Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake – The BEST Fall Recipe Ever

Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon apple coffee cake wafting through your kitchen on a crisp morning. This incredibly moist and tender coffee cake combines the perfect balance of sweet apples,

warm cinnamon, and a delightfully crumbly streusel topping that will have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first slice. Just like our popular [blueberry muffins recipe], this coffee cake proves that homemade treats are always worth the effort!

What is Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake?

Ever wondered why we call it “coffee cake” when there’s no coffee in it? This delightful mystery has puzzled bakers for generations! The name actually comes from the tradition of serving this sweet, crumbly cake alongside your morning cup of joe.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this coffee cake is your golden ticket! Ready to become the hero of breakfast time?

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

The Perfect Texture Combination

This cinnamon apple coffee cake delivers three incredible textures in every bite: a tender, moist cake base, juicy apple pieces that burst with flavor, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that adds the perfect contrast. The cake stays incredibly soft thanks to our secret ingredient – sour cream – which creates a velvety crumb that melts in your mouth.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness

Making this coffee cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery, using simple pantry staples and fresh apples. You’ll spend less than $8 to create a cake that easily serves 12 people, making it perfect for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or weekend brunches. Plus, you control every ingredient, ensuring no artificial preservatives or unnecessary additives.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients That Shine

The star-studded cast includes tender Granny Smith apples, warming cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a buttery streusel topping that creates layers of incredible flavor. Similar to our popular [apple crisp bars], this recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of apples while adding that irresistible cinnamon spice blend that makes your kitchen smell like fall paradise. Ready to create some magic in your own kitchen?

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

Quick Overview

This foolproof cinnamon apple coffee cake recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. The tender, moist cake features chunks of fresh apples and a generous cinnamon streusel topping that creates the perfect sweet-and-spicy flavor combination.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter and lightly flour it, or line with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your coffee cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces. Set aside – these butter pieces will create that perfect flaky texture when baked.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into small, uniform pieces (about 1/2 inch). Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which prevents the cake from becoming soggy. Toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour to help them distribute evenly in the batter.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until completely combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your cake tender. Gently fold in the prepared apple pieces.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire surface. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing. If using glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the slightly warm cake for the best absorption.

What to Serve Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake With

This versatile coffee cake pairs beautifully with hot coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider for the ultimate cozy morning experience. For a decadent brunch spread, serve alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit salad. The cake also makes an excellent dessert when served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Top Tips for Perfecting Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

Choose the Right Apples

Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet cake. Avoid Red Delicious or other soft apples that may turn mushy when baked.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough, dense cake instead of the tender texture you want.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even texture in the finished cake.

Test for Doneness

Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store your cinnamon apple coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

The streusel topping may soften slightly during storage, but you can crisp it up again by placing the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes – watch carefully to prevent burning!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories	285
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbs	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	26g
Protein	4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonathan apples. Avoid very soft varieties like Red Delicious which may become mushy during baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This coffee cake actually improves in flavor after sitting overnight. Bake it the day before serving, cover tightly, and store at room temperature. The flavors will meld beautifully by morning.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt (same amount) or make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup heavy cream. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I freeze this coffee cake?

Yes! Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Why is my streusel topping not crunchy?

Make sure your butter is cold when making the streusel, and don’t overmix it. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs with visible butter pieces. These create the crispy texture when baked.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make excellent additions. Add 1/2 cup to the streusel topping or fold them into the batter with the apples.

Pinterest-Perfect Presentation & Elegant Dressage

Transform your cinnamon apple coffee cake into a stunning, Pinterest-worthy masterpiece with this elegant finishing touch that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Decoration Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
• Edible gold dust (optional)

Step-by-Step Dressage Instructions:

1. Create the Perfect Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth and glossy. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily.
2. Prepare Decorative Apple Slices: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut one apple into paper-thin slices. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning, then toss with granulated sugar and cinnamon.
3. Arrange the Apple Roses: Roll each apple slice into a tight spiral to create rose-like shapes. Place these “apple roses” strategically around the cake’s surface, varying sizes for visual interest.
4. Apply the Glaze: Drizzle the vanilla glaze in elegant diagonal lines across the cake, allowing some to pool around the apple decorations for a professional bakery look.
5. Final Flourishes: If desired, lightly dust with edible gold for luxury appeal, and add small fresh rosemary sprigs between apple roses for a rustic-elegant contrast.

This presentation technique creates stunning visual layers that photograph beautifully for social media while adding complementary flavors that enhance the overall dessert experience.

Ready to create this incredible cinnamon apple coffee cake masterpiece? Your kitchen is about to become the most popular spot in your home, and your family will be begging you to make this recipe again and again. Happy baking!