Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

You can’t go wrong with this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake. Baked to perfection with a crumb topping and cinnamon notes throughout, it’s somewhere between an apple and coffee cake. This delectable dessert may just have to be served as breakfast on some days with all of its cozy flavors.

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Thank goodness it’s cool enough for me to start using my oven on a more regular basis again. Because those cool summer desserts just won’t work for fall. Today, I’ve whipped up a simple yet decadent fall dessert that has cinnamon and apple throughout, with lots of crumb topping reminiscent of a coffee cake I’d serve for breakfast. 

I can’t tell you how long I’ve been craving a decent apple cake. My once step-grandmother used to make it in the fall and it was always so tasty. I have memories of visiting her and being so excited to see this cake being served.

This year, I decided to give it a new spin with a bit more cinnamon and a crumb topping to make it that much more delicious. 

I’m usually one to veer more toward the pumpkin desserts in the fall season. (Like this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones recipe HERE). But right now, I’m feeling different. Apple doesn’t get enough recognition and I’m determined to bake up some other apple sweets while they’re still in season. 

Just look at the subtle decadence in this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake. Rich, buttery cake with hints of cinnamon and the tiniest bits of apple. A sweet crumb topping that easily replaces a too-sweet icing… it’s just perfect. 

I may not have a drawn-out, groundbreaking story behind the development or inspiration behind this recipe. (All too common in recipe blog posts, am I right?!) BUT, I do in fact have a pretty decent recipe for you all to try today. 

It sure is a winner… Let’s get into the Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake recipe.

The best apples to use for Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Most bakers recommend using certain apples for baking, while others are best eaten fresh. Here is what I’ve found:

Best for baking

Granny Smith

Jonathan

Fuji

Gala

Honeycrisp

Pink Lady

and more!

Honestly, I’ve always just used what I already have. I’ve never been particular about which apples to use in desserts. Go with what works for you.

Tools You Need

Measuring cups and spoons

Large mixing bowl

2 small mixing bowls

Rubber spatula or spoon

8×8 square baking dish

Cutting board

Whisk

Small pot

Chef’s knife I’ve been using this Misen knife HERE and love it

Electric mixer

Vegetable peeler, optional

Ingredients | Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

For exact measurements, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Apples – Apples add little bits of sweetness throughout this apple crumb cake recipe. I chose to use Granny Smith apples, but there are lots of great apples for baking desserts.

Granulated sugar – Sugar sweetens both the cake and the crumb topping for the perfect flavor.

Whole milk – Milk adds the perfect light texture from the protein and lactic acid in it.

Eggs – These bind the batter together and help the cake rise as it bakes.

Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds sweetness and color to the crumb topping.

Flour – Use an all-purpose flour in this recipe. It helps lighten the crumb of the cake, giving it the best texture.

Vanilla – Vanilla extract brings out all the flavors by enhancing them. I use a home-brewed vanilla extract, but you can purchase one from a store.

Butter –  Butter adds a rich flavor that is decadent in this apple cinnamon cake recipe. 

Sea salt – Sea salt or standard table salt can be used. It enhances all the flavors.

Baking powder – Baking powder is used as a leavener and helps the apple cake rise when baking.

Baking soda – This is used to help keep the cake tender and help it rise.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds more depth and a hint of spice.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake 

Begin by greasing an 8×8 square baking dish with non-stick baking spray. Then preheat the oven to 350ºF. 

If you haven’t yet, peel the apples and chop them into small chunks, about ½-inch pieces. Set aside.

Start by making the crumb topping. Mix the dry ingredients for the crumb topping together in a mixing bowl using a whisk. 

Melt the butter on low heat on the stove just until it’s completely melted. Add this to the dry mixture, combining thoroughly. The result should be large crumbles of topping.

Next, in a mixing bowl, make the cake batter by combining all of the dry ingredients together with a whisk.

Then, in a separate bowl, cream the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract together. Add both the milk and the creamed butter mixture into the dry cake mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold it all together.

Finally, stir in the apple chunks being careful not to overmix.

Pour the cake batter into the square baking dish and then sprinkle the entire crumb topping onto it. There will be quite a bit of crumb topping; this is normal.

Bake this at 350ºF for 60-80 minutes or until the center comes out clean when a toothpick/butter knife is inserted.

Remove the apple cinnamon crumb cake from the oven and let it cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing it into squares and serving. 

Tips for Making Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake

The batter may be a little thick. No worries, this is exactly how the batter should be.

This recipe is heavy on the crumb topping. This is intentional. From my experience, most people prefer a crumb cake this way–it’s kind of the point! Just don’t be alarmed if you think there is almost as much topping as there is cake. The end result–texture, taste, and all–are spot-on.

If you prefer more apples, add one extra peeled, chopped apple into the batter along with the other two. It will give you apple bits in every single bite.

More Baking Inspiration 

Breakfast Jam-Filled Bars Recipe  

Pumpkin Apple Muffins  

Snickers Pie: An All-Time Family Favorite

Easy Strawberry Muffins  

Fudgy Valentine’s Day Brownies

The Best Chocolate Chip Banana Bread