Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

The Coziest Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe for Morning Bliss

When autumn whispers its cozy apple pie coffee cake secrets, kitchen magic begins to unfold.

Crisp seasonal apples dance with buttery cake layers, creating a irresistible morning treat.

Cinnamon swirls promise comfort in every delectable bite.

Soft crumble tops invite sweet indulgence without complicated techniques.

Baking this delightful recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of flavor.

Delicate aromas will drift through your home, beckoning everyone to the kitchen.

You simply cannot resist this heartwarming slice of pure deliciousness.

Why Apple Pie Coffee Cake Is So Cozy

  • Dive into Comfort: A heartwarming dessert that blends the classic charm of apple pie with the soft, tender texture of coffee cake, creating a soul-soothing treat perfect for cozy moments.
  • Master with Ease: Beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal introduction to home baking without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Guaranteed to impress family and friends, this dessert strikes a delightful balance between sweet apple goodness and rich, crumbly topping that appeals to all taste buds.
  • Versatile Delight: Suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this adaptable cake transitions smoothly between different occasions and brings warmth to any gathering.

What You’ll Need for Apple Coffee Cake Dessert

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the coffee cake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Assists in creating a soft, airy cake texture.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Offers a classic, sweet flavor to the cake.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a moist and tender crumb with a slight tanginess.
For the Apple and Topping Components:
  • Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and texture to the cake.
  • Brown Sugar, Flour, Cinnamon: Create a classic crumble topping with warm spices.
  • Cold Butter: Helps form the crumbly texture of the topping.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to make a sweet, smooth drizzle for the finished cake.

How to Bake Apple Pie Coffee Cake Right

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add to the dry mixture:
  • Softened butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer until the batter becomes smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in Fresh Apples

Gently fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Transfer Batter to Baking Dish

Pour the apple-studded batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Create Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Cold butter cubes

Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.

Step 7: Add Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously and evenly over the cake batter.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Prepare Vanilla Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and free of lumps.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm surface.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

Savor the warm, gooey goodness of this apple pie coffee cake!

Tips to Keep Apple Coffee Cake Soft and Gooey

  • Replace diced apples with peaches, pears, or berries for a delightful seasonal twist that keeps the cake exciting and fresh.
  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cake texture, preventing a dense or greasy result.
  • Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or almond milk to make the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant friends.
  • Use cold butter and work quickly with fingertips to create light, crispy crumble topping that adds delicious texture to the cake.
  • Reduce sugar slightly or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more balanced flavor profile.

Variations for Warm Apple Pie Coffee Cake Flavor

  • Pecan Paradise: Replace diced apples with chopped pecans and add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the batter for a nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss: Swap apples for mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to create a vibrant, tangy coffee cake variation.
  • Caramel Apple Crunch: Add caramel sauce between the batter and crumble topping, and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Pumpkin Spice Edition: Mix in pumpkin puree and increase cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy autumn-inspired coffee cake that captures seasonal warmth.

What to Enjoy With Apple Pie Coffee Cake

  • Brew Complementary Coffee Companion: Pair this apple pie coffee cake with a robust medium-roast coffee that highlights the cake's warm cinnamon and sweet apple notes, cutting through the richness with its slight acidity.
  • Scoop Creamy Vanilla Sidekick: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the warm, crumbly cake and melting slightly from the residual heat.
  • Sip Caramel Apple Cider Enhancer: Serve alongside a warm, spiced apple cider with a subtle caramel drizzle, which echoes the cake's apple flavors and provides a comforting, autumnal beverage that complements the dessert's cozy profile.

Best Way to Store Gooey Apple Coffee Cake

Place cooled coffee cake in an airtight container, covering loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months without losing quality.

Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, heat in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original warmth and softness.

Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to bring cake back to room temperature, ensuring optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best flavor and texture.

  • Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture and binding.

  • How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

  • Can I prepare this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter and prepare the crumble topping the night before.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe

Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent warm & gooey apple pie coffee cake brings classic American dessert comfort to breakfast tables. Fragrant cinnamon swirls and tender apple chunks create a delightful morning treat you’ll crave with your first sip of coffee.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wet Ingredients and Additional Components:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Crumble Topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture with balanced spices and leavening agents.
  3. Incorporate softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter achieves a smooth, silky consistency.
  4. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
  6. Create the crumble topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then work cold butter into the dry ingredients using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
  7. Generously scatter the crumble topping across the entire surface of the cake batter, covering it completely.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter.
  9. While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, drizzle-able glaze.
  10. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the warm surface, allowing it to seep into the crumble topping.
  11. Let the cake rest for 15 minutes to set and cool slightly before cutting and serving warm.

Notes

  • Customize the cake’s sweetness by adjusting the sugar levels to suit different taste preferences.
  • Swap out regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied flavor profiles.
  • Create a dairy-free version by using coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 373 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 152 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star