Introduction

Apple Coffee Cake is a warm, comforting baked treat that combines tender cake, juicy apples, and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake delivers classic fall flavors with a soft crumb and irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.

This recipe is an evergreen favorite, performing especially well during apple season but beloved year-round. It targets high-intent searches such as apple coffee cake, cinnamon apple cake, and streusel coffee cake, making it a strong addition to any food website.

Why Apple Coffee Cake Is So Popular

Moist, tender crumb with chunks of fresh apple

Crunchy cinnamon streusel topping
Perfect balance of sweet and spice
Ideal for make-ahead baking

Works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Apple coffee cake feels nostalgic and cozy, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings and quiet mornings alike.

Ingredients Overview

Cake Batter

All-purpose flour

Baking powder and baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar or brown sugar

Eggs
Butter or oil
Sour cream or yogurt

Vanilla extract

Apple Layer

Fresh apples, peeled and diced
Cinnamon

Brown sugar
Lemon juice (optional)

Streusel Topping

Brown sugar

All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Cold butter

Optional Add-Ins

Chopped walnuts or pecans
Caramel drizzle or vanilla glaze

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel and dice apples, then toss with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Streusel

Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Chill until ready to use.

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

Whisk dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine gently until just incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter into a greased pan. Add the apple mixture, then remaining batter. Sprinkle streusel evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle with glaze if desired.

Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp

Avoid overmixing the batter
Keep streusel cold for best texture
Let cake rest before slicing for clean cuts

Flavor Variations

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Increase cinnamon for a spicier profile.

Apple Crumb Coffee Cake with Glaze

Finish with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Apple Walnut Coffee Cake

Add chopped nuts to the streusel topping.

Healthier Option

Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days

Freezer: Freeze slices or whole cake for up to 3 months

Thaw overnight and warm slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Coffee Cake pairs perfectly with:

Hot coffee or tea
Fresh fruit
Vanilla yogurt

Whipped cream or ice cream

Nutritional Notes

To lighten this recipe:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream

Reduce streusel slightly
Swap part of the butter for applesauce

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best?

Firm, tart apples balance the sweetness best.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and yogurt alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Apple Coffee Cake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers comfort in every bite. With tender cake, spiced apples, and crunchy streusel, it’s the kind of bake that feels both simple and special.

Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake consistently impresses and performs well as a staple recipe for long-term search traffic.

Apple Coffee Cake

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (1½ sticks / 170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups peeled & finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

For the cinnamon swirl (optional but recommended):
• ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the crumb topping:
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (55g) packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ round or square baking pan; line bottom with parchment.
Crumb topping: Mix sugars, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
Cake: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in apples.
Swirl (optional): Spread half the batter into pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar–cinnamon mix. Top with remaining batter.

Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over surface.
Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean (tent with foil if topping browns too quickly).
Cool 15 minutes before slicing. Best served warm!