Warm, fragrant, and irresistibly comforting, this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is everything you want in a baked treat. A moist cake base filled with juicy apples, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that’s delightfully crunchy—it’s perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, the smell when this is in the oven will make your home feel like a bakery!
If you love baking recipes like this one, don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to get delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Every bite is packed with cinnamon warmth and the natural sweetness of apples.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps, minimal tools, and a big reward.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or paired with a hot cup of coffee.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is always the first to disappear at gatherings!
What Does It Taste Like?
This coffee cake is the ultimate comfort food. The cake is soft and tender, with just the right amount of cinnamon spice, complemented by the fruity freshness of diced apples. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, creating a beautiful balance of textures.
Healthier Benefits
- Apples provide a natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excess sugar.
- Baking it yourself means no preservatives or artificial additives.
- You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences (more on that below!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Add-Ins: Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) in the batter or streusel for extra crunch.
- Substitute Butter: Swap for coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Streusel
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the surface.
7. Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before serving.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- A hot cup of coffee or tea.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
- Fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast option.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness by storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
FAQ
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches would work wonderfully in place of apples.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Why Did My Streusel Sink?
Ensure your streusel crumbs are evenly distributed and the butter is cold to prevent sinking.
Wrapping It Up
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and so easy to whip up. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it with your morning coffee, it’s sure to delight.
If you try this recipe, leave a review below or share a photo on Pinterest. I’d love to see your creations!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. A cozy fall favorite!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Make the streusel: In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well.
- Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry. Fold in diced apples.
- Assemble: Spread batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle streusel on top.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Substitute apples with pears or peaches for variation.
- Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: apple cinnamon coffee cake, streusel topping, apple dessert, fall recipe