Coffee Cake with Apples Recipe – 5 Irresistibly Delicious & Ultimate Steps to a Cozy Treat

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake with apples wafting through your kitchen. This classic dessert pairs tender, spiced cake with juicy apples, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon with coffee, or simply craving a homemade treat, this apple coffee cake is sure to impress.

In this ultimate coffee cake with apples recipe, we’ll guide you through every step—from selecting the best ingredients to achieving the perfect crumb. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious every time .

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Why This Coffee Cake with Apples is the Ultimate Fall Dessert

Coffee cake with apples isn’t just delicious; it’s also a versatile dessert that you can enjoy year-round. The warm spices, tender crumb, and juicy apples make it perfect for fall, while the light sweetness ensures it isn’t too heavy for spring or summer.

This cake doesn’t actually contain coffee—though it pairs perfectly with a cup. The name comes from the tradition of serving a spiced or crumb-topped cake alongside coffee. And when you add apples to the mix? Pure magic.

The inclusion of apples does more than enhance the flavor—it transforms the texture. Apples add natural moisture and sweetness, reducing the need for excessive sugar or added fat. You’re getting a cake that feels indulgent but is slightly lighter than a traditional butter cake.

Beyond flavor and texture, this recipe is practical. It uses basic pantry staples, comes together quickly, and stores beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that impresses guests without requiring advanced baking skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients into three parts: the cake, the apple layer, and the crumble topping.

For the cake batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt

For the apple layer:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the crumble topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Best Coffee Cake with Apples: Step-by-Step Guide

Making the best coffee cake with apples requires the perfect blend of ingredients and the right technique. Here’s how to get it right every time:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
3. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Add sour cream and dry mix: Alternate adding the sour cream and the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped apples.
6. Assemble the cake: Spread half the batter in the pan, add a layer of streusel, then the remaining batter, and finish with the rest of the streusel.
7. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool and glaze: Let the cake cool, then drizzle with optional glaze .

This process is simple, but following each step ensures an evenly baked, moist, and flavorful cake. Letting the cake cool before glazing is key—the glaze should sit lightly on top rather than melting into the warm cake.

Choosing the Right Apples for Your Coffee Cake with Apples Recipe

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For this coffee cake with apples recipe, we recommend a mix of sweet and tart apples. Here are some top choices:

• Granny Smith – Tart, firm, and holds shape well.
• Honeycrisp – Juicy and slightly sweet.
• Braeburn – Balanced flavor with just the right texture.
• Fuji – Sweet and dense, adds extra moisture.

Using a combination enhances the complexity of the flavor and texture. The contrast between soft, sweet bites and firmer, tangy chunks of apple makes each mouthful interesting. You can even dice some finely while leaving others in larger pieces to vary the texture coffee cake with apples recipe.

Some bakers prefer to sauté the apples slightly with cinnamon and butter before folding them into the batter, while others love the freshness of raw chopped apples. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Perfecting the Texture of Your Coffee Cake with Apples

Achieving the ideal texture is key to making the best coffee cake with apples. Here are a few tips to ensure a perfect crumb every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter or your cake will be dense.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.
• Add nuts or raisins for extra texture if desired.

The Secret to a Moist and Flavorful Coffee Cake with Apples

To ensure your coffee cake with apples turns out moist and flavorful, don’t skip these essential steps:

• Use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of milk to keep the cake moist.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor depth.
• Don’t overbake your cake—check the center with a toothpick around 45 minutes.

These tricks are crucial for achieving a moist, tender cake that’s full of flavor and holds together perfectly.

Customize Your Coffee Cake with Apples: Fun Variations to Try

One of the best parts of this coffee cake with apples recipe is its versatility.

• Add a cream cheese swirl by mixing 4 oz cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and an egg yolk.
• Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Try a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
• Make muffins by dividing batter into muffin tins and adjusting bake time.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
• Use a maple glaze for an extra dose of fall flavor.

These tweaks keep the base recipe fresh and exciting. It’s the kind of cake you’ll come back to over and over, making small changes to suit your mood or the season coffee cake with apples recipe.

How to Serve and Store Your Coffee Cake with Apples for Maximum Enjoyment

Coffee cake with apples is best served with a hot cup of coffee or tea, but it’s also great with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Here’s how to store and serve it:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Lasts up to a week.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes. This helps restore the softness and revives the aroma.

Healthier Substitutions for Coffee Cake with Apples Without Compromising Flavor

Want to make this cake a bit lighter? Try these:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup.
• Use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
• Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour.
• Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

Even with these swaps, the cake retains its delicious character.

Answering Common Questions About Coffee Cake with Apples

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it the night before and keep it covered Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake with Apples.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
You can, but it will alter the texture. Fresh apples are best.

Is it okay to leave out the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is plenty sweet without it.

Can I make this vegan?
Try using a flax egg and plant-based butter and yogurt.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake it in a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.

How do I know it’s done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I use different fruits?
Sure! Pears or peaches work well, but apples are the classic choice .

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Coffee Cake with Apples Recipe

This coffee cake with apples recipe is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s cozy, flavorful, and easy to customize to your taste. Whether you’re baking for a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or just because, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Moist, spiced, and full of tender apples, it’s everything a coffee cake with apples should be.

So brew a cup of your favorite coffee, cut a generous slice, and enjoy the unbeatable combo of cinnamon, apples, and buttery crumb. You deserve it!

And remember—when it comes to the perfect homemade treat, nothing beats the classic charm of a fresh-baked coffee cake with apples.