Say hello to fall with this easy-to-make, warm cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake. Topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble, this moist and fluffy breakfast cake is packed with diced apples and finished with a layer of cinnamon streusel. Serve it plain or drizzle with a simple vanilla or brown sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
We’ve already had hints of cooler weather, which makes it the perfect time to start baking fall treats. This apple coffee cake joins my collection of breakfast sweets and pairs well with morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. I photographed it using treasured family apple dishes that add a comforting, homey touch.
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Ingredients Needed
- What Are the Best Apples to Use for Baking?
- What Can I Use as a Buttermilk Substitute?
- Optional Brown Sugar Glaze
- Variations
- Helpful Recipe Tips
- Enjoy These Other Breakfast Sweets!
- Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Reasons Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Moist and fluffy texture
- Warm cinnamon and apple flavors
- Middle layer of gooey cinnamon streusel
- Buttery brown sugar crumble topping
- Quick and easy to make
- Flexible pan options (9-inch springform, 8-inch square, or doubled for a 9×13)
- Delicious plain or with a simple glaze
- Great warm, at room temperature, or reheated the next day
If you love cozy fall breakfasts, this apple coffee cake is a must-try.
Ingredients Needed
Below are the main ingredients for the cake. Scroll to the recipe section for measurements for the crumble, streusel, and glazes.
- All-Purpose Flour — any reliable brand will work.
- Baking Powder — check freshness to ensure a light cake.
- Baking Soda
- Salt — a small pinch enhances flavor.
- Cinnamon — used in batter and streusel.
- Vegetable Oil — canola or coconut oil are acceptable substitutes.
- Granulated Sugar
- Light Brown Sugar — lightly packed when measuring.
- Egg — room temperature for best results.
- Buttermilk — keeps the cake tender and moist; substitutes listed below.
- Apple — peeled and diced into small cubes; one large apple equals about 2 cups.
What Are the Best Apples to Use for Baking?
Good baking apples include McIntosh, Gala, and Granny Smith. For testing this recipe, Granny Smith and Gala were used; Granny Smith gives a tangy contrast that holds up well while baking.
What Can I Use as a Buttermilk Substitute?
If you don’t have buttermilk, try one of these easy options:
Option 1: Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then add milk to reach 1/2 cup. Let sit 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Option 2: Use powdered buttermilk reconstituted with water if you have it on hand.
You can also try 1/2 cup plain yogurt as a substitute, though this was not tested in the original recipe.
Optional Brown Sugar Glaze
There’s an optional brown sugar glaze included in the recipe. It’s a simple stovetop glaze made with butter, cream, and brown sugar; heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it rest to thicken before pouring over the cake. The cake is also excellent without any glaze.
Variations
Pan options:
8-inch square pan: Use the same bake temperature and time as the springform.
9×13-inch pan: Double the recipe, keep the oven temperature the same, and bake 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Helpful Recipe Tips
Prep the apple first. Dice the apple before you make the batter so you don’t interrupt the mixing process.
Make streusel and crumble ahead. Prepare the cinnamon streusel and brown sugar crumble before assembling the batter to save time.
Keep crumble cold if needed. If the butter in the crumble becomes too soft, chill it briefly to firm it up, then finish mixing before using.
Use parchment for easy removal. For a clean release from a springform pan, line the bottom with parchment paper.
Don’t skip the buttermilk. If you must substitute, follow the suggestions above rather than omitting it entirely.
Cool before glazing. Let the cake cool at least 25–30 minutes before adding glaze so it sets properly.
Store in the refrigerator. Keep leftovers sealed in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat slices in a microwave or toaster oven, or enjoy cold.
Enjoy These Other Breakfast Sweets!
Chocolate Chip Scones
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake
If you try this Apple Coffee Cake Recipe or any other recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for visiting!
Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan (or 8-inch square pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Medium saucepan (if making brown sugar glaze)
- Spatula
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
Cinnamon streusel layer
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Brown sugar crumble
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Apple coffee cake
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
Vanilla glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional brown sugar glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Cinnamon streusel layer
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Brown sugar crumble
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed butter with a fork until small crumbles form. Set aside.
Apple coffee cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray. Optionally line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until blended. Add egg and buttermilk and mix to combine.
- Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Spoon a little more than half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle on the cinnamon streusel layer, then spread the remaining batter over the top. Sprinkle the brown sugar crumble evenly over the surface.
- Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. Start checking at the earlier time; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool for 25–30 minutes before serving. Add the vanilla or brown sugar glaze just before serving if desired.
Vanilla glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake or slices.
Optional brown sugar glaze
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, heavy cream, and light brown sugar. Bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let sit 10–12 minutes to thicken, then pour over cooled cake.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from family recipes and adjusted for a springform pan.
Nutrition
Estimated per serving: Calories: 430 kcal • Carbohydrates: 64 g • Protein: 3 g • Fat: 19 g • Saturated Fat: 7 g • Sugar: 48 g. Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients used.