If you’re craving a delicious dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples, then this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is the perfect treat. Moist, tender, and topped with a buttery crumb, it’s the ideal dessert to bake during the fall season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a comforting snack, this cake delivers both flavor and texture. Packed with cinnamon apples and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it an ideal dessert for any occasion. The moist cake is perfectly complemented by the sweet and slightly tart apples, while the buttery crumb topping adds a delicious crunch. What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity – it’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients are pantry staples. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
- Flour: Provides the structure for the cake, giving it a soft, tender texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the cake and balances sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, making the cake smell irresistible.
- Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and adds a subtle flavor to the cake.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, giving the cake structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Apples: The star ingredient! They provide a tender, juicy filling and infuse the cake with natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
- Oats: For a crumbly texture in the topping, creating a delightful crunch.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make substitutions for dietary preferences or missing ingredients, here are some suggestions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap the sugar for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small cubes. Set aside.
- Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter.
- Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check the apples: If your apples are very juicy, you can sprinkle them with a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from making the cake too soggy.
- Storage tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an added treat, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. If you’re looking to add more flavor, try mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy, nutty twist.
Why This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is Perfect for Fall
The combination of cinnamon, apples, and a buttery crumb topping makes this cake a perfect fall dessert. It embodies the warm, cozy flavors of the season, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or a weekend treat. Plus, the scent of cinnamon baking in the oven will fill your home with the comforting aroma of autumn.
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a treat to share with loved ones. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy-to-make recipe will surely be a hit in your household. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with every bite!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a perfect dessert for any fall occasion. Its combination of tender cake, sweet cinnamon apples, and buttery crumb topping creates an irresistible treat that is sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or enjoying it with your family on a cozy evening, this cake brings comfort and flavor in every bite. Simple to make yet packed with flavor, it’s the ideal dessert to share with friends and loved ones. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and indulge in the warmth and sweetness of this perfect autumn dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of apple for this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake?
Yes, you can use any type of apple, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well for up to three days at room temperature, and the flavor actually improves after a day. You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months, making it an easy dessert to enjoy later.
How do I know when the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick is covered in batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
More Relevant Recipes
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Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake Recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake is a delightful combination of moist cake, sweet cinnamon apples, and a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for fall, it offers comforting flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small cubes. Set aside.
- Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Use firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar.
- The cake keeps for up to three days at room temperature and can also be frozen for up to three months.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
