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The crumbs will crisp right back up—magic!
Nutritional Information for the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Let’s be real—this cake isn’t health food, but a little indulgence is good for the soul! One generous slice (about 1/8 of the cake) packs roughly:
- 320 calories
- 12g fat (7g saturated)
- 25g sugar
- 4g protein
Numbers can vary based on your apples’ size or butter brand—this is just a happy estimate! I always say: life’s too short to skip the crumb topping.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
I get so many questions about this cake—it’s clearly a crowd favorite! Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often. Trust me, I’ve made every possible “oops” with this recipe, so I’ve got all the fixes!
Can I Substitute Buttermilk?
Absolutely! No buttermilk? No problem. Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà—instant buttermilk substitute. Yogurt thinned with milk works too!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp—pop it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to revive those crispy crumbs.
Can I Add Nuts to the Recipe?
Oh heck yes! Toss 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping or batter. They add the best crunch—just toast them first for extra flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this cake checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s been my go-to for years and why you’ll adore it too:
- Effortless baking: No fancy techniques—just mix, crumble, bake. Perfect for when you need something impressive without the stress.
- That crumb topping though: Buttery, crunchy, and slightly messy (in the best way). It’s what dreams—and compliments—are made of.
- Apple-cinnamon magic: Warm spices and tart apples make every bite taste like fall, even in July.
- Versatile superstar: Breakfast? Dessert? Midnight snack? It fits every occasion. (I’ve eaten it straight from the pan—no shame.)
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids, grandparents, picky eaters—this cake disappears fast at potlucks. Pro tip: Bake two!
Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why this recipe never gets old. Now go grab those apples—your future self will thank you!
Print
Irresistible Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake in 3 Easy Steps
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make cinnamon apple crumb cake with a buttery crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add softened butter, egg, and buttermilk. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples and spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cold butter, and oats to make the crumb topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
