Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re craving the cozy flavors of apple pie but want the ease of a coffee cake, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender cinnamon-kissed cake studded with juicy apples, all crowned with a buttery brown sugar streusel and a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s like a hug from your oven, perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or dessert. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just want to make an ordinary day a little more special, this easy recipe brings all the nostalgia of apple pie in a fuss-free, sliceable form.

Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Pie Coffee Cake comes from simple, classic ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a special role, ensuring your cake is moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent.

  • All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for both the cake and the streusel, creating the perfect tender crumb.
  • Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness to the batter and helps with browning for a golden finish.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses depth, especially delicious in the streusel topping.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened for the batter and cold for the streusel, it brings richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners give your cake a lovely rise and lightness.
  • Ground cinnamon: The essential spice that brings every bite to life with warmth and aroma.
  • Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • Large eggs: For structure and moisture, making the cake beautifully fluffy.
  • Sour cream: Keeps the crumb extra moist and tender—don’t skip this secret ingredient!
  • Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties everything together with its sweet aroma.
  • Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for juicy, tangy bursts throughout the cake.
  • Powdered sugar (for glaze): Whisked with milk for a simple, elegant drizzle.
  • Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the consistency of your glaze so it’s just right.

How to Make Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan thoroughly—this helps your Apple Pie Coffee Cake release effortlessly after baking and keeps those delicious edges golden and crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leaveners and spices, so every bite is flavorful and perfectly risen.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb, as it incorporates air and creates the foundation for a soft cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, which will make your Apple Pie Coffee Cake extra moist and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Take care not to overmix, which keeps the cake fluffy. Gently fold in the diced apples so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse, buttery crumbs. This topping brings that signature crunch and extra sweetness to your Apple Pie Coffee Cake.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. For an extra treat, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze, then drizzle over the cooled cake. The glaze adds a sweet finish and a touch of bakery-style flair.

How to Serve Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze makes this coffee cake look as inviting as it tastes. For a bit of color and freshness, try topping slices with thin apple wedges or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Pie Coffee Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a hot cup of spiced chai for a comforting, seasonal spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering. For special occasions, serve individual slices in pretty dessert bowls with a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can even turn it into a trifle by layering cubes of cake with whipped cream and extra apples in glasses for a showstopping treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Pie Coffee Cake fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge; it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven until just heated through. If you’ve added the glaze, wait to drizzle until after reheating for the prettiest presentation.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their texture and tartness, feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand. Just keep in mind that softer varieties may break down more, but the flavor will still shine.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples gives the coffee cake a softer texture, but if you like a bit of extra bite and fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash them well before dicing.

Can I make this Apple Pie Coffee Cake gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free, and enjoy a deliciously inclusive treat.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, try replacing half the butter or sour cream with unsweetened applesauce. The cake will still be moist, with a slightly fruitier flavor and fewer calories.

Do I need to add the glaze?

The glaze is totally optional! It adds a lovely sweetness and a bakery-fresh look, but the Apple Pie Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, thanks to the juicy apples and crumbly streusel.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a cake that brings the best of apple pie and coffee cake together in one irresistible slice. I hope you’ll give this Apple Pie Coffee Cake a try and make it a delicious tradition in your own kitchen. Happy baking!

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Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the soft, tender crumb of a coffee cake. Featuring diced tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a crumbly streusel topping, it’s perfect for fall breakfasts or dessert. A light vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation for a tender cake.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor.
  5. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the diced apples gently so they are evenly distributed.
  6. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  7. Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
  8. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures the cake is fully cooked but still moist.
  9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Make and Drizzle Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake to add extra sweetness and a glossy finish.

Notes

  • Serve this coffee cake slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute applesauce for half the butter or sour cream.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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