Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

There is something truly magical about the combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel coming together in this Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe. It perfectly marries the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie with the cozy comfort of a coffee cake, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Every bite bursts with cinnamon warmth and sweet, tangy apples that keep you coming back for more. If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe relies on simple pantry staples and fresh apples to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fluffy batter to the crisp apples and the buttery streusel topping that melts in your mouth.

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These bring just the right tartness and texture to the filling, cutting through the sweetness beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and enhances their natural flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that make the dish feel cozy and inviting.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apple filling bright and prevents browning.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake’s tender yet sturdy crumb.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift, ensuring your cake is light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream for perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Incorporated in the batter for a subtle spice throughout.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to your cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumb and helps create a golden crust.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its sweet, aromatic notes.
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt): Adds moistness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Creates the base for your crunchy topping.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep caramelized sweetness to the streusel.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for streusel): Contributes to that satisfying crispiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with apples.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel topping.

How to Make Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. This mixture allows the apples to soften slightly and absorb the sweet and spicy flavors while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Then, add in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will add that iconic golden crunch that balances the softness of the cake and apples.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square baking dish. This ensures the cake releases easily once baked without losing any of those delicious edges.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This dries mixture is essential for a perfectly balanced cake batter with the right rise and flavor.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale, typically around 3 to 4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, helping your cake rise beautifully and develop a tender crumb.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to keep the batter smooth and well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that classic warm flavor throughout the cake.

Step 7: Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Alternately add the dry ingredient mix and the sour cream to the wet mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. This layering technique helps keep the batter light while ensuring it has enough moisture for a tender cake. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Spoon half of the apple filling on top, then spread the remaining batter over the apples. Carefully spoon the rest of the apple filling over the top layer and finish by sprinkling the streusel evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes; if it starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil and continue baking to prevent burning.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cake set so it slices beautifully. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a layer of creamy indulgence that pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the cake. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also elevates the presentation and sweetness, making every slice feel like a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a freshly brewed chai tea. For a brunch spread, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that impress guests and satisfy diverse palates.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe into a parfait by layering pieces of cake with vanilla yogurt and fresh apple slices in a glass. Or serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with streusel for a charming, rustic feel. The possibilities to make it your signature dessert are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. The cake maintains its moist texture and flavorful profile perfectly during this time, ready for a second helping whenever cravings strike.

Freezing

If you want to save your Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe for longer, freeze it by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to revive its freshly baked warmth, making each bite as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with other firmer varieties. Avoid very soft or watery apples as they might make the cake soggy.

Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Plain yogurt is a great one-to-one substitute and will yield similar results without compromising texture or flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will remain delightful.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from burning?

If the streusel starts to brown too quickly in the last part of baking, tent the cake loosely with foil. This shields the topping while allowing the cake to finish baking evenly.

Can this cake be made vegan?

With a few modifications like using plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free yogurt, you can create a vegan version. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly from the classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

There truly is nothing like the soul-soothing, nostalgic joy of this Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any ordinary day into a celebration, a bite of home you can share with family and friends. I wholeheartedly encourage you to bake this beauty soon — your kitchen will smell heavenly, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds in no time.

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