Dreamy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Sweet aromas of baked apple cinnamon coffee cake will drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Cozy mornings demand something special to accompany fresh coffee.

Warm spices create magic with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Homemade treats often seem complicated, but this recipe breaks down every step simply.

Soft crumb and fragrant layers make this cake irresistible for weekend breakfasts.

Crisp apple chunks nestled between tender cake promise delightful surprises in each bite.

Bake this delectable treat and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Breakdown

• This apple cinnamon coffee cake brings warmth and deliciousness to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Perfect for novice bakers, the recipe offers simple steps and straightforward ingredients that guarantee success every single time.
• Packed with sweet apples and rich cinnamon, this cake delights both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual weekend treats.
• Enjoy as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – this adaptable coffee cake suits multiple occasions and meal times.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the coffee cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic flavor throughout the cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Apples: Fresh diced fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Sour Cream: Creates a moist and tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spiced crumbly topping.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crisp and crumbly texture for the topping.

How to Bake Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish

Get your oven toasty at 350F (175C).

Grease an 8-inch round or square pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Toss the Apple Mixture

• Apples
• Sugar
• Cinnamon

Chop the apples into small cubes and mix them with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

Let the flavors mingle while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cake Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Vanilla

Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients.

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just blended.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.

Spread the apple mixture evenly on top.

Cover the apples with the remaining batter, making sure to spread it gently to hide the apple layer.

Step 5: Create the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cold butter

Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Sprinkle this delightful topping all over the cake.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide the cake into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness in the coffee cake.
• Toss diced apples with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their bright color and prevent oxidation during preparation.
• Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender; stir just until ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Refrigerate the butter before making the crumb topping to ensure larger, more distinct crumb pieces that stay crispy after baking.
• Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and won't dry out.

Storage and Reheating Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Place cake in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For better texture, use oven method: preheat to 300F and warm slices for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Warm in oven at 300F for 10 minutes before serving.

Pairing Suggestions for Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Brew Perfect Coffee Companion: Select a medium roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel notes that complement the cake's warm cinnamon and apple flavors.
• Elevate with Creamy Pairing: Serve alongside a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to enhance the dessert's richness and temperature contrast.
• Create Complementary Beverage Harmony: Pair with a warm chai tea or apple cider to amplify the autumnal spices and fruity undertones of the coffee cake.
• Match with Contrasting Flavor Profile: Add a small glass of cold milk or a smooth caramel latte to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Twists on Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt. Select a vegan-friendly egg replacer for optimal results.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, incorporate more diced apples for natural sweetness, and use whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Choose unsweetened applesauce to further decrease sugar levels.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt, use almond milk or oat milk, and select dairy-free margarine instead of butter. Ensure all substitutions maintain the cake's rich, moist consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well and provide a nice texture and flavor to the coffee cake.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that has xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients.

• How can I tell 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, as this can make the cake dry and tough.

• Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to mix the batter right before baking to ensure the leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) work effectively. Preparing too far in advance might result in a less fluffy cake.

Easy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake weaves warmth and comfort into each delectable slice. Sweet orchard apples and fragrant spices create a irresistible morning treat you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and coat an 8-inch baking pan with grease and flour, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Combine diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a small mixing bowl, creating a fragrant apple mixture and set aside for later use.
3. Create the cake foundation by whisking dry ingredients in a large bowl, blending flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly integrated.
4. In a separate vessel, whisk together eggs, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
5. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Transfer half the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly across the surface.
7. Distribute the seasoned apple mixture uniformly over the initial batter layer.
8. Carefully spoon remaining batter over the apples, gently spreading to completely cover the fruit layer.
9. Craft the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
10. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and evenly across the cake’s surface.
11. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
12. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Notes

• Use ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a lighter, tangy alternative that keeps the cake moist.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon or add chopped nuts to the crumb topping for more depth and crunch in each bite.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg