Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe because it brings together everything I adore about fall flavors in one cozy dessert. The tender coffee cake stuffed with tart apples and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-laced crumb is simply irresistible. And the cider glaze? It’s the perfect sweet-tart finish that keeps you coming back for another slice.

When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a weekend favorite in my house — great for brunch, afternoon coffee, or even a comforting dessert after dinner. You’ll find that it’s easier to put together than you expect, yet so impressive in flavor and texture. Trust me, this Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe is definitely worth your baking time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe is in its balance of tangy apples, rich buttery crumb, and that smooth glaze. Each ingredient plays a role in layering flavors and textures that you’ll love discovering.

• Flour: Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender but sturdy crumb and cake structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel depth to the crumb topping that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that golden top.
• Butter (unsalted): Key for richness and moisture both in the cake and crumb topping.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that elevate the apple flavor.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together to give the coffee cake its light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
• Sour Cream (full fat): Keeps the cake moist and tender — don’t skip this!
• Tart Apples (like Granny Smith or Pink Lady): Their firm texture and tang are perfect for baking.
• Powdered Sugar: For that sweet, smooth glaze on top.
• Apple Cider: Gives the glaze a lovely apple punch — you can substitute milk if you like it milder.
• Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

Variations

I like to tweak this Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own and experiment with flavors or textures that’ll delight your family.

• Add Nuts: I’ve tossed in chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for extra crunch and a nutty twist — my family goes crazy for it!
• Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with ground ginger or cardamom for a spicier touch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend — it takes a bit of trial, but still yields a delicious cake.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Start by whisking together the flour, both sugars, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Adding melted butter and vanilla turns this dry mixture into crumbly goodness. I like to use my fingers here to pinch it all into varying-sized crumbs — the texture they create on top makes a huge difference in the final cake.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy — this lightens the cake perfectly. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream, mixing until combined. Finally, add your flour mixture slowly, beating just enough to mix. The batter will be thick, but don’t overmix or it could get dense.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread half the batter thinly in your greased 9×13 dish — wetting your hands helps because the batter is thick and sticky. Spread apples evenly on top, then sprinkle half the crumb topping. Dollop the remaining batter over the crumbs (again, use wet hands to ease spreading), allowing some gaps — this creates lovely layered textures when baked. Finish with the remaining crumbs on top.

Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Bake for 38-45 minutes at 350°F, watching for a golden top and a clean toothpick test. If the crumb’s browning too fast around 30 minutes, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning. While it bakes, whisk powdered sugar, apple cider, melted butter, and a pinch of salt into a smooth glaze. Drizzle warm cake slices with the cider glaze for that extra burst of flavor — this step is what makes this Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe so special!

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon on top, sometimes a few thin apple slices arranged for a pretty finish. If I’m feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns it into a dreamy dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with morning coffee or chai tea for a comforting brunch. For a heartier breakfast, I’ll serve it alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon — a sweet and savory combo that always impresses guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties or holiday brunches, I’ve served this Apple Crumb Cake in mini loaf pans for individual portions — it’s both elegant and convenient to serve. Another fun idea is slicing it into squares and stacking on a dessert platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for that seasonal vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature if I plan to eat within 3-4 days. The crumb topping softens a bit over time but reheating slices in the microwave or air fryer really brings back some of that fresh-baked crunch.

Freezing

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully if you skip the glaze before freezing. I wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before glazing and serving.

Reheating

To keep the crumb topping crisp, I reheat pieces in an air fryer for just a few minutes or use a quick zap in the microwave, then a short air-fry or oven crisp-up if needed. Adding glaze after reheating keeps that fresh, just-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Cider Glaze Recipe is one of those feel-good bakes that never fails to make my kitchen smell like autumn coziness. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests. Once you taste that blend of tart apples, buttery crumb, and that signature cider glaze, you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to in my home. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in yours too!

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