There’s something magical about the smell of caramel, cinnamon, and apples baking in the oven.
This Caramel Apple Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of cozy, sweet, and comforting.
It’s great for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even just a quiet afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Your whole family will love it—soft and moist on the inside with a crumbly streusel topping and drizzled caramel sauce.
It’s like fall in every bite, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll want to make it all year long.
This recipe has been a hit in my family for years. My kids especially love sneaking bites of the caramel drizzle before it makes it onto the cake (I see you, sneaky hands!).
It’s easy to make, kid-approved, and just fancy enough to impress guests. Let’s bake it together!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great!)
- For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Caramel Drizzle:
- Store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch baking pan (or a 9-inch round pan)
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips for Baking Success
- Pick the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well in baking, but Honeycrisp adds a touch of sweetness. Use your favorite or a mix of both!
- Keep the Streusel Crumbly: Don’t overmix the streusel topping. You want nice little clumps, not a paste! Use your fingers to gently toss it together if needed.
- Room-Temp Ingredients Are Key: Let your butter, eggs, and sour cream sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. It helps everything mix together smoothly.
- Test for Doneness: Since this cake has chunks of apple, it can take longer to bake. Check with a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Caramel Drizzle Goes on Cool Cake: Wait until the cake cools before drizzling caramel; otherwise, it’ll melt right off.
Substitutions & Variations
- No sour cream? Use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk instead.
- Want to cut sugar? Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a blend of monk fruit sweetener for a slightly healthier version.
- No caramel sauce? A dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully, or make your own caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy!
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make the cake a day ahead! Once cooled, cover it tightly and store at room temperature. Drizzle the caramel right before serving.
- The streusel topping can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. Gather all your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Drizzle the Caramel
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge—it’ll keep for up to a week.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
Let’s Bake!
Now that you’ve got the recipe, it’s time to turn your kitchen into a bakery.
This caramel apple coffee cake will make your house smell amazing and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
Leave a comment below to share your experience or ask any questions.
Let’s get baking! 🥰
