Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of an Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake wafting through your home on a crisp morning! Imagine the tender crumb of a buttery cake mingling with sweet cinnamon swirls and tender chunks of fresh apples-pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests for brunch, craving a perfect afternoon treat with your coffee, or simply wanting to fill your kitchen with that nostalgic ’home-baked’ scent, this cake is your go-to delight.

What makes this coffee cake truly special is how it balances fruit, spice, and cake in one harmonious slice. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile-you can tweak it to be more decadent or lighter depending on your mood or occasion. In the sections below, I’ll walk you through everything you need, how to bring it all together, and even dive into some ingredient science and clever twists to make it your signature recipe.

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

This classic Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a soft, moist, and fragrant masterpiece. It features:

• A rich, buttery cake base that’s tender but not too dense
• Fresh apples folded in to add bursts of juicy sweetness and a slight tartness
• Cinnamon sugar swirled generously throughout, creating that iconic, cozy spice flavor
• A crumbly, buttery streusel topping that adds texture and an extra layer of flavor

Every bite should give you a little bit of each element-moist cake, sweet apple, warm cinnamon, and a crisp topping. It’s basically the ultimate coffee companion!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the full lineup of what you’ll want on hand to create this delightful cake:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure and the perfect crumb texture
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and helps with browning
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives that nice lift and fluffiness
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice-warm, sweet, and aromatic
• Butter (1 cup, softened): The fat that makes it rich and tender
• Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and add structure
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings depth and aroma
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake tender
• Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced): Preferably tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour (½ cup)
• Brown sugar (⅓ cup)
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp)
• Cold butter (4 tbsp, cubed): Creates the crumbly topping

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Let’s break this down step-by-step. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and I’ll talk you through every move.

1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until you get a crumbly texture. Set aside in the fridge.
3. Mix dry ingredients for the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy-this takes about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually mix in the flour mixture alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix!).
7. Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
8. Assemble and bake: Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle half of the streusel topping, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
9. Bake: Place in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or enjoy warm if you’re impatient like me).

Ingredient Science Spotlight

This part is where things get fun-because baking is really just tasty chemistry!

• Butter: When creamed with sugar, butter traps air which helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Its fat also coats flour proteins, preventing too much gluten formation, which keeps the crumb tender.
• Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens flavor compared to white sugar alone.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: These add acidity and fat, which tenderize the crumb by breaking down gluten. The acidity also reacts with baking powder, giving an extra lift.
• Baking powder: A combination of an acid and a base that creates carbon dioxide bubbles when wet and heated, causing the cake to rise.
• Apples: They bring moisture, natural sweetness, and a bit of tartness, plus their texture contrasts with the soft crumb and crumbly topping.
• Cinnamon: Besides flavor, cinnamon has compounds that may enhance blood sugar regulation-a sweet bonus to a sweet treat!

Expert Tips

I’ve baked this cake dozens of times, so here are some pro nuggets:

• Use tart apples: They hold their shape better and provide a nice flavor balance. Fuji or Honeycrisp work well if you want sweeter apples.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking flour develops gluten and can make the cake tough. Mix just until the flour disappears.
• Keep the butter cold for streusel: Cold butter creates bigger, flakier crumbs. If it melts, your topping will be more like a paste.
• Try a mix of sugars: Brown and white sugar together create a more complex flavor than just one type alone.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg: A little nutmeg (just ¼ tsp) in the cake or streusel adds an extra layer of warmth.

Recipe Variations

Ready to play around? Here are some yummy ways to customize:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans in the streusel or batter for crunch. Toast them first for extra flavor.
• Swap fruits: Pears or peaches can replace apples for a twist, especially when in season.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze on top for added sweetness and a pretty finish.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum for structure.
• Add oats: Mix some rolled oats into the streusel topping for texture and a heartier crumb.

Final Words

Baking this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake isn’t just about making dessert-it’s about creating moments filled with warmth, aroma, and joy. From the first crack of the oven door releasing that cinnamon-apple scent to the first forkful melting in your mouth, it’s a little celebration of comfort food at its best.

Don’t rush it-take your time with the ingredients, savor the process, and most importantly, share it with people you love. Baking is love made edible, after all.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients Needed For An Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

The main ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, ground cinnamon, apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), butter, milk, and vanilla extract.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Fruit In The Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or even berries. However, the flavor and texture of the cake may vary slightly depending on the fruit used.

Do I Need To Peel The Apples Before Adding Them To The Cake?

It is generally recommended to peel the apples before adding them, as this helps prevent the cake from becoming too watery and ensures a smoother texture. However, leaving the peel on can add extra texture and fiber.

Can I Make The Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for the correct measurements and additional adjustments, such as adding xanthan gum.

What Type Of Apples Are Best For Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

Firmer apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal for apple cinnamon coffee cake. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I Make The Cake In Advance And Freeze It?

Yes, you can make the apple cinnamon coffee cake ahead of time and freeze it. To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How Can I Add A Streusel Topping To The Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

To add a streusel topping, mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Crumble the mixture over the top of the batter before baking. For extra flavor, you can also add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans.

Is It Necessary To Use A Mixer To Make Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake?

No, a mixer is not necessary. You can easily make apple cinnamon coffee cake by using a whisk and a spatula to combine the wet and dry ingredients. A mixer can help speed up the process but is not essential.

How Do I Know When The Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Is Fully Baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should slightly pull away from the sides of the pan.

Can I Add Nuts To The Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Batter?

Yes, you can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts before pouring the batter into the baking pan.