If you’re craving a cozy, cinnamon-swirled bake to pair with your favorite cup of coffee, this apple coffee cake recipe might just become your new go-to. With a soft crumb, juicy apple chunks, and a crisp, buttery streusel topping, it’s the kind of comforting treat that bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated ingredients—just a few fresh apples, pantry staples, and a little time in the kitchen.
Because this cake uses sour cream and oil, it bakes up incredibly moist while staying tender for days. Moreover, it’s a versatile recipe that works for holidays, brunch spreads, or casual Sunday mornings. Whether you’re serving it alongside tea or making it the star of your next coffee break, every slice delivers cozy fall flavors in spiced layers of nostalgia and joy.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
This cake has everything you want in a bake: a moist crumb, warming spices, chunks of tart-sweet apples, and a rich streusel topping. Unlike frosted cakes, it’s simple to assemble and doesn’t require extra decorations. However, it still feels special enough for holidays and gatherings.
Because the cake uses both brown sugar and sour cream, it stays moist without becoming soggy. Brown sugar adds depth, while sour cream provides a slight tang that enhances the apples’ natural sweetness. Additionally, the crumb topping gives it bakery-style flair with little effort.
If you’re someone who enjoys wholesome, rustic desserts, you’ll love how well this cake fits alongside these sourdough dessert recipes, which focus on natural ingredients and big flavor.
Best Apples to Use in This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Why Apple Choice Matters
Choosing the right type of apple is key when making any baked apple dish. Because some apples break down too much while baking, it’s important to use firm varieties that hold their shape and provide a burst of texture in every bite.
Top Apple Varieties for Baking
- Granny Smith – Tart, firm, and perfect for balancing sweet cakes.
- Honeycrisp – Juicy and sweet with a crisp texture that bakes well.
- Braeburn – Bold flavor, slightly tart, and holds structure.
- Fuji – Very sweet and dense, ideal for milder spice notes.
For the best flavor, combine two varieties—for instance, Granny Smith with Fuji—to create a balance of tart and sweet. That contrast makes every bite of this apple coffee cake recipe more dynamic and satisfying.
Ingredients and Easy Substitutions
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Spoon and level for best accuracy |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Helps lift the dense batter |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Reacts with sour cream for extra rise |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances all the sweet and spiced flavors |
| Cinnamon | 1½ tsp | Ground cinnamon for warmth |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Adds depth and retains moisture |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Balances the molasses notes of brown sugar |
| Eggs | 2 large | Use at room temperature for even mixing |
| Vegetable oil | ⅓ cup | Can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Sub with full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp | Always opt for pure vanilla when possible |
| Apples (peeled & chopped) | 2 cups | Granny Smith + Honeycrisp for contrast |
How to Make This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan and optionally line with parchment.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix both sugars, eggs, oil, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth. Gradually fold in dry ingredients. Batter will be thick.
Step 2: Fold in the Apples
Peel and chop apples into ½-inch chunks. Toss in 1 tbsp flour, then gently fold into batter. Spread evenly into pan.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
Mix ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup melted butter until clumps form. Sprinkle over batter.
(Optional: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.)
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake for 40–50 minutes, checking at 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick—done when it comes out clean with moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temp.
Optional Glaze
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk or apple cider and ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cake.
FAQ: Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
What makes coffee cake different?
It’s denser, less sweet, topped with streusel, and typically unfrosted.
Best apple types?
Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for structure and flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How to store apple coffee cake recipe?
Room temp: 3 days; Fridge: 5 days; Freezer: 2 months (wrap slices individually).
Can I add coffee to the recipe?
Yes! Stir in 1–2 tsp instant espresso for a subtle mocha note.
Apple Coffee Cake Recipe That’s Irresistibly Moist and Perfect With Coffee
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 servings 1x
Description
This moist and warmly spiced apple coffee cake recipe features tender chunks of apple and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Made with sour cream for extra richness and moisture—it’s a fall favorite you’ll make all year.
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour (spoon & level)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter/coconut oil)
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt/buttermilk)
1½ tsp vanilla extract
2 cups apples, peeled & chopped (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended)
1 tbsp flour (for tossing apples)
Streusel Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup melted butter
Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk or apple cider
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and optionally line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.Make Wet Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown and white sugar, oil, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.Combine Wet & Dry
Add dry ingredients to wet in batches and stir until combined. The batter will be thick.Add Apples
Toss chopped apples in 1 tbsp flour. Gently fold into batter.Make Streusel Topping
Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Fold in nuts if using.Assemble & Bake
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel on top.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes.Optional Glaze
Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor.
- Let cake cool completely before slicing for neater pieces.
- Skip the glaze for a more classic coffee cake feel.
- Great for make-ahead brunches or gifting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Final Thoughts
This cozy apple coffee cake recipe brings warmth to any moment—whether it’s brunch with family or a quiet afternoon coffee. Its moist crumb, spiced apples, and crisp topping make it a year-round favorite. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim and special enough for guests.
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