Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake with Brown Sugar Streusel

With only 3 ingredients you can make this simple apple cinnamon crumb cake that tastes homemade without the fuss.

This easy apple cinnamon crumb cake is perfect when you want a cozy, fall-flavored dessert but don’t have time for a long baking session. It uses a boxed cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix, canned apple pie filling, and one egg. If you prefer a sweeter finish, an optional simple icing of powdered sugar and water finishes it beautifully.

Why this recipe is so simple

• Only 3 main ingredients — no need for additional flour, butter, or milk.
• The cinnamon swirl cake mix provides the cake base and crumb topping, so most work is already done.
• Canned apple pie filling eliminates peeling, chopping, and pre-cooking apples.

Ingredients

• Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake mix (or any cinnamon crumb cake mix you prefer)
• Apple pie filling — one can, any brand
• 1 large egg

Optional Icing

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Mixing the batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl combine 2/3 cup water and the large egg. Add the cake mix and stir until mostly combined; a few small lumps are fine. The batter will be pourable but slightly lumpy from the mix.

Preparing the filling

Pour the apple pie filling into a bowl and break the larger apple pieces into smaller bite-sized pieces with a spoon. Take about one quarter of the crumb topping from the cake mix package and stir it into the apple filling until the pieces are evenly coated. This keeps the apples from sinking and brings more cinnamon flavor into the middle layer.

Layering and baking

Grease an 8-inch round springform pan (or an 8×8 square pan if you prefer). Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Spoon the apple pie filling mixture over the batter and distribute it evenly. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apples, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar crumb topping across the top.

Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with mostly dry crumbs. Because the apple layer can be moist, check that any milky-tinted batter is cooked through; a clear liquid on the toothpick may simply be apple syrup.

When the cake is done, allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling helps the layers set and makes cleaner slices.

Tips and variations

• You can substitute other fruit fillings that pair with cinnamon — peach or pear fillings work well.
• If you prefer homemade filling, cook down fresh apples with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender and thickened to your taste.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing or adding the optional icing; a cooled cake holds together much better.
• A springform pan makes removal easy, but an 8×8 square pan or large muffin tins are fine for changes in shape and serving size.
• To make the simple icing: whisk 3/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon water (add more water a few drops at a time if needed) until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
• Check the center before removing from the oven — because the apple layer is moist, use a toothpick to ensure the cake batter is fully set.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake — Recipe Summary

Update notes: This recipe was originally posted in May 2017 and later updated with new photos, clearer step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips.