There is something absolutely magical about sinking your fork into a moist Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel, a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. This classic treat combines tender chunks of fresh apples with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping, creating a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors. Whether you’re serving it with your morning coffee or as a cozy afternoon snack, this apple coffee cake will quickly become your go-to recipe for comfort and happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect texture combination: Moist, tender cake paired with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that adds delightful contrast.
Warm, comforting flavors: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples brings autumn right to your table in every bite.
Simple yet impressive: Easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward method make this recipe approachable for all skill levels.
Versatile treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Customizable to your taste: Add nuts, swap fruit, or play with spices to create your perfect twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel uses simple pantry staples paired with fresh apples to create a balance of flavors and textures you’ll love. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering moist cake and sweet, spiced topping.

Fresh apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness throughout the batter.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel note, perfect for the streusel.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for both the batter and topping to ensure perfect richness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, fluffy cake.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that bring depth to the cake and topping.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and aroma.
Milk or buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

Variations for Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

This Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to tweak or enhance it depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences. Here are a few easy-to-apply variations to make this classic your own.

Nutty delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for added crunch and nuttiness.
Gluten-free option: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend without compromising moisture.
Fruit swaps: Substitute apples with pears or add frozen berries for a fun twist.
Sugar reduction: Use coconut sugar or reduce overall sugar for a lighter sweetness.
Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom for a more aromatic and layered flavor.

Irresistible Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar to enhance their natural flavor and prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside to top the cake later.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients to keep the batter smooth and tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Fold the diced apples gently into the batter. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Use cold butter for streusel: Cold butter creates a crumbly and crisp topping instead of melting into the batter.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
Choose tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.
Layer some streusel inside: For extra texture, sprinkle some streusel halfway through the batter after pouring it into the pan.
Let the cake cool a bit: Allow the cake to rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds visual appeal and sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or freshly brewed apple cider for a perfectly cozy experience. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates for a homey feel. For gatherings, turn the cake into mini muffins using the same batter and streusel for portable treats everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

This Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm the cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked warmth and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are preferred for texture and moisture control, but if you use frozen, drain excess liquid well and pat dry to avoid soggy cake.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter, use a flax or chia egg instead of eggs, and swap milk with any plant-based milk.

How long does Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel stay fresh?

At room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 days. Refrigeration extends its freshness to around 5 days.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.

What is the best apple variety to use?

Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith work best as they maintain their shape and provide a nice tang against the sweet batter.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about this Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel that makes every moment a little more special. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a quiet morning by yourself, this cake’s moist texture, warm spices, and crunchy topping come together to create pure joy in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy, homemade comfort!

Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Author: Lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

Print Recipe

Description

A moist and tender Apple Coffee Cake with a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that blends sweet, spicy, and fruity flavors perfectly. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this comforting cake features fresh tart apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a cozy, delicious treat that’s easy to make and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
1 teaspoon sugar (to toss with apples)
Pinch of ground cinnamon (to toss with apples)

Cake Batter

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup milk or buttermilk

Cinnamon Streusel Topping

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar to enhance their natural flavor and prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the batter.
Mix the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside to top the cake later.
Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep batter smooth and tender.
Assemble the Cake: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel over the top. For extra texture, optionally layer some streusel halfway through the batter.
Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. Let cool slightly for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use cold butter for the streusel topping to get a crumbly, crisp texture instead of melted butter.
Do not overmix the cake batter to avoid toughness; mix until just combined.
Choose tart, firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
For added texture, sprinkle some streusel halfway through layering the batter in the pan.
Allow the cake to cool 15-20 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices.
This cake can be customized by adding chopped nuts to the streusel, swapping apples for pears or berries, reducing sugar, or adding spices like cardamom.
To make it vegan, substitute butter with vegan butter, use flax or chia eggs instead of eggs, and plant-based milk instead of dairy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: apple coffee cake, cinnamon streusel, autumn dessert, moist coffee cake, gluten-free coffee cake, breakfast cake, fall dessert, spiced cake