There’s nothing better than a warm slice of Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
Soft cake, sweet apples, and a buttery cinnamon crumb topping make every bite cozy and comforting.
This recipe is easy to follow and turns out moist, fluffy, and full of fall flavor.
Servings: 9 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I baked this cake, my kitchen smelled like a bakery. The sweet apples and warm cinnamon filled every corner of the house. Since then, it’s become one of my favorite recipes whenever I want something simple but special.
What I love most:
- The cake stays soft for days.
- Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture.
- The cinnamon crumb topping gives every bite a little crunch.
- The ingredients are simple and easy to find.
- It works for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
What You’ll Need
Cake
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
- 2 cups peeled, diced apple (about 2 medium apples)
Streusel
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (57g) melted unsalted butter
Tools
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Baking powder creates air bubbles that make the cake rise. Softened butter traps air during mixing, making the cake lighter. Fresh diced apples release moisture while baking, keeping the crumb tender. The melted butter in the streusel helps create crisp, buttery crumbs.
Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat ½ cup softened butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in 2 eggs, one at a time, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step 4: Finish the Batter
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with ½ cup whole milk. Fold in 2 cups peeled diced apples gently.
Step 5: Make the Streusel
Mix ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ cup melted butter until crumbly.
Step 6: Assemble
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle all of the streusel evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 20 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a softer cake.
- Let the cake cool before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Substitutions and Variations
- Replace apples with pears.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Mix raisins into the batter.
- Add a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
Make Ahead Tips
Bake the cake one day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. The flavor becomes even better the next day.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold butter.
- Overmixing the batter.
- Cutting apples too large.
- Underbaking the center.
- Skipping the cooling time.
What to Serve With
- Hot coffee
- Black tea
- Chai latte
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
Leftovers and Storage
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Macros Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQ
Can I use Granny Smith apples?
Yes. They hold their shape well and add a nice tart flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It’s excellent the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Wrap slices well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple homemade cake that feels cozy and comforting, this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is always a great choice. The soft cake, juicy apples, and buttery cinnamon topping come together beautifully. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing how it turned out or any questions you have.
