If you’ve ever longed for the ultimate mashup of your favorite comfort foods, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is truly a dream come true. Imagine the juicy, cinnamon-kissed apples you adore in classic apple pie, swirled right into a buttery, tender coffee cake, then showered with a toasted pecan cinnamon crumble and a silky vanilla glaze. Every slice tastes just like a cozy weekend morning, yet it’s also decadent enough to serve after a special dinner. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this cake is guaranteed to wow family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, you’ll bring out the best flavors and textures in this Apple Pie Coffee Cake. Each star of the list works together to create that perfect blend of spiced apple pie comfort and classic coffee cake richness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a soft yet sturdy structure, perfect for supporting chunky apples and rich streusel layers.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake base without overpowering the fresh apple flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives your cake a moist crumb and a luxurious, buttery taste.
- Baking powder + Baking soda: These work together to give your coffee cake just the right lift and airy texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances every flavor profile in the cake.
- Ground cinnamon: The backbone of both apple pie and coffee cake spice—warm, aromatic, and utterly comforting.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy note that makes the apple filling taste “just like pie.”
- Sour cream: Brings irresistible moisture and tenderness; don’t skip it!
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a sweet, fragrant note that pairs perfectly with apples and spices.
- Medium apples (peeled and diced): Use tart Granny Smith for contrast or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness—these become juicy, flavorful pockets throughout the cake.
- Brown sugar (packed): Melds with cinnamon for that iconic, gooey streusel layer.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and earthy flavor—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Powdered sugar: Whips up into a smooth, simple glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
- Milk: Just a splash, to loosen the glaze for that perfect drizzly finish.
- Extra vanilla extract (for glaze): Blends right into the glaze for a little extra something special.
How to Make Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Set the stage for baking success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Apple Pie Coffee Cake pops right out with beautiful, defined layers when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender, airy crumb and also gives your coffee cake just the right amount of lift.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, letting them blend in fully, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter should look pale and creamy—sour cream ensures every bite is moist and irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spice mix creates those nostalgic apple pie vibes in every single forkful.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
With a gentle hand, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix—you want the coffee cake tender and soft, not tough.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Fold the diced apples into the batter, making sure every scoop is loaded with sweet, juicy fruit. This touch is what sets Apple Pie Coffee Cake apart, delivering bursts of apple flavor in every slice.
Step 7: Layer and Swirl
Spread half the batter in your prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Sprinkle half over the batter, then spread the remaining cake batter on top. Finish with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar-pecan mixture for those signature swirls and layers.
Step 8: Bake
Bake your Apple Pie Coffee Cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—cinnamon, apples, and butter wafting through the air!
Step 9: Glaze and Slice
Let the cake cool slightly. While it’s still a bit warm, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together, then drizzle the glaze in thick ribbons over the top. It makes the cake truly irresistible. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Make this treat even more stunning by adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted pecans, or a few extra apple slices arranged on top. A drizzle of caramel sauce can also take this cake delightfully over the top!
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a thick Greek yogurt for breakfast. A fresh mug of coffee or spiced chai brings out its warm, cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the Apple Pie Coffee Cake into little squares and serve on a rustic wooden platter. You could also tuck individual pieces into parchment for lunchboxes or wrap up a loaf for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a brunch table, stack the slices with fruit for an eye-catching display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Pie Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and flavorful, and the cinnamon crumble only gets more fragrant as the cake rests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy a taste of apple pie bliss later on, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter or gently heat in the microwave before serving.
Reheating
For the freshest flavor, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until just warm. If you have several pieces, place them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–12 minutes—the glaze will get glossy, and the apples will taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Breakfast
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast, you can opt for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Can I make Apple Pie Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Yes—you can bake the cake the night before, let it cool, and either glaze it right before serving or cover tightly for up to 24 hours. The flavors actually become richer as the cake rests!
How do I make this cake nut-free?
Simply leave out the pecans in the streusel mixture. The Apple Pie Coffee Cake will still be delicious, with all the sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor and none of the crunch.
Does the glaze make the cake too sweet?
The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the apple and spice flavors. You can adjust the sugar or drizzle less if you’d like a lighter touch, or leave it off entirely for a more classic feel.
Can I bake this in a different pan size?
Yes! If you’d like a thicker cake, try using a 9×9-inch pan, and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time. For a thinner, bar-style version, a rimmed quarter sheet pan will work—just keep an eye on the bake time, as it may be shorter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for one recipe that perfectly channels everything cozy and delicious about fall, I can’t recommend this Apple Pie Coffee Cake enough. It’s pure comfort in cake form, easy enough for any day yet elegant for gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite treat!
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Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of apple pie and coffee cake combined in this delightful Apple Pie Coffee Cake. With layers of moist cake, tender apples, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, this treat is perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix into wet ingredients.
- Add Apples: Fold in diced apples.
- Layer Batter: Spread half of batter in pan, sprinkle with half of cinnamon-sugar mixture, repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Glaze and Serve: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze; drizzle over warm cake.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work best for a slightly tart balance.
- This cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
