If you adore cozy autumn flavors that make your kitchen smell like a welcoming hug, then this Apple Coffee Cake is exactly what you’re looking for. This sensational treat is inspired by classic bakery cakes, but with a double layer of buttery crumb and plenty of cinnamon-kissed apples tucked inside. Each slice has the perfect harmony of tender, moist cake and those irresistible, sweet apple bits – all finished beneath a delicate vanilla glaze. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert with friends, this cake absolutely delivers joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Coffee Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each one serves an essential purpose, whether it’s creating a pillowy crumb, rich flavor, or that jaw-dropping cinnamon swirl. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tenderness, making both the crumb and cake soft yet sturdy.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the crumb topping so it’s never dry.
Cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice and a wonderful aroma throughout the entire cake.
Salt: Brightens and balances the overall sweetness so every flavor pops.
Unsalted Butter: Used melted for the crumb and softened for the cake; gives richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy yet moist.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overwhelming the apple flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add incredible richness and lift.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances both the cake and glaze with comforting, creamy undertones.
Sour Cream: The key to super moist cake and that irresistible bakery-style texture.
Milk: Loosens the batter for a perfect crumb, creating a lovely tender cake.
Diced Apples: Fresh apples add bursts of sweetness and texture – choose tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
Powdered Sugar: For the optional glaze – gives you that glossy, sweet drizzle over the top.
Heavy Cream (or Milk): Whisks up a lush, pourable glaze that crowns each piece.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Make the Crumb Topping

Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir until it’s evenly mixed, then pour in the melted butter. A spatula works well to bring it all together, but honestly, your (clean) hands are the best tool for creating those coveted crumbly clumps. The mixture will be sandy with some chunkier bits – exactly what you want. Set it aside so it’s ready to layer into the cake later on.

Step 2: Prep the Apples and Pan

Peel, core, and dice your apples into ¼ inch chunks, aiming for uniformity so the cake bakes evenly and every bite has just the right amount of fruit. Preheat your oven to 350ºF, and either spray a 9×13 inch pan or line it with parchment. This helps lift the finished Apple Coffee Cake out without a crumb left behind!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Cake Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt for the cake. Mixing these separately ensures the leavening powder and salt are evenly distributed, giving the cake that soft, airy crumb all the way through.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your largest mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial – it creates lots of air, which translates to a light, tender cake. Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla, scraping the sides down so everything is smooth and homogenous.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Batter

Add half of the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat on low just until mixed. Pour in the sour cream and milk, giving it a gentle mix, then finish by adding the rest of the flour mixture and all of your diced apples. Fold gently – overmixing is the enemy of a soft cake!

Step 6: Layer and Crumb the Cake

Now, the fun part: Pour half of the cake batter into your pan and spread it out. Take about three cups of your crumb mixture and sprinkle evenly across the batter, pressing some pieces down for extra drama. Spoon in the remaining batter, smoothing it over as best as you can, and top with the rest of the crumb mixture. You’ll have a generous, bakery-style crumb crust both inside and all over the top!

Step 7: Bake and Glaze

Bake your Apple Coffee Cake for 45 minutes uncovered. Then, tent a large piece of foil over the cake (don’t seal it completely) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes. This ensures the crumb doesn’t brown too much while the center finishes baking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool, then whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream for a glossy, pourable glaze to drizzle generously across the cooled cake.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

Garnishes

Freshly glazed Apple Coffee Cake looks stunning on its own, but try dusting with extra cinnamon or adding finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. If you’re feeling festive, some paper-thin apple slices or a pinch of powdered sugar over the glaze makes it look positively celebratory.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Coffee Cake with a creamy vanilla latte, a mug of chai, or a chilled glass of milk for breakfast. For dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of softly whipped cream – it’s comfort food on another level.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into generous squares and wrap in parchment for an elegant breakfast-to-go. For brunch buffets, use a cake stand and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, or serve mini cake slices as party bites. You can even bake the batter in muffin tins for the cutest coffee cake cupcakes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Coffee Cake stays fresh and moist for up to three days at room temperature when tightly covered, or up to a week if stored in the refrigerator. The crumb topping keeps its lovely texture, so you can come back for a slice whenever the craving strikes!

Freezing

To freeze, wrap slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving. The cake retains its moisture and that signature crumble, even after freezing.

Reheating

To bring out that freshly baked flavor, warm individual slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or cover and heat in a 300ºF oven for about 10 minutes. If you’ve glazed the cake beforehand, the icing will become wonderfully glossy again!

FAQs

What type of apples work best in Apple Coffee Cake?

Tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a vibrant flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake and crumb.

Can I make Apple Coffee Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day or two in advance. Just glaze it before serving to keep the top looking beautiful and the crumb from absorbing too much moisture.

Can I use a different pan size?

A standard 9×13 inch pan is perfect for a tall, bakery-style coffee cake, but you can also use two 8×8 pans for thinner layers, or even make mini loaves or muffins—just reduce baking times accordingly and test for doneness.

Do I have to use the glaze?

The glaze is totally optional, but it does add a delightful sweetness and extra finish. If you prefer less sweetness, just leave it off or dust the cake with a little powdered sugar just before serving.

Why is my crumb topping sinking into the cake?

If the crumb topping is too wet or the batter is too thin, some sinking can occur. Be sure to use cold, well-proportioned crumb and gently layer the batter and crumb as directed for that beautiful, distinct crumb layer.

Final Thoughts

If you crave cozy mornings and the taste of autumn year-round, this Apple Coffee Cake absolutely deserves a spot in your baking lineup. Bake it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat for family and friends—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every cinnamon-swirled, apple-studded bite!