Apple Coffee Cake Recipe – A Delicious & Easy Treat

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake

Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about this apple coffee cake recipe—the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with warm, cozy cinnamon vibes and makes every coffee break feel a little extra special. If you love soft, spiced cake, juicy apples, and a buttery crumb topping, you’re in for a treat.

Looking for more delicious homemade recipes? If you’re in the mood for something savory after indulging in this cake, you might love my Canned Chicken Salad Recipe—it’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep! Or, if you’re craving something crispy and satisfying, check out these Boneless Chicken Wings for a game-day favorite.

Here’s why this apple coffee cake recipe is about to become your new favorite:

🍏 Loaded with Fresh Apples – No canned stuff here! This cake is packed with real, juicy apples for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite.

☕ Made for Coffee Lovers – It’s literally in the name! This cake pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe, an afternoon latte, or even a cozy mug of tea. But honestly? It’s just as good straight from the pan with a fork.

🧁 Irresistible Crumb Topping – Buttery, cinnamon-spiced, and just the right amount of crunchy. It’s the kind of topping that makes you want to sneak little bites before the cake even cools (I won’t judge!).

👩‍🍳 Easy & No-Fuss – This apple coffee cake recipe doesn’t require fancy techniques or complicated steps. Just mix, pour, and bake. If you can stir, you can make this cake!

🎉 Perfect Anytime – Breakfast? Yes. Afternoon snack? Absolutely. Dessert? Always. Whether you’re treating yourself, impressing guests, or just looking for an excuse to bake, this cake has you covered.

Ingredients Needed

Before we dive into baking, let’s round up everything you’ll need for this apple coffee cake recipe. Simple ingredients, big cozy flavors—just the way we like it!

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great!)

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze

Want to take this apple coffee cake recipe to the next level? A simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to bake up something delicious! 🍏☕

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got all our ingredients ready, let’s walk through how to make this delicious apple coffee cake recipe step by step. No stress, no fuss—just pure baking joy!

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal).

• Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Set them aside.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients for a perfectly fluffy cake!

Step 2: Making the Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream, mixing until just combined. (Don’t overmix, or your cake might be dense!)

• Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Preparing the Streusel Topping

• In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

• Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

• Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.

• Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 5: Adding the Glaze (Optional)

If you want to make this apple coffee cake recipe even more irresistible, drizzle a sweet glaze over the top!

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Drizzle over the cooled cake for a finishing touch.

Now, grab a fork, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and enjoy every delicious bite! ☕🍏

Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake

Want to make sure your apple coffee cake recipe turns out perfectly every time? Here are some handy tips to help you bake a moist, flavorful cake with the best texture and taste!

Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples work well for baking. Here are some of the best choices for this apple coffee cake:

Granny Smith – Firm and tart, they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Honeycrisp – Juicy, slightly tart, and full of flavor.

Fuji – Naturally sweet and sturdy, a great all-purpose option.

Braeburn – A good mix of sweet and tart with a crisp texture.

Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious—they can become mushy when baked.

Storing & Reheating

This apple coffee cake stays tasty for days if stored correctly!

Storing and Reheating

To keep your apple coffee cake fresh and delicious, store it properly:

Room Temperature: Keep the cake in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its moisture and texture.

Refrigeration: If you need to store it longer, place it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature so it stays soft and tasty.

To Reheat:

Warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

If reheating the whole cake, cover it with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best bakers can run into trouble, but here are a few things to watch out for to ensure your apple coffee cake turns out perfect:

• Overmixing the Batter – Stir just until combined! Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough instead of light and fluffy.

• Using the Wrong Apples – Soft apples can turn mushy, so stick with firm, baking-friendly varieties.

• Skipping the Streusel Topping – Trust me, the crumbly, buttery topping is what makes this cake extra special—don’t leave it out!

• Not Letting the Cake Cool – Slicing too soon can make the cake fall apart. Give it at least 10 minutes to set before cutting.

For more baking tips and tricks, check out this helpful resource from UW Nutrition & Food Safety. It offers great advice on ingredient choices, baking techniques, and how to avoid common mistakes in the kitchen!

FAQs for Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

1. What type of apples work best for apple coffee cake?

The best apples for apple coffee cake are firm and slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape well and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

2. Can I use canned or frozen apples instead of fresh apples?

Yes, but fresh apples provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Canned apples can work, but make sure they are not too soft or overly sweet.

3. Does this coffee cake actually contain coffee?

No, traditional coffee cake does not contain coffee. It gets its name because it is typically enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

4. Can I make this apple coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a 1:1 baking blend for best results.