If you’re craving a baked treat that’s warm, moist, and bursting with comforting flavors, look no further than the Apple Coffee Cake. This delightful dessert combines tender cake layers with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping, making it a perfect companion for your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon snack. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced home chef, these Apple Coffee Cake recipes are simple to whip up and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort: Easy to prepare with simple steps that deliver delicious, homey results every time.
Flavor Harmony: The juicy apples and cinnamon create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert—you can enjoy it anytime.
Textural Delight: Moist cake with a crispy, buttery streusel topping offers wonderful contrast.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit seasonal fruit, dietary needs, or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in bringing out the best in this Apple Coffee Cake. From the flour that forms the tender crumb to the apples that add juiciness and flavor, every element contributes to a luscious final result.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of a soft cake structure with just the right density.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
Baking powder: Provides the lift needed for a fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon: Gives that classic warm spice flavor that complements apples perfectly.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cake isn’t dry.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
Apples: Fresh, crisp apples bring moisture, freshness, and natural sweetness.
Brown sugar: Used in the streusel topping, giving it a caramel-like depth.
Chopped nuts (optional): Adds crunch and earthiness to the topping.

Variations for Apple Coffee Cake

One of the joys of this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to add a twist or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some popular variations that will inspire you to get creative.

Gluten-free adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and tasty option.
Caramel drizzle: Add a warm caramel sauce over the finished cake for extra indulgence.
Spiced nuts: Mix walnuts or pecans with a touch of cinnamon and sugar for a crunchy topping.
Apple varieties: Use tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji apples to vary the taste and texture.
Dairy-free version: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

Best Apple Coffee Cake Recipes to Try Today

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until the mix becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air and results in a tender cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring each is fully blended into the mixture for smooth consistency.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and a little milk to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until you get a smooth batter that isn’t overmixed.

Step 6: Fold in Apples

Carefully fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.

Step 7: Prepare Streusel Topping

Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, then cut in cold butter until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Coffee Cake

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help them incorporate better.
Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients combine to keep the cake tender and soft.
Use fresh apples: Select crisp, firm apples for the best texture and flavor.
Streusel topping: Keep the butter cold for that perfect crumbly crunchy topping.
Check doneness early: Start testing the cake for doneness at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the cake’s presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Coffee Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a steaming chai latte, or even vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards or pretty ceramic plates and garnish with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks to wow your guests visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled Apple Coffee Cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it moist and fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat the cake in a low oven to restore its softness and bring out the apple aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh ones?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but canned apples can be used if drained well, although the cake may be moister and less textured.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy a delicious Apple Coffee Cake that fits gluten-free needs.

How long does the Apple Coffee Cake keep fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 days, or up to a week when refrigerated, though it’s best enjoyed sooner.

Can I add other fruits besides apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries can be great alternatives or additions, offering different flavors while keeping the moist cake texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake it fully and allow the cake to cool completely before covering; the crumbly butter-based topping stays crisp best on a cooled surface.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the warm, inviting aroma of an Apple Coffee Cake fresh out of the oven. With its tender crumb, bursting fruit, and sweet cinnamon topping, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or sharing with friends, diving into a slice of this cake is like a cozy hug in dessert form. So roll up your sleeves, grab those apples, and get ready to bake a new favorite that will brighten any day!

Apple Coffee Cake

Print Recipe

A warm and moist Apple Coffee Cake featuring tender cake layers combined with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an indulgent snack, this easy-to-make recipe offers comforting flavors and a delightful texture.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be made Gluten-Free by substituting flour

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
2 cups fresh apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance natural sweetness and prevent browning.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a tender cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until smooth batter forms without overmixing.
Fold in Apples: Carefully fold cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter, distributing evenly without breaking them down.
Prepare Streusel Topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake: Pour batter into a greased pan, sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the surface, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes

Use room temperature butter and eggs for better incorporation.
Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender.
Select fresh, crisp apples for best texture and flavor.
Keep butter cold for a crunchy streusel topping.
Start checking cake doneness at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Allow cake to cool fully before storing to keep topping crisp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: apple coffee cake, baked apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, streusel cake, breakfast cake, easy coffee cake