Apple Coffee Cake Recipe | Easy & Delicious Fall Dessert

There’s something magical about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and crumb topping—especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee. Apple Coffee Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for fall enthusiasts, a perfect project for home bakers, and a must-have alongside your morning brew. With its moist, flavorful cake, warm spices, and irresistible streusel topping, this cake will become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or still finding your way around the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Apple Coffee Cake. Keep reading to discover tips and tricks to ensure your cake comes out flawless every time.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake

Apple Coffee Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a cozy experience in every bite. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will have you coming back for more:

• Bursting with Flavor – Sweet, tart apples paired with cinnamon and nutmeg give this cake a warm, fall-inspired taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you're hosting brunch, having friends over for coffee, or craving a midweek treat, this cake seamlessly fits the bill.
• Easy to Make – You don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this recipe. Its straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients make it beginner-friendly.

Now, let's get to the part you’ve been waiting for—the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Coffee Cake uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Glaze (For the Perfect Finish):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or square baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Measure and prepare all your ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth baking process. Peel and dice your apples, and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to mix until the texture is crumbly. Set the streusel aside in the refrigerator while preparing the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender crumb.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing will lead to a dense cake. Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter, ensuring all areas are covered.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 8: Add the Optional Glaze

If you prefer an extra hint of sweetness, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a bakery-style finish.

Tips for Perfect Apple Coffee Cake

• Choose the Right Apples – Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake, while Honeycrisp offers a mellow sweetness with a juicy bite.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Bring your eggs, butter, and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, even batter.
• Don’t Skip the Streusel – The crumbly topping adds texture and a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cake.
• Store It Properly – Cover the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.

Why This Recipe is a Hit with Coffee Lovers

Pairing Apple Coffee Cake with a steaming cup of coffee is pure bliss. The warm spices and soft cake perfectly complement the bold, rich flavors of freshly brewed coffee. If you’re hosting a brunch for coffee enthusiasts, consider pairing this cake with an aromatic pour-over or a smooth latte.

Try It Today and Share Your Experience!

Apple Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and joy to any fall day. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a casual family treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @BestAppleBakes.

Happy baking!