Name: Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of warm spices, tender apples, and a buttery crumb topping. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it makes an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert. Whether served warm with coffee or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this cake captures the essence of comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the classic flavors of apple and cinnamon
Moist, tender crumb with a crunchy streusel topping
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Great for make-ahead meals and gatherings
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Can be served warm or at room temperature
Freezes well for long-term storage
No fancy equipment needed
A seasonal favorite for fall, but delicious all year round

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Brown sugar (for the streusel)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples evenly throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and additional cinnamon to create the streusel topping. Sprinkle over the top of the batter.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Glaze it: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Use different apples: Try mixing tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
Add raisins: For a bit of chewiness and sweetness, add golden raisins to the batter.
Make it whole wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Add a cream cheese swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the center for richness.
Make muffins: Turn this recipe into individual coffee cake muffins by baking in a muffin tin.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.

FAQs

How do I keep the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Tossing the chopped apples with a bit of flour before adding them to the batter helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the cake.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this coffee cake can be made a day in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator and serve when ready.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are best, as they hold their shape and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor and texture may change slightly. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil in place of the butter if needed.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream helps make the cake moist and tender. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if desired.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Absolutely. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream adds a sweet finishing touch.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking.

Can I bake this in a different size pan?

Yes, but baking times will vary. For example, an 8×8-inch pan will require a longer bake time, while a thinner cake in a larger pan may bake more quickly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, the recipe can be doubled and baked in two separate pans or a larger sheet pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a timeless recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of fall in every slice. With its moist texture, rich cinnamon aroma, and tender apples, it’s sure to be a favorite in any household. Whether you’re serving it for a brunch gathering, holiday breakfast, or casual snack, this versatile cake is always a welcome treat.