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Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

Apple Coffee Cake

A tender, moist apple coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and buttery streusel topping. Loaded with fresh apples and warm spices, it’s perfect for brunch, snacks, or an easy fall dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for streusel topping and cinnamon swirl
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed, for streusel
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for streusel
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt for streusel
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (1 stick), for streusel
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for streusel
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled, for cake batter
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt for cake batter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for cake batter
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or light olive oil
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed, for cake batter
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt whole milk for best texture; sour cream also works
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for cake batter
  • 2 cups apples peeled and chopped into 1/4–1/2 inch pieces (about 2 medium; Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or a mix)
  • nonstick spray or butter for greasing pan
  • parchment paper for lining the pan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan (metal or glass) and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to lift the cake out easily.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir with a fork until the mixture looks like chunky, moist sand and clumps together in small nuggets. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar until slightly thick and glossy. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then whisk in the Greek yogurt and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold gently just until most of the flour is incorporated. The batter will be thick, similar to muffin batter.
  • Add the chopped apples and fold them into the batter just until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
  • Spread about half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle about one-third of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter to create a cinnamon swirl in the center.
  • Dollop the remaining batter over the streusel layer in small spoonfuls, then gently spread to cover. Crumble the remaining streusel evenly over the top, breaking up any large chunks into smaller pieces.
  • Bake on the center rack for 38–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Begin checking around 38 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20–30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out onto a cutting board. Slice into 9 large or 12 smaller squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
Variations: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for crunch; fold 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries into the batter with the apples for a tart twist; use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check for doneness a few minutes early.
Tips: Use firm apples that hold their shape; cut apples into 1/4–1/2 inch pieces; avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist. Batter should be thick to support the apples and streusel.
Keyword Apple Coffee Cake, Brunch Recipe, Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Fall Baking, Streusel Coffee Cake
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