Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake
There’s nothing better than the aroma of freshly baked Apple Coffee Cake Recipe filling your kitchen! This homemade apple coffee cake is packed with tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and a buttery streusel topping that makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
This easy apple coffee cake recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweet, slightly tangy apples combined with the crumbly streusel topping make this a classic comfort food that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Whether you’re making this for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because, this moist and flavorful cake will be a hit. Let’s dive into the best apple coffee cake recipe that’s easy to follow and absolutely delicious!
Why This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe is the Best
✅ Super Moist & Soft – The sour cream and apples make this cake extra tender and moist.
✅ Cinnamon Streusel Topping – A sweet, crunchy topping adds a delicious contrast to the soft cake.
✅ Perfect Fall Flavors – Apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar create a cozy, comforting flavor.
✅ Easy to Make – No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Great for Any Occasion – Serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with a warm cup of coffee.
Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
Streusel Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples to distribute them evenly in the batter.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Add the remaining cake batter, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining streusel topping, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Bake the Apple Coffee Cake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake
✔ Enjoy it Warm or Cold – This cake tastes delicious fresh out of the oven or at room temperature.
✔ Pair with a Cup of Coffee or Tea – The warm cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with a hot drink.
✔ Drizzle with Caramel or Glaze – A light caramel drizzle or a vanilla glaze makes it even more indulgent.
✔ Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream takes it to the next level.
Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake
🔥 Use Fresh Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide the best texture and flavor.
🔥 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined to keep the cake soft and fluffy.
🔥 Check for Doneness – A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the middle.
🔥 Let the Cake Cool Before Slicing – This helps the flavors develop and makes slicing easier.
Apple Coffee Cake Variations
🍏 Caramel Apple Coffee Cake – Drizzle homemade caramel sauce on top before serving.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Apple Coffee Cake – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
🥜 Nut-Free Version – Skip the nuts in the streusel for an allergy-friendly cake.
🍎 Apple-Pear Coffee Cake – Mix 1 cup of apples and 1 cup of pears for a unique twist.
How to Store Apple Coffee Cake
✔ At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ In the Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when covered.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Apple Coffee Cake vs. Traditional Coffee Cake
| Feature | Apple Coffee Cake | Classic Coffee Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Apples for moisture and flavor | No fruit, mainly butter and sugar |
| Texture | Moist, soft, and slightly chunky | Light, crumbly texture |
| Sweetness Level | Natural sweetness from apples | Sweeter due to sugar and glaze |
| Best For | Fall desserts, brunch, holiday gatherings | Breakfast, afternoon snacks |
Both are delicious, but apple coffee cake has more moisture and fruit flavor, making it a perfect choice for fall and winter baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples work best, but you can use canned apples—just drain them well.
🔹 Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
🔹 What if I don’t have sour cream?
Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute.
🔹 Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes! Replace butter with ½ cup vegetable oil for a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe!
This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe is a must-try for any coffee cake lover! It’s moist, rich, and bursting with apple and cinnamon flavor. The crumbly streusel topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, brunch, or a simple weekend treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your apples and start baking! 🍎🍰☕
