Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake Recipe with Tender Crumble

With only 3 ingredients you can whip up this easy apple cinnamon crumb cake without a fuss and still have that made from scratch taste.

This simple, delicious dessert is perfect when you want something homemade without a lot of work. The apple cinnamon crumb cake is moist, warmly spiced, and comes together faster than you’d expect.

Using just 3 ingredients—or 4 if you add the optional icing—you’ll have a fall-inspired cake ready in under an hour. No complicated prep, no peeling or cooking apples, and minimal cleanup.

Why this recipe is so easy

• You only need 3 ingredients: no flour, butter, or milk to measure and mix.
• The Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake mix provides the batter and crumb topping in one box—just add water and an egg.
• Using canned apple pie filling eliminates peeling, coring, and cooking apples, saving time while still delivering great texture and flavor.

Ingredients

• Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake mix (one box)
• Apple pie filling (one can; any brand you prefer)
• 1 large egg

Mixing the batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl combine 2/3 cup water and the egg, then add the cake mix. Stir until combined—the batter may remain slightly lumpy, which is fine.

Preparing the filling

Put the apple pie filling in a bowl and use a spoon to break the apple pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Remove about one-quarter of the crumb topping included in the box and mix it into the apple filling—this adds cinnamon and texture to the fruit layer.

Layering the cake

Grease an 8-inch springform pan or line a baking pan of similar size. Pour half the cake batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the apple pie filling mixture over the batter and distribute it in an even layer. Add the remaining batter on top and smooth it out. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cinnamon sugar crumb mix over the surface.

Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean of batter. (If the toothpick shows a clear liquid, that’s likely apple filling; if it shows milky batter, bake a little longer.)

Tips for success

• Try different fillings—peach or other fruits that pair well with cinnamon work nicely.
• If you prefer homemade filling, you can make your own apple pie filling and use it in place of the canned version.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing or adding icing; this helps it set and slice cleanly.
• You don’t need a springform pan—an 8×8 square pan or even muffins will work with adjusted baking times.
• For extra sweetness, make a simple icing with powdered sugar and water and drizzle it over the cooled cake.
• Check the center before removing from the oven: a clear liquid on a toothpick is apple filling, while a cloudy or milky residue indicates batter that needs more time to bake.

Recipe summary

Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in May 2017 and republished with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tweaks in September 2019.