Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for the perfect cozy treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, this Apple Coffee Cake Recipe is an absolute game changer. I absolutely love how it combines tender, buttery cake with tart apple slices and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked – everything just comes together effortlessly, and the result is so comforting. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find this cake is exactly what you wanted but didn’t know you needed.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe balances simple staple ingredients with fresh apple slices and a buttery streusel topping that makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand before getting started.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cake; I always sift it to avoid lumps and get that light crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps your cake rise nicely without any weird aftertaste.
• Salt: Just a pinch to brighten all the flavors.
• White granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the cinnamon sugar topping.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic warming spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter is key for creaming it well; this adds richness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• Whole milk: I find whole milk adds just the right amount of creaminess – you can’t beat it.
• Tart green apple: I recommend Granny Smith for that bright tang that cuts the sweetness beautifully.
• Brown sugar: For the streusel topping – it adds a lovely deep caramel flavor.
• Extra flour and butter: Used to make the crumbly, buttery streusel topping that gives this cake its signature crunch.

Variations

I love encouraging anyone making this Apple Coffee Cake Recipe to play around with the flavors to suit their tastes or pantry. Every time I adapt the recipe, it feels like discovering a new favorite version!

• Use different apples: I’ve tried Fuji or Honeycrisp when I want it sweeter and juicier – just reduce added sugar slightly to keep balance.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. The texture changes a bit but it still tastes fantastic.
• Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top of the streusel add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
• Cinnamon swap: Once, I added some ground nutmeg and ginger along with cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor profile that’s amazing in cooler months.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Combine Dry Ingredients

First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9-inch pie pan or your favorite baking dish. I prefer a pie pan here because the edges get wonderfully crisp. While the oven warms, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking really helps distribute those leavening agents evenly — don’t skip this!

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a small bowl, toss the 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon. This simple mix will become your magic dusting on the apple slices. Having this prepped early keeps your workflow smooth.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs

Using an electric mixer, cream the room temperature butter with 1/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. I’ve learned that this step is key for a tender cake. Then, beat in the eggs till fully incorporated. If your butter isn’t soft enough, the batter can get lumpy – trust me, I’ve made that mistake!

Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture and Milk

Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Beat after each addition but just until combined — you don’t want to overmix or your cake could become tough. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Layer Batter and Apple Slices

Pour half of the batter into your greased pan. Then, arrange the apple slices so they cover the batter evenly—you can overlap them slightly; that’s how I like it. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the apples. Finally, spread the remaining batter gently over the top, covering the apples in a cozy blanket.

Step 6: Make and Add Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel. Then dot the mixture evenly over the cake and scatter the small butter cubes on top. This topping is what transforms the cake from good to unforgettable — those buttery, crunchy bits on each slice? So worth it.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake your cake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Use a toothpick or cake tester in the center — it should come out clean when done. The top will be beautifully golden brown, and the house will smell like fall in the best way. Don’t rush to take it out too early; I’ve learned a slightly longer bake time leads to better texture and flavor.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here — just a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a pretty touch and a slight extra sweetness. Sometimes, a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really turns this coffee cake into a special dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a strong cup of black coffee or a caramel latte for that classic coffeehouse vibe. If you’re serving for brunch, fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait complement the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices on a pretty cake stand and added fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around as decoration. Wrapping each slice with a cinnamon stick tied in twine makes a cozy gift idea for friends and neighbors, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake stays soft and delicious, though the streusel topping is best eaten fresh or within that window for maximum crunch.

Freezing

This coffee cake freezes wonderfully. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at low temperature. This revives that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out. You might even want to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before heating for a sweet touch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Coffee Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether I’m sharing it with family on a lazy weekend morning or bringing it to a friend’s gathering, it always sparks compliments and requests for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might find it becoming your go-to cake for years to come, just like it did for me.

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