Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
The mix of apples, cinnamon, and a soft, crumbly coffee cake is just magical.
It smells like pure comfort while it bakes and tastes like a hug on a plate. This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake has been a family favorite for years. It’s great for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, and even as an after-school snack for the kids.
I love how easy this recipe is to make, even though it has a lot of different flavors. The sweet and sour apples, warm cinnamon, and buttery crumb topping make every bite taste great. And while it bakes, your house will smell great, that’s for sure!
Let’s get started, and I promise this will be one of your favorite recipes.
What You’ll Need
What you need
To make the cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened, unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of sugar in granules
- 2 big eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Two medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small pieces
For the layer of cinnamon sugar:
- 1/3 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup of flour for all purposes
- 1/4 cup of sugar in granules
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of melted unsalted butter
Tools You Will Need
- Bowls for mixing
- Whisk and spatula
- Cups and spoons for measuring
- A square baking dish that is 9 by 9 inches
- Parchment paper or spray that doesn’t stick
- Test with a toothpick
Tips for Success
- Cut the apples into small pieces. Smaller pieces bake more evenly and give you little bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Don’t forget the sour cream; it makes the cake very moist and soft. Plain Greek yogurt works just as well if you don’t have it.
- Use cold butter for the crumb topping. It makes the perfect crumbly texture.
- Check for doneness early: Since every oven is different, start checking with a toothpick after 30 minutes.
- Before cutting, let the cake cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and keep the crumb topping from falling apart.
Tips for Making Ahead
You can chop up the apples and make the crumb topping a day ahead of time. To save time when you’re ready to bake, keep the crumb topping in the fridge and the apples in a container that won’t let air in.
How to Make Coffee Cake with Apples and Cinnamon
- Get your oven ready
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well. - Prepare the batter for the cake
In a big bowl, mix the butter and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat well after each. Add the vanilla and mix.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a different bowl. Mix in half of the dry ingredients with the butter mixture, then mix in the sour cream, and finally the rest of the dry ingredients. Add the diced apples slowly and carefully. - Add the layer of cinnamon sugar
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Put half of the batter in the prepared pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top, and then spread the rest of the batter over the top. - Make the crumb topping and put it on top.
Mix the flour, sugars, and cinnamon for the crumb topping in a different small bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbs form. Spread the crumb topping evenly over the batter. - Bake
Put the food in the oven that has already been heated for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. - Let it cool and serve
Before cutting the cake, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. If you want, you can dust it with powdered sugar.
Storing and using leftovers
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days or at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. Warm the slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to reheat them.
Changes and substitutions
- If you want, you can use pears instead of apples or a mix of both.
- Cinnamon Sugar Layer: For more warmth, add a little nutmeg or cardamom.
- To make it heartier, use oats instead of some of the flour in the crumb topping.
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix if you want to make it gluten-free.
It smells so good when you bake Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake in your kitchen.
This recipe is great for bringing people together, whether it’s for a lazy breakfast on the weekend or a cozy dessert with the family.