If you adore the cozy flavors of apple pie and love the crumbly indulgence of coffee cake, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake brings the best of both worlds together! Imagine the inviting aroma of spiced apples meeting tender cake and a buttery streusel topping — it’s the kind of treat that makes any house feel like home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, this treat is easy to make and always earns rave reviews. Whether enjoyed with your favorite coffee or served as a dessert, Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Pie Coffee Cake lies in how humble pantry staples transform into something downright magical. Each ingredient plays a key role, from flavor to moistness to that classic, golden crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for providing the cake with structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners help create the perfect amount of lift and lightness.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances and amplifies all the sweet flavors.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg: Both add warm, autumnal spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Unsalted butter: For a rich flavor and moist texture—use in both the cake and the streusel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without making it too heavy.
- Brown sugar: Adds a bit of caramel-like depth to both the cake and the topping.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help with the cake’s structure.
- Vanilla extract: A classic for bringing out the sweetness and roundness of the flavors.
- Sour cream: The secret to an ultra-moist crumb and subtle tang.
- Peeled and finely diced apples: Choose tart and crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- For the Streusel Topping: Brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold, cubed butter work together for a crumbly, irresistible top layer.
- For the Glaze (optional): Powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla make a pretty drizzle that elevates every bite.
How to Make Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This little step is the gateway to a golden crust and an easy release once your coffee cake is baked to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these before you add them to the wet ingredients ensures your spices and leaveners evenly flavor every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until it’s light in color and fluffy in texture. This step sets the foundation for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb we love in a good Apple Pie Coffee Cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time for a smooth batter, then mix in the vanilla extract for warmth and aroma. Add the sour cream last, stirring until your batter is creamy and well-blended—this is what keeps the coffee cake extra soft.
Step 5: Combine and Add Apples
Now, gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in your diced apples gently so every piece stays intact and dotted throughout the cake, ensuring juicy pops of apple flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Spread and Top with Streusel
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. To make the streusel, simply mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold butter until everything looks like little pebbles. Sprinkle the streusel generously over the batter—this will bake up crisp and golden.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Apple Pie Coffee Cake in the center of the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The heavenly scent of apples and spice lets you know it’s almost ready. Let the cake cool for several minutes before adding the finishing touch.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
If you want an extra flourish, whisk the powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle generously over your cooled coffee cake. The glaze adds both sweetness and a beautiful finish you won’t be able to resist!
How to Serve Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a swoosh of homemade vanilla glaze highlights the rustic, inviting charm of Apple Pie Coffee Cake. For a little extra pizzazz, add a few thin apple slices or a light sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs brilliantly with a steaming mug of coffee or chai, but it’s also delicious with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a breakfast spread, serve with crisp bacon and a fresh fruit salad for a hearty start to the day.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the coffee cake into squares and packing them in parchment for an easy picnic treat, or arrange slices on a tiered cake stand for a dazzling brunch centerpiece. You can even scoop individual portions into ramekins before baking for adorable, personal-sized Apple Pie Coffee Cakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Apple Pie Coffee Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator, where it stays moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. Just remember to cover tightly to keep every bite as fresh as possible.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole, cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
For the best texture, gently reheat a slice of Apple Pie Coffee Cake in the microwave for 10–20 seconds, or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that moist, just-baked coziness—as if it just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their tartness and texture, you can use Fuji, Gala, or any firm apple you have on hand. Just steer clear of apples that are too soft, as they might become mushy during baking.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries! You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt for the sour cream—this swap keeps your Apple Pie Coffee Cake moist and adds a lovely tang. Buttermilk is another great option for a similar result.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure; otherwise, the cake may not rise as nicely.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is totally optional and simply adds a sweet, decorative touch. The coffee cake is delicious either way, so feel free to skip it if you want a slightly less sweet version or need to keep things simple.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may be a bit longer, so start checking at the 40-minute mark and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Apple Pie Coffee Cake will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon, apples, and buttery streusel. Whether you share it at brunch or savor it with your morning coffee, it’s the kind of simple joy everyone deserves. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every last crumb—give it a try and add a little coziness to your table!
Print
Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a classic apple pie and a moist coffee cake with this Apple Pie Coffee Cake recipe. This easy-to-make treat features a tender cake studded with diced apples and topped with a sweet, buttery streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups peeled and finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Streusel Topping:
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Add sour cream and dry ingredients, then fold in diced apples. Spread batter in the pan.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, add ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice to the batter or topping.
- This coffee cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
