Apple Coffee Cake Recipe: There’s something magical about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and warm cake drifting through the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Apple Coffee Cake—a cozy, moist, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender cake, juicy apples, and a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth.
Despite its name, there’s actually no coffee in most coffee cakes—including this one! The name comes from the idea that the cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for a straightforward, step-by-step guide to creating a classic apple coffee cake that tastes like it came straight from a cozy café, you’re in the right place.
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also easy to follow. You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull it off. With a few pantry staples, some fresh apples, and a little bit of love, you’ll have a golden, crumbly-topped cake that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start by listing all the ingredients you’ll need for the cake, topping, and any extras you might want to toss in. Don’t worry—most of these are pantry staples.
Core Ingredients for the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
Topping Ingredients (Streusel Crumble)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- Pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra spice
These ingredients add texture and flavor but are totally optional.
Kitchen Tools Required
Before diving into baking, make sure you have the right tools handy.
Must-Have Baking Tools
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- 9-inch round or square baking pan
- Knife and cutting board for the apples
- Cooling rack
Optional Tools That Make Life Easier
- Apple corer/peeler
- Offset spatula
- Food scale (for accuracy)
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup
Having these tools ready will save you time and frustration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Coffee Cake
Now for the fun part! Let’s break this down so it’s easy to follow, even if it’s your first time baking.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. For easy removal, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.
This step is crucial because starting with a cold oven or unprepared pan can completely throw off your baking time and texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Set aside. This helps ensure your leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving you a fluffy, evenly baked cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
Creaming introduces air into the batter, helping your cake rise properly and giving it that light, moist texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Make sure the eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the butter to curdle and affect the cake’s texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
So: dry → sour cream → dry.
Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cake might turn out tough.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the diced apples. Don’t use a mixer here—it can break the apples apart.
You want nice, juicy chunks throughout the cake, not mush.
Step 7: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugars, and cinnamon for the topping. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
The streusel should be crumbly, not pasty—think wet sand, not dough.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Be generous! That topping is what makes this cake truly irresistible.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil halfway through baking.
Every oven is a little different, so start checking around the 38-minute mark.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once it’s cool, slice it up and serve. You can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra fancy touch.
Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake
Want your apple coffee cake to be bakery-level good? These simple tips will help you make the most flavorful, moist, and picture-perfect cake every time.
Choosing the Right Apples
The type of apples you use makes a big difference. You want a balance of sweet and tart with a firm texture that holds up well in baking. Here are some of the best apple varieties for coffee cake:
- Granny Smith – Tart and crisp, great contrast against the sweet cake.
- Honeycrisp – Juicy and sweet with a subtle tartness.
- Fuji or Gala – Sweeter apples that blend in nicely for a more mellow taste.
- Pink Lady – A nice balance of sweet and tangy.
Avoid apples that are too soft or mealy, like Red Delicious—they’ll turn to mush when baked and won’t give you that lovely bite.
How to Keep the Cake Moist
Nobody likes a dry cake. Here’s how to keep yours tender and moist:
- Use sour cream or Greek yogurt – It adds richness and helps the cake stay soft.
- Don’t overbake – As soon as a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, take it out of the oven.
- Let it cool properly – Cutting into a hot cake will release steam and dry it out faster.
Also, consider storing it properly (we’ll get to that in a minute) to lock in the moisture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re not serving the cake all at once (or you’re planning ahead), here’s how to store it:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and store for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Pop a slice in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Pro tip: Add a small dish of water to the microwave while reheating to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this apple coffee cake recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to switch things up to match your cravings or dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
The texture may be slightly different, but it’ll still taste amazing!
Adding Nuts or Raisins
Want a little crunch or chew in your bite?
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or streusel topping.
- Mix in 1/4 cup of raisins, golden raisins, or dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
Just be sure to fold them in gently so they don’t sink to the bottom of the cake.
Caramel Glaze Option
For an extra-decadent version, drizzle a homemade caramel glaze over the top after baking. Here’s a quick recipe:
Quick Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Pinch of salt
Melt everything in a saucepan, boil for 1–2 minutes, then cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
The sweet caramel pairs beautifully with tart apples and cinnamon. It’s optional—but highly recommended if you want to impress guests!
Serving Suggestions
This apple coffee cake shines any time of day. Here are a few ways to serve it:
Best Time to Serve
- Morning coffee or brunch: The soft texture and cinnamon crumble are perfect with a hot drink.
- Afternoon pick-me-up: A great snack when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy.
- Dessert: Warm it up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Drink Pairings
Not just coffee! Try pairing your cake with:
- Chai tea (spicy and warming)
- Apple cider (a double apple hit!)
- Espresso or cappuccino
- Hot chocolate (especially if serving as dessert)
If you’re feeling adventurous, a glass of dessert wine like a Moscato or Riesling complements the apple flavor beautifully.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Here’s a rough breakdown per slice (based on 9 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
Note: This varies depending on your add-ins (nuts, caramel, etc.) and serving size.
Storage & Freezing Tips
To make your cake last as long as possible:
- Store at room temperature for 2 days in a sealed container.
- In the fridge, it keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw: Let it sit at room temp for a few hours, or microwave a frozen slice for 30–45 seconds.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Let’s solve a few baking hiccups before they happen:
Cake Too Dense?
- Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until everything is combined.
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh (they lose potency over time).
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
Apples Not Evenly Distributed?
- Coat your diced apples lightly in flour before folding them into the batter—this helps suspend them in the cake rather than sinking to the bottom.
Topping Sinks into the Cake?
- If your streusel is too wet, it’ll sink. Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces, not melted.
- Gently press the streusel onto the top of the batter, but don’t mix it in.
FAQs about Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
1. Can I use canned apples or apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
You can, but fresh apples give a better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and chop them before adding. Apple pie filling may make the cake overly moist or soggy.
2. Does coffee cake actually contain coffee?
Nope! The name comes from the tradition of serving it with coffee, not because it contains any. But hey—feel free to sip a cup while you bake.
3. How long does apple coffee cake stay fresh?
Stored properly, it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days in the fridge, or 2 days at room temperature.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it the day before, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat briefly before serving for that “just baked” feel.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. You can even add a touch of butter before reheating for extra richness.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new go-to Apple Coffee Cake recipe. It’s cozy, sweet, and loaded with flavor, yet simple enough for a weekday bake. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a holiday table, or just because apples were on sale, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.
From the tender cake to the buttery crumb topping, every bite feels like a warm hug in cake form. And once you’ve nailed the basics, you can easily riff on the flavors with caramel drizzle, nuts, or a handful of raisins.
So grab your mixing bowl, your favorite apples, and let’s get baking!
