Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re anything like me, nothing beats the cozy, comforting aroma of warm apples mingling with cinnamon in the kitchen. This Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly that kind of treat — perfect for afternoons when you want to curl up with a book or share something special over coffee with friends. The combination of tender cake, soft cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy crumble topping creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that just feels like a warm hug.

What I love most about this Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe is how it feels both elegant and utterly homey, making it just right for everything from casual weekend baking to festive gatherings. Plus, the maple glaze drizzle brings a subtle sweetness and a silky finish that takes this dessert from simple to show-stopping. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this your go-to apple dessert every fall (and honestly, any time apples are around!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a special role, from the tart sweetness of the Gala apples to the dark brown sugar that enriches the crumble’s depth of flavor. I always recommend getting fresh, room temperature ingredients where called for — it really helps with the cake’s texture and the ease of mixing everything together.

• Red Gala apples: Their sweetness and firmness hold up beautifully while baking, giving you that perfect cinnamon apple bite.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the fruit and cake for balanced sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: This warm spice is key to building that signature apple-cinnamon flavor, so don’t skimp here!
• All-purpose flour: The base for the crumble and cake layers — make sure to measure it properly for the best texture.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds richness and moisture to the crumble, giving it that gooey, caramel-like quality.
• Butter (room temperature): Essential for the tender cake crumb and buttery crumble topping, softened butter blends easily.
• Baking powder: Gives your cake the lift and fluffiness you want without being too dense.
• Salt: Just a touch to balance out all the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
• Eggs (room temperature): Help bind the cake batter and add moisture — I always take them out early to avoid curdling.
• Sour cream: The secret ingredient for moistness and slight tang that keeps the cake tender and flavorful.
• Vegetable oil: Adds extra moistness and keeps the crumb soft even after a couple days.
• Vanilla extract: Complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Powdered sugar: For the glaze, dissolving smoothly to create that shiny finish.
• Maple syrup: Brings a gentle, natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and apples.
• Water: Just enough to thin the glaze so it drizzles beautifully without running off.

Variations

I love making this Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on what I have at home or the occasion. It’s one of those flexible recipes that’s really forgiving if you want to experiment.

• Gluten-free variation: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend before, and it turned out great — just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon in the crumble for a cozy twist.
• Fruit substitutions: If apples aren’t in season, pears or even peaches can work nicely, but make sure to adjust cooking time as needed.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut yogurt and a dairy-free butter substitute — the crumble remains just as delicious.
• Extra crunch: Toss some chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble mix for a nutty texture.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

Start by dicing your apples into small, even pieces—about half an inch works well. Toss them gently with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture should sit for about 10 minutes to macerate a bit, which helps soften the apples and lets the cinnamon flavor seep in. Trust me, letting them rest is key—it turns simple diced apples into a warm, cozy filling.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should hold together slightly when you pinch it but still be crumbly—this texture is what gives that satisfying crunch and richness on top of the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Vanilla Cinnamon Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 3-4 minutes if you’re using a mixer. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but soft.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your greased baking pan, smoothing it evenly. Spoon the cinnamon apples over the batter, spreading them out to create an even layer. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading gently so that it covers the filling without mixing too much. Finally, sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumble is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the cake loosely with foil to prevent burning — this happened to me once, so I keep an eye on it around the 40-minute mark.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and enough water to achieve a pourable consistency. The glaze should be smooth and thick but still fluid enough to drizzle nicely. I like using a spoon to drizzle it artistically over the cake once it’s just warm—not hot—to keep the glaze from melting right into the crumble.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple — a dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices fanned out on top looks beautiful. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side; it’s the perfect contrast to the warm spices and tender cake texture.

Side Dishes

If you want to serve this cake for brunch or dessert, try pairing it with lightly brewed coffee or chamomile tea to complement the sweet spices. For a fuller spread, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving individual portions in cute ramekins layered like a trifle, topped with a drizzle of the maple glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar crystals for sparkle. Another fun idea is to cut the cake into squares, skewer each piece with a cinnamon stick, and garnish with fresh apple slices—instant rustic charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge if I want it to last a bit longer. The maple glaze holds up nicely chilled, though I let the cake come back to room temp before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag with good results. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven or microwave to bring back that fresh-baked feeling.

Reheating

I reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This helps the crumble stay crisp and the cake remain moist without drying out. If needed, add an extra drizzle of maple glaze after warming for that fresh drizzle appeal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Crumble Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate the flavors of fall, but honestly, it’s so comforting I make it all year round. It’s just the right balance of sweet, tart, crunchy, and soft, and the maple glaze is that little bit of magic that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’m excited for you to try it yourself — I have a feeling it’ll become a family staple in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.

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