There’s something incredibly cozy about an Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe that just makes you want to curl up with a cup of coffee and savor each bite. This cake feels like fall in every forkful—with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth. If you love desserts that taste homemade without too much fuss, you’ll find this recipe absolutely worth trying.

I first made this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe on a lazy weekend morning, and it quickly became a staple at my house. The blend of soft apples and rich crumb with a delicate maple drizzle on top hits all the right notes for breakfast, dessert, or even a cozy snack. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll love how reliably delicious and comforting it is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe serves a purpose: from the tangy sour cream in the cake for moistness to the cinnamon that warms everything up. When shopping, look for fresh, crisp apples and good-quality maple syrup for that authentic flavor boost.

Apples: I like Gala apples here for their mild sweetness and firmness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp work great too.
Granulated sugar: Used in both the cake and the cinnamon apples to balance tartness and add sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Don’t skip this — it’s the heart of the spice flavor that makes this cake sing.
All-purpose flour: The base for both the cake and the crumble topping, giving structure and texture.
Dark brown sugar: Adds deeper molasses notes especially in the crumb topping.
Butter (room temperature): Key for richness and that tender crumb — make sure it’s properly softened for easier mixing.
Baking powder: To give the cake a nice lift and light texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet flavors.
Eggs (room temperature): They help bind everything and give the cake structure — warming them slightly helps them blend in better.
Sour cream (14-18%): Moisturizes and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender without weighing it down.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
Powdered sugar: For the delicate maple glaze.
Maple syrup: The star in the glaze that adds richness and a natural sweetness.
Water: Used sparingly in the glaze to adjust consistency.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe is. It’s simple to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs, so I encourage you to make it your own.

Nutty variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping — I did this once for a holiday gathering, and the crunch was a fun surprise.
Dairy-free option: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and butter for a vegan buttery spread to make it dairy-free.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of ground cloves for a deeper fall spice profile.
Apple swap: Try pears instead of apples for a sweeter twist, especially late in the season.
Glaze twist: Use honey instead of maple syrup in the glaze if you prefer a milder sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

Start by dicing your apples into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the cake. Toss them together with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until the apples are well-coated. This step infuses the fruit with that warm cinnamon flavor and a bit of sweetness, which is the foundation of the cake’s character.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a bowl, combine flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it — you want that buttery, sandy texture to form the crumbly topping that bakes into little pockets of crunchy goodness.

Step 3: Mix the Vanilla Cinnamon Cake Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl. In another, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, beating smoothly after each addition. Next, mix in sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — don’t overmix or the cake might get dense.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the cake batter into a greased pan, then evenly scatter the cinnamon apples over it. Spread the remaining batter on top, and finally, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over everything. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and enough water to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle this glaze over the warm cake — it seeps into the crumbs and adds that perfect touch of sweetness and maple flavor. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top of the glaze for an extra cinnamon kick. Sometimes, a few fresh apple slices fanned on the side brighten the presentation and hint at the flavors inside the cake.

Side Dishes

Serving this cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream never fails to impress guests. For breakfast, pairing it with hot coffee or chai tea enhances the warm spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake in individual ramekins, which makes each serving look extra fancy. Or spread the glaze on, then scatter toasted pecans and a light drizzle of caramel for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake stays moist when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I’ve found storing it this way preserves that fresh-from-the-oven texture nicely.

Freezing

If you want to make it way ahead, this cake freezes beautifully without losing much flavor. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. This lightly revives the crumb texture and softens the glaze again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in the Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe?

Absolutely! While Gala apples work well for their sweetness and texture, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith depending on whether you want a sweeter or tangier bite. Just choose apples that hold their shape when baked so they don’t turn mushy.
Can I make this Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake without sour cream?

Yes, sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, but you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Be sure to use full-fat versions for best results to keep the cake moist and tender.
Is it okay to prepare the crumble topping in advance?

Definitely! You can make the crumble topping a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before sprinkling on the cake to break up any clumps.
How do I know when the Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and the crumb should feel set when lightly touched.
Can I store the Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake in the fridge?

Yes, but I recommend letting it come to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor. The fridge can dry it out slightly, so keep the cake well wrapped to minimize this.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like home every time I bake it. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday yet impressive enough for company. I hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the seasonal flavors and the warming maple glaze come together in each bite. Trust me, once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to cake.