Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh my goodness, have you ever dreamed of a dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a crisp fall morning? Something that combines the buttery, tender crumb of a coffee cake with the luscious, spiced sweetness of apple pie filling? Welcome to the world of Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake – a truly irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an indulgent snack with your afternoon tea or coffee.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee cake. No way! It’s packed with cinnamon-kissed apples baked right into a soft, moist cake, layered with a crunchy streusel topping that’s pure heaven. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro looking for a cozy new favorite, this recipe hits all the right notes – sweet, spicy, buttery, and downright comforting.

Ready to dive in? Let’s chat about everything you need to know to make this scrumptious cake from scratch!

Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

Before we roll up our sleeves, here’s a quick overview of what you’re about to create:

• What it is: A tender, buttery coffee cake bursting with cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling, topped with a crispy, crumbly streusel.
• Why it’s amazing: It marries two beloved desserts – coffee cake and apple pie – into one deliciously convenient dish.
• When to enjoy: Perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a little slice of comfort.
• Skill level: Easy to intermediate. No fancy techniques required, just some mixing, layering, and baking magic.
• Texture: Soft, moist cake with juicy pockets of apple and a crunchy, sugary topping.

Ingredients Needed

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – the foundation of all great baking! You’ll want to gather these:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – provides structure and a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar – sweetens and helps with browning.
• Baking powder – gives that nice rise and fluffiness.
• Salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – brings that signature warmth and spice.
• Butter (unsalted, softened) – for richness and moistness.
• Eggs – bind everything together and add moisture.
• Vanilla extract – a little goes a long way in adding depth.
• Milk – to loosen the batter for the perfect texture.

For The Apple Pie Filling

• Canned apple pie filling or homemade spiced apples – juicy, tender apple chunks coated in cinnamon and sugar.

For The Streusel Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar – adds moisture and a deeper sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – more spice for the topping.
• Cold butter – cut into the flour mixture to create crumbly clusters.

How To Make Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

Now for the fun part – making this showstopper cake! Here’s the step-by-step lowdown:

Prep Your Baking Pan

• Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Make The Streusel Topping

• Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Cut cold butter into the mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Set aside in the fridge to keep cool.

Whip Up The Cake Batter

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
• In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
• Mix just until combined – don’t overwork it!

Layer The Cake

• Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
• Spoon dollops of apple pie filling evenly over the batter.
• Spread the remaining batter gently over the apples.
• Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly on top.

Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Ever wonder why certain ingredients behave the way they do in baking? Let’s geek out a little:

• Flour: It contains proteins that form gluten when mixed with liquid. Gluten provides the cake’s structure but too much mixing develops tough gluten strands, so mixing gently is key.
• Butter: Butter’s fat coats flour proteins, limiting gluten development and making the cake tender and moist. Plus, it adds a dreamy richness.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent releases carbon dioxide bubbles when it reacts with moisture and heat, making the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Eggs: These act as binders and provide moisture and structure; the proteins coagulate during baking, helping the cake hold its shape.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon has antioxidants and subtle antimicrobial properties, which historically helped preserve foods.
• Apple pie filling: The apple chunks add moisture and bursts of sweetness, while the cinnamon and sugar complement the cake’s spices. The filling’s syrup helps keep the cake juicy.

Expert Tips

Want your coffee cake to turn out perfect every time? Here are some pro pointers:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Butter, eggs, and milk at room temp mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can make the cake dense or rubbery. Mix just until combined.
• Chill the streusel: Cold butter in the streusel creates that coveted crumbly texture.
• Even layering: Don’t worry if the apple filling sinks a bit – it’ll be deliciously embedded in the cake.
• Test doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer inserted near the center – it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
• Let it cool: Cooling slightly helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Try these twists on the classic apple pie filling coffee cake:

• Add nuts: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping or batter for crunch.
• Use fresh apples: Dice fresh apples and sauté them with cinnamon and sugar to replace canned filling for a fresher taste.
• Drizzle glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or apple cider and drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Swap spices: Add nutmeg, allspice, or ginger alongside cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.
• Add oats: Mix rolled oats into the streusel for extra texture.

Final Words

If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like warm autumn in every bite, this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is your new best friend. It’s so comforting and versatile – breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert, it fits all occasions. Plus, the layers of cinnamon, apples, buttery cake, and crumbly topping hit all the flavor and texture sweet spots.

Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again, sharing it with friends, and maybe even experimenting with your own personal tweaks. There’s just something about a cake that feels like a hug wrapped in cinnamon and apples!

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake?

For apple pie filling coffee cake, you will need the following ingredients: apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade), all-purpose flour, sugar (granulated and brown), baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and a crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.

Can I Use Homemade Apple Pie Filling For This Coffee Cake?

Yes, homemade apple pie filling can be used in place of store-bought filling. Simply prepare the filling using fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a thickening agent like cornstarch, then allow it to cool before adding it to the cake batter.

How Do I Make The Crumble Topping For The Coffee Cake?

To make the crumble topping, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of cold butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Can I Substitute Sour Cream In This Recipe?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even a mixture of cream cheese and milk. This will still provide a similar texture and moisture to the cake.

What Kind Of Apples Work Best In This Coffee Cake?

For the best flavor and texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Can I Use A Different Fruit Filling Instead Of Apple Pie Filling?

Yes, you can substitute the apple pie filling with other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach. Keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sweetness or baking time.

How Do I Layer The Apple Pie Filling In The Coffee Cake?

After spreading the batter in the baking pan, spoon the apple pie filling evenly on top of the batter. You can either swirl it into the batter for a marbled effect or layer it in the middle, then top with the remaining batter and crumble topping.

Can I Make Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake the day before and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering it.

How Do I Know When My Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

The coffee cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges of the cake should also be golden brown, and the crumble topping should be crisp.

Can I Add Nuts Or Other Spices To The Coffee Cake?

Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the cake. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor profile. Add these ingredients to the batter or crumble topping for an extra boost.