Cozy Cinnamon Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Baking a delightful cinnamon apple pie coffee cake always sparks joy in my kitchen.

Warm aromas of sweet apples and fragrant spices drift through the house, promising comfort in every slice.

Memories of autumn afternoons flood back when mixing this delectable treat.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Crisp apple chunks nestled between soft, buttery layers create a dreamy texture that makes taste buds dance.

Seasonal spices like cinnamon add a perfect warmth that turns an ordinary morning into something magical.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s craft a morning masterpiece that will make everyone smile.

Why Apple Pie Coffee Cake Is So Popular

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This apple pie coffee cake brings warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, combining the classic flavors of apple pie with a tender cake texture that feels like a hug from grandma.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice home cooks to seasoned kitchen pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Treat: Versatile enough for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or a delightful morning companion to your coffee, this cake delivers rich, cinnamon-spiced goodness that everyone will love.
• Seasonal Celebration: Highlighting fresh apples and warm spices, this recipe captures the essence of autumn, making it an ideal seasonal dessert that transforms ordinary moments into special memories.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic apple pie flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Sour Cream: Creates a moist and tender crumb with a slight tanginess.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the coffee cake.
• Brown Sugar, Cold Butter, Flour (for topping): Create a crumbly, sweet streusel topping that adds crunch and extra flavor.

How to Bake Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Step 3: Develop Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar and melted butter until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating fully.

Gently stir in sour cream until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just blended.

Carefully incorporate diced apples throughout the batter.

Step 5: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the fragrant batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Create Crumbly Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Cold butter
• Ground cinnamon

Use fingers or a fork to create coarse, crumbly texture.

Step 7: Sprinkle Topping

Distribute the crumbly mixture evenly across the cake batter’s surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Helpful Tips for Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your coffee cake.
• Toss diced apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure a tender, light cake with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is fully baked, inserting it into the center and looking for a clean removal.
• Let the coffee cake cool completely to allow flavors to meld and achieve the perfect slice-able consistency.

Flavor Variations for Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour. Use gluten-free baking powder to maintain the cake's texture and rise.
• Vegan Apple Crumble Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil, and sour cream with coconut yogurt. Use plant-based milk for moisture and binding.
• Low-Sugar Apple Spice Cake: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cake moist.
• Dairy-Free Apple Streusel: Swap butter with olive oil or margarine. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of sour cream. Keep the apple and spice flavors intact for a lighter version.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Creamy, smooth coffee drink that echoes the warm apple and cinnamon notes in the cake, creating a harmonious flavor experience.

Dollop a light, airy cinnamon-infused whipped cream on the side to enhance the cake’s spicy undertones and add a luxurious texture.

Cool, rich vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cake, melting softly and adding a creamy dimension.

Aromatic tea with similar warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that beautifully mirror the cake’s flavor profile and offer a comforting beverage pairing.

Proper Storage for Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the cake's moisture and flavor intact.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its texture.
• Warm slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve the cake's delicious apple-cinnamon taste.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the cake.

• Is sour cream necessary for this recipe?

Sour cream helps create a moist and tender cake. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warm, comforting Cinnamon Apple Pie Coffee Cake blends classic dessert flavors into a delightful morning treat. Delicate crumble topping and tender apple chunks promise a memorable breakfast experience you’ll savor with each sweet, spiced bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9-inch round cake pan with grease to ensure smooth cake removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg using a whisk to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Using another bowl, cream granulated sugar with melted butter until smooth and glossy. Incorporate eggs individually, then gently fold in sour cream to create a uniform mixture.
4. Carefully integrate dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture. Gently fold diced apples throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading evenly to create a level surface.
6. Create the crumb topping by blending flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon. Use fingertips or a fork to break mixture into coarse, irregular crumbs.
7. Distribute the crumb topping uniformly across the cake batter’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of raw batter.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in your coffee cake.
• Ensure butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs and maintain a smooth batter consistency.
• Gently fold apples into the batter to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 318 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 153 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg