Discover delicious Apple Coffee Cake recipes perfect for any occasion. This delightful treat is easy to make, moist, and full of flavor to satisfy your sweet cravings, combining the natural sweetness of apples with a tender crumb and a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, Apple Coffee Cake is a versatile classic that brings warmth and comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and approachable: Uses common pantry ingredients that anyone can find easily.
Moist and flavorful: The apples keep the cake tender, while cinnamon and spices add a cozy touch.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a morning treat, afternoon snack, or casual dessert.
Customizable: Easily adapted with different apple varieties or add-ins like nuts and raisins.
Quick to prepare: Minimal fuss, so you can have a fresh dessert or breakfast in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake are both simple and essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the flour that provides structure to the fresh apples that add moisture, every element contributes to this delicious treat.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft but sturdy cake texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
Cinnamon and spices: Provide warmth and depth of flavor that complements apples perfectly.
Fresh apples: Chopped or grated, they infuse moistness and fruity freshness into the cake.
Butter: Gives richness and helps keep the cake moist.
Eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s airy structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
Sour cream or yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
Brown sugar and oats (for topping): Create a crunchy and flavorful crumb topping for added texture.

Variations for Apple Coffee Cake

One of the best parts about Apple Coffee Cake is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak the recipe based on your favorite ingredients, dietary needs, or simply to add a personal touch.

Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or topping for crunch and a nutty flavor.
Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for those with sensitivities.
Spiced up: Include extra spices like nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a more aromatic cake.
Healthy upgrade: Replace some sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Fruit swap: Use pears or peaches if apples aren’t in season, keeping the same moist texture.

Best Apple Coffee Cake Recipes to Try Today

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel and dice your apples into small chunks or grate them to release more moisture; set aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which ensures a tender crumb and rich flavor.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream or yogurt for moisture and tang.

Step 5: Combine Apples and Dry Mix

Gently fold chopped apples into the dry ingredients, then carefully mix the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Prepare Crumb Topping

Mix brown sugar, oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the cake batter in the pan.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to preserve its moist texture and enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Coffee Cake

Use tart apples: Varieties like Granny Smith balance sweetness with a pleasant tang and hold their shape well.
Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps the cake tender instead of dense or tough.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensures even blending and better texture.
Toast the nuts: If adding nuts, lightly toast them to amplify their flavor and crunch.
Check baking time: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can elevate the Apple Coffee Cake’s presentation and add a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai for the perfect combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cake slightly warm for a cozy dessert or cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing during brunch gatherings and parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven to refresh the cake’s moisture and bring out its delicious aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for Apple Coffee Cake?

While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use frozen apples if thawed and drained well to reduce extra moisture that might affect the cake.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for Apple Coffee Cake because they hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and use plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternatives to keep moisture.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake and use apples that add moisture, such as fresh, juicy varieties; also, ingredients like sour cream help keep the cake tender.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or raisins enhances texture and flavor, just fold them in with the apples before baking.

Final Thoughts

Apple Coffee Cake is a simple yet deeply satisfying treat that brightens up any moment, whether it’s a quiet morning or a lively gathering. Its harmonious blend of moist cake, tender apples, and crumbly topping makes it a timeless favorite that’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes—so grab those apples and give it a try today!

Apple Coffee Cake

Print Recipe

Apple Coffee Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful treat combining fresh apples with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this easy-to-make recipe uses common pantry ingredients to deliver a cozy and comforting dessert that can be customized with nuts, raisins, or alternative fruits.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh apples, peeled and diced or grated
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt

Crumb Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/3 cup raisins

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice your apples into small chunks or grate them to release more moisture; set aside while you prepare the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream or yogurt for moisture and a slight tang.
Combine Apples and Dry Mix: Gently fold chopped or grated apples (and optional nuts or raisins if using) into the dry ingredients, then carefully mix the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Prepare Crumb Topping: Mix brown sugar, oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly, then evenly sprinkle over the cake batter in the pan.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to preserve its moist texture and enhance the flavors.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and better texture.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even blending and better texture.
If adding nuts, lightly toast them to amplify their flavor and crunch.
Start checking the cake at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures vary.
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven to refresh moisture and aroma.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: apple coffee cake, cinnamon crumb cake, breakfast cake, apple dessert, coffee cake, moist cake