Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze

If you’re craving something that combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery crumb topping and a luscious drizzle of maple sweetness, you’ve just found it. This Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze is the ultimate comfort dessert that’s not only perfect for cozy mornings but also an irresistible treat for any time you want a touch of homemade warmth. Every bite bursts with moist apple layers and crunchy crumb topping, all tied together by a silky maple glaze that truly makes this cake unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Moist Texture: The cake balances tender apples and moist crumb for a delightful every-bite experience.
• Homey Spices: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the apples, creating a cozy feel.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for anything fancy; everyday pantry staples come together beautifully.
• Maple Glaze Magic: The sweet glaze adds a smooth, rich finish that complements the crumb topping flawlessly.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze recipe uses straightforward ingredients that combine to provide perfect balance in taste and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the tart apples adding freshness to the crumb topping that provides crunch and the maple glaze that finishes it beautifully.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: For sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor in the crumb.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring out the flavor of the apples.
• Fresh Apples: Tart and sweet apples, peeled and chopped, add moisture and flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: For proper rise and lightness.
• Pure Maple Syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze that complements the cake’s flavors perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: Mixed with maple syrup to create the luscious glaze.

Variations for Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to make simple swaps to suit your tastes or dietary requirements. Feel free to experiment with these easy variations to add a personal touch.

• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to keep it safe for sensitive diets.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for deeper spice notes.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter and substitute eggs with flax eggs.
• Mixed Fruit Addition: Mix in diced pears or blueberries along with the apples for fruit variety.

How to Make Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to let the flavors begin to meld while you prepare the rest of the batter.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping looks like coarse crumbs, then set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

Whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla in one bowl. In another, combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and spices. Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet, then fold in the prepped apples.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half of the batter into a greased cake pan, sprinkle half the crumb topping over it, then add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the crumb mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the crumb is golden brown.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar and pure maple syrup together until smooth and drizzleable.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once slightly cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the cake. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart that stands out in the cake.
• Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter makes for the best crumb topping texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to maintain a tender crumb.
• Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool before glazing so the glaze doesn’t melt and run off.
• Leaf the Rest of the Glaze: Store any leftover glaze in the fridge and drizzle over pancakes or oatmeal for an extra treat.

How to Serve Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Top your cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few thin apple slices, or chopped toasted nuts to elevate its presentation and add texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a perfect pairing that enhances the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins with crumb topping and glaze for a charming single-serve presentation, or layer slices in a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to revive that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

While applesauce adds moisture, it won’t provide the same texture or fresh apple flavor; fresh apples are best for this crumb cake.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking to keep the texture and taste consistent.

Can I make the crumb topping without nuts?

Absolutely. The crumb topping is delicious on its own, but nuts lend extra crunch if you prefer.

How thick should the maple glaze be?

The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny; adjust by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a bit more maple syrup to thin.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, just remember to use a larger baking pan and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick test.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumb Cake with Maple Glaze is truly a sweet slice of comfort that brings together soft, spiced apples and a crunchy crumble with a decadent maple finish. It’s a recipe that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a cozy moment alone. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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