The moist, tender crumb of this Apple Coffee Cake is perfectly balanced by a rich cinnamon swirl and buttery streusel topping that bakes into golden perfection. Every bite bursts with chunks of juicy apple, making it a heartwarming treat for chilly mornings or cozy afternoon breaks.
Whether you serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply alongside your favorite cup of coffee, this versatile dessert easily transforms into a showstopping brunch centerpiece or a comforting end to a weeknight dinner. Best of all, it’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
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Cooking spray
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp kosher salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream
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2 medium sweet-tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
For the Streusel Topping:
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12 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of kosher salt
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Powdered sugar, for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in the middle. Lightly coat a 9×13” baking pan with cooking spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
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In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix well.
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Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a few dry streaks remain. Add sour cream and mix until just combined.
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Fold in chopped apples. Spread batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
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For the streusel, mix melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool completely in pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
The Story Behind Coffee Cake
Coffee cake isn’t actually made with coffee, which can be a surprise to those unfamiliar with the term. Its name originates from the fact that it’s typically enjoyed with coffee. Popular in many cultures—particularly in America, Germany, and Scandinavian countries—coffee cake has evolved to include everything from fruit-filled versions to those with nuts, chocolate chips, or cream cheese swirls.
In the United States, it became a brunch staple in the mid-20th century, as social coffee gatherings became more popular. The streusel-topped version we know today—with its crumbly, buttery topping and soft, cake-like base—is an American adaptation that emphasizes both texture and sweetness.
Why Apples Are the Perfect Addition
Apples add depth and moisture to coffee cake in a way few other fruits can. When baked, apples soften and release their natural sugars, creating pockets of tender fruit that contrast beautifully with the buttery crumb. They also contribute a level of tartness and freshness that balances the richness of the cake.
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are especially well-suited for baking. Granny Smith’s tartness holds up well against the cake’s sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds juicy texture and floral notes. A mix of the two creates a more complex flavor profile, but the recipe is adaptable depending on what you have on hand.
The Flavor and Texture Profile
The magic of Apple Coffee Cake lies in its layered textures and harmonious flavors. The cake itself is soft and buttery, enriched with sour cream to give it extra tenderness and a slight tang. Apples folded into the batter provide natural sweetness and bursts of juicy fruit in every bite.
On top, the streusel adds a crisp contrast. It’s made from flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon—a simple combination that becomes golden and crunchy when baked. When this topping melds with the moist cake underneath, the result is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.
To finish it off, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch, though it’s entirely optional. Some prefer to serve it warm with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or even a scoop of ice cream for a more decadent twist.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake Every Time
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream. This helps the batter mix more evenly, resulting in a consistent texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: After incorporating the dry ingredients, mix only until the flour is just absorbed. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
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Fold in the Apples Gently: To avoid breaking down the fruit and turning your batter into mush, use a spatula to fold in the apples delicately.
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Monitor Your Bake Time: All ovens vary slightly. Begin checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
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Let It Cool Completely Before Slicing: Although tempting, cutting into the cake too early can cause the crumb to collapse. Give it time to set for best results.
Variations You Can Try
One of the great things about Apple Coffee Cake is how customizable it is. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients or alternative versions to suit your tastes.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for added texture and a nutty flavor.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom into the batter for a spicier, more aromatic cake.
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Cream Cheese Layer: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the cake and streusel for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
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Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
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Healthier Option: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while maintaining moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few favorite ways to enjoy it:
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Morning Brunch Star: Serve warm slices alongside a cup of coffee or chai tea. It pairs wonderfully with savory breakfast items like scrambled eggs or a veggie quiche.
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Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: A slice in the afternoon with a glass of cold milk or iced coffee makes for a comforting snack.
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Dessert Finish: Warm it up and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even whipped cream.
Because of its generous size (typically baked in a 9×13″ pan), this cake is also great for feeding a crowd—perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or potluck dinners.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Apple Coffee Cake stores well, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, it will keep on the counter for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
To freeze, slice the cake into portions, wrap each piece in parchment paper and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or let it come to room temperature naturally.
A Fall Favorite That’s Perfect Year-Round
While the warm spices and apple flavors make this cake especially fitting for autumn, it’s truly a year-round treat. The ingredients are easy to find in any season, and the preparation is straightforward enough for even beginner bakers. Its simplicity is what makes it so lovable.
What sets this cake apart is the combination of comfort and versatility. It’s homey without being boring, sweet without being cloying, and beautiful without requiring professional skills. You can dress it up for special occasions or keep it casual for a lazy Sunday.
Conclusion
Apple Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, nostalgic comfort, and kitchen creativity. With its tender crumb, juicy apples, and crumbly cinnamon streusel, it strikes the perfect balance between rustic and refined.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a cozy snack, or looking to impress guests with a homemade dessert, this cake has you covered. Its ability to adapt to different flavor preferences, dietary needs, and occasions makes it a recipe worth mastering and repeating.
So the next time you find yourself with a couple of apples and a craving for something sweet and satisfying, remember that Apple Coffee Cake is just an oven away. Serve it warm, share it with loved ones, and let the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fill your kitchen with joy.