Amazing Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

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Apple coffee cake has always been my ultimate comfort food, especially when the air starts to get a little crisp. I remember my mom making this for weekend breakfasts, and the entire house would fill with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. It felt like such a treat! Learning how to make apple coffee cake from scratch myself was a game-changer. This recipe delivers that same cozy feeling with every bite, making it the perfect easy homemade apple coffee cake for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!

You’ll absolutely adore this apple coffee cake for so many reasons. It’s a delightful blend of warm fall spices and sweet, tender apples, creating a truly comforting dessert experience. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings. This moist apple crumb cake recipe is a family favorite, and the budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy a slice of homemade goodness without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned dessert lovers. Trust me, this apple crumble coffee cake is a winner!

Incredible taste that reminds you of apple pie and fall.
Quick and easy prep time, perfect for any occasion.
Uses fresh apples, offering a healthier dessert option.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it an affordable treat.
Family-friendly and sure to be a hit with all ages.
Packed with delicious texture from the crumb topping and tender apples.
A wonderful way to use up seasonal apples.

Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake

Gather these ingredients to create your perfect apple streusel coffee cake recipe. The combination of fresh apples and warm spices, along with the brown sugar and sour cream, ensures a wonderfully moist crumb. We’ll start with the components for the delicious crumble topping and then move on to the cake itself.

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour for the crumble topping
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar for sweetness in the crumble
1 tsp ground cinnamon for that classic warm spice in the crumble
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled for binding the crumble
1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour for the cake base
1 tsp ground cinnamon for the cake
1 tsp baking powder for lift
1/4 tsp baking soda to help with browning and leavening
1/2 tsp salt to enhance flavors
6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature) for a tender cake
3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar (packed) for a rich, moist cake
1 large egg (room temperature) for binding
1/4 cup (65g) unsweetened apple sauce for extra moisture
1/2 cup (120g) full fat sour cream (room temperature), a key to a moist crumb
1 tsp pure vanilla extract for aroma and flavor
1 cup diced Granny Smith apples for the cake batter
1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apples for the apple layer
2 tbsp light brown sugar for the apple layer
1 tsp ground cinnamon for the apple layer
1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar for the optional icing
2-3 tsp milk or cream for the optional icing

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Let’s get this delicious coffee cake in the oven! This recipe for a spiced apple coffee cake with streusel is straightforward and yields an incredibly flavorful result. Follow these simple steps to create a truly memorable dessert.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. This ensures your beautiful cake releases easily.
Step 2: Start by making the crumble topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Pour in the 1/2 cup (115g) melted and cooled unsalted butter and stir until it forms coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 3: For the apple cake base, combine 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt in a separate bowl. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: In a larger bowl, cream together the 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature) and 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a wonderful base for our cake.
Step 5: Beat in the 1 large egg (room temperature) until fully incorporated. Then, add the 1/4 cup (65g) uns unsweetened apple sauce, 1/2 cup (120g) full fat sour cream (room temperature), and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 3 to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Gently fold in the 1 cup of diced Granny Smith apples into the batter. You want to distribute them evenly without overworking the dough.
Step 8: Pour this luscious cake batter into your prepared springform pan and spread it out evenly.
Step 9: Now, let’s prepare the apple layer. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup finely diced Granny Smith apples with 2 tbsp light brown sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Mix until the apples are well coated.
Step 10: Sprinkle this cinnamon apple mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
Step 11: Generously top everything with the prepared crumble mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the apples.
Step 12: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know your baked apple coffee cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached – no wet batter!
Step 13: Once baked, let the cake cool in the springform pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes. This step is crucial for the cake to set properly.
Step 14: While the cake cools, you can prepare the optional icing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar with 2 tsp milk or cream until smooth and pourable. Add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Step 15: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Transfer the cooled cake to a serving plate.
Step 16: Drizzle the optional icing over the top. Serve this delightful cake warm or at room temperature and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake

To ensure your coffee cake is absolutely amazing, try these little tricks. They’ve been game-changers for me and really elevate this simple dessert.

Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream, is key for a smooth batter and a tender crumb.
Don’t skip cooling the melted butter for the crumble topping; hot butter can melt the sugar and make it greasy instead of crumbly.
Baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best because they hold their shape and offer a nice tartness to balance the sweetness. For more information on apple varieties, check out USApple.org.
Letting the cake cool in the pan for at least 45 minutes is crucial. This allows it to set up properly, preventing it from falling apart when you remove the springform sides.

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Coffee Cake?

The secret lies in the combination of ingredients: room temperature dairy and eggs, tart apples, and light brown sugar create a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake. For the ultimate treat, aim for a best apple cinnamon coffee cake by using good quality cinnamon and fresh apples. You can learn more about the science behind baking on King Arthur Baking.

Can I make Apple Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare it ahead! You can mix the batter and assemble the cake (up to the baking stage) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The crumble topping can also be made a day ahead and stored separately. For more tips on make-ahead baking, see our About Me page.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Coffee Cake?

Avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this can lead to a tough cake. Also, be sure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F; an incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture. For oven calibration tips, consult NIST.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

This delightful cake is perfect on its own, but serving it warm takes it to a whole new level. A truly warm apple coffee cake recipe experience can be achieved by gently reheating a slice. I love to serve it with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for an extra special treat. For a more brunch-appropriate pairing, a simple cup of coffee or a glass of milk is always a classic choice. You could also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a lighter option. Visit our Contact Us page for serving suggestions.

Nutrition Facts for Apple Coffee Cake

This recipe offers a delightful treat, and here’s an approximate breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that the exact numbers can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. Enjoying a slice of this delicious cake is always a good idea!

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: Approx. 350-400
Fat: Approx. 18-22g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 10-12g
Protein: Approx. 3-4g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 45-50g
Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
Sugar: Approx. 30-35g
Sodium: Approx. 150-200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if icing is added.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Coffee Cake

Once your delicious apple coffee cake is completely cool, storing it properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. For short-term storage, place the cake in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerating it in an airtight container is best. This method helps maintain its texture, especially important for an apple crumb cake with coffee. For more details on food storage, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

If you find yourself with more cake than you can enjoy within a few days, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze your apple coffee cake, ensure it’s fully cooled. You can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place the entire cake (if unfrosted) in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. For reheating, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or bake at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Coffee Cake

What is apple coffee cake?

Apple coffee cake is a delightful dessert or breakfast treat that combines the comforting flavors of baked apples and warm spices with the texture of a tender cake. It typically features layers of moist cake, sweet cinnamon apples, and often a crumbly streusel topping. It’s perfect with a morning coffee or as an afternoon indulgence.

Is this a simple apple coffee cake recipe?

Absolutely! While it has a few components like the crumble topping, apple layer, and cake base, the steps are quite straightforward. I’ve designed this recipe to be as accessible as possible, making it a wonderful option for even beginner bakers looking for a delicious homemade treat. You can find more simple recipes on our recipes page.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well. Just ensure they are firm and hold their shape when baked. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or Gala, as they can become mushy.

How do I make the apple cinnamon coffee cake extra moist?

The key to a moist cake lies in using ingredients like sour cream and apple sauce, as well as not overmixing the batter. The brown sugar also contributes significantly to moisture. Baking it until just done, when a skewer comes out with moist crumbs, is also essential to prevent dryness.

Variations of Apple Coffee Cake You Can Try

This basic recipe is fantastic, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for creativity! If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few ideas to make your next apple coffee cake even more special. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Sour Cream Apple Coffee Cake: I’ve already incorporated sour cream into this recipe, which is a big reason why it’s so moist! For an even more pronounced tang, you could increase the sour cream slightly and reduce the apple sauce, creating a richer, more classic sour cream apple coffee cake.
Apple Nut Coffee Cake: Love a little crunch? Fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter along with the apples. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the streusel topping before baking for an extra layer of texture in your apple nut coffee cake.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Apple Coffee Cake: To make this dairy-free, simply swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative, use a dairy-free sour cream or plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt, and a plant-based milk for the icing. For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer.
Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake: Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour in both the cake and crumble topping. Ensure your blend has a good balance of starches and binders for the best texture.