If you have a soft spot for cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug in every bite, you are going to adore this Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe. It’s a divine combination of moist vanilla cinnamon cake, tender cinnamon-sugar coated apples, a buttery crumb topping, and a luscious maple glaze that takes this treat right over the moon. From the first forkful, you’ll notice how the familiar warmth of cinnamon and the sweet tang of apples come together in a way that’s both nostalgic and unforgettable. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Every ingredient in this Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor and texture. The blend is simple, but each component—from the tart apples to the tender crumb topping—adds something special that makes this cake stand out.

Red Gala Apples: Choose firm apples for the best texture and sweetness; their natural juices add moisture and flavor to the cake.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples and the cake batter perfectly without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth to the apples, cake, and crumble.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crumb, cake, and crumble, providing structure and tenderness.
Dark Brown Sugar: Infuses the crumble topping with a rich molasses flavor and chewy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture throughout the cake and crumble, elevating the flavor complexity.
Baking Powder: Essential for helping the cake rise to a tender, fluffy perfection.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Eggs: Bind the cake’s ingredients together while contributing to its light texture.
Sour Cream: Brings moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake incredibly soft.
Vegetable Oil: Adds extra moisture and tenderness without weighing the cake down.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake with sweet, aromatic notes that tie all the flavors together.
Powdered Sugar: The base for the silky maple glaze that crowns this cake beautifully.
Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and signature maple flavor to the glaze.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cinnamon Apples

Start by dicing your apples into small, evenly sized cubes to ensure every bite is packed with fruit. Toss these pieces with granulated sugar and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. This mixture will draw out some of the apples’ natural juices while soaking in that spicy-sweet flavor. Be careful not to add the excess liquid to the cake later, as it could affect the texture. Set the apples aside to let the flavors mingle while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 2: Making the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and cinnamon with room-temperature butter. Use your hands or an electric mixer to mix until it forms a crumbly texture—think coarse sand but slightly clumpy. This buttery, sweet crumble will add a rich, crunchy contrast to the soft cake and tender apples, creating that perfect harmony of textures.

Step 3: Preparing the Vanilla Cinnamon Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 175ºC (350ºF) and prepare a 23 cm (9-inch) springform pan lined with parchment paper. Begin by sifting together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—this dry mix will ensure your cake rises beautifully and has even spice notes throughout. Next, cream butter and granulated sugar at high speed until fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes, using a stand or hand mixer with a paddle attachment.

Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition to keep that airy texture. Alternate adding half the dry ingredients with sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing at low speed until everything is just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid any pockets of unmixed flour or butter.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully layer the cinnamon apples on top, distributing them as evenly as possible to ensure every slice gets fruit. Cover with the remaining cake batter, smoothing the surface with a spatula, then generously sprinkle the crumble topping over everything to create that signature crunchy finish.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling

Bake your creation for about 1 hour and 5 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, cool the cake for 10 minutes, then gently run a thin knife around the edges to release it from the springform pan. Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before moving on to the glaze.

Step 6: Preparing the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a splash of water until you get a smooth, pourable glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more water or powdered sugar until it’s just right. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake—this final touch adds a shiny, irresistible sweetness that finishes the Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe like a dream.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows a round dessert with two visible layers: the bottom layer is a light brown crumbly base, and the top layer is covered with a drizzle of white icing in thin, uneven lines. The dessert is placed on brown parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Around the dessert, there are dried apple slices, a few cinnamon sticks, and star anise scattered for decoration. A white spoon rests near the dessert, and a woman's hand is seen gently touching the right side of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or some chopped toasted pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh apple slices or a cinnamon stick alongside each slice make beautiful, edible garnishes that underscore those apple-cinnamon notes.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with this cake, adding cool creaminess that contrasts the warm spices. For a cozy brunch, serve with a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Try individual servings in clear glasses layering cake crumbs, apple chunks, and drizzle the glaze on top, turning this cake into an elegant parfait. Or cut the cake into bite-sized bars to serve at gatherings as a delightful finger food that won’t mess with your guests’ plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and keep the crumb topping crisp. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best to refrigerate it, though the texture may soften slightly.

Freezing

This Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 160ºC (325ºF) for about 10 minutes to bring back that freshly baked feeling. If frozen, make sure the cake is fully thawed before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gala apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well too, depending on whether you prefer your cake tarter or sweeter.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt for a similar moisture level and taste.

Can I bake this cake in a different pan size?

You can, but keep in mind the baking time may need adjustment. For thinner cakes in larger pans, watch closely to avoid overbaking; for smaller pans, expect a longer bake time.

What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?

Simply swap in honey or a light corn syrup to maintain that glossy sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the apples from making the cake soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess liquid released from the apples after tossing them with sugar and cinnamon before layering them into the batter. This helps keep the crumb topping crisp and the cake moist but not wet.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt invitation to enjoy the finest flavors of the season. The tender cake, spiced apples, and buttery crumble paired with the sweet maple glaze will quickly become a cherished favorite whether you’re sharing it at a family dinner or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. I truly hope you whip up this beauty soon and savor every bite as much as I do!