The kitchen fills with the warm scent of cinnamon and sweet apples, instantly transporting me to crisp autumn days. As the leaves turn, there’s nothing quite as comforting as an Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake. This delightful dessert combines the essence of a classic apple pie with the tender, moist texture of coffee cake, making it a perfect addition to your fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, even novice bakers can whip up this treat that’s bound to impress friends and family. Plus, think of all the delightful ways to customize it—try swapping in fresh apples for a time-honored flavor twist or adding a sweet glaze for an extra touch! Curious to see how easy it is to bring this cozy creation to your table? Let’s dive in!
Why is this Apple Pie Coffee Cake irresistible?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe makes baking a breeze, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
Warm, Cozy Flavors: The rich combination of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen with the essence of autumn, creating an inviting atmosphere that everyone loves.
Moist and Delicious: The cake’s soft, tender texture stands out, enhanced by the gooey apple filling and crunchy streusel, making each bite an absolute delight.
Endless Customization: Feeling adventurous? Swap in fresh apples or add a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate your creation for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion Dessert: Whether it’s a family breakfast or potluck, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is sure to impress both friends and family, bringing everyone together to share in its cozy sweetness.
Serve with Love: Pair it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of apple cider for a complete fall experience. If you love delightful desserts, don’t miss trying out our Gingerbread Pancakes Cozy for another warm treat!
Apple Pie Coffee Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure to make this cake perfectly moist.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and can be swapped with brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Baking Powder – Essential for a light texture; don’t skip it!
- Baking Soda – Works alongside baking powder for that delightful rise.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors in your Apple Pie Coffee Cake.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses the cake with cozy, warm spice; definitely recommended!
- Butter – Ensures a moist and rich cake; vegan margarine works as a great substitute.
- Sour Cream – Keeps the cake wonderfully moist; Greek yogurt makes an excellent alternative.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together; for an egg-free option, use applesauce or flax egg.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor; pure vanilla is best for authentic taste.
- Apple Pie Filling – Adds a sweet, delicious layer; fresh chopped apples also work beautifully!
For the Streusel Topping
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture to the topping; granulated sugar is a suitable backup.
- Additional Cinnamon – Enhances the streusel’s flavor, throwing in even more autumn vibes.
- Cold Butter – Cut in until crumbly for that perfect crunchy texture on top.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the streusel together; sift for a lighter texture.
Optional Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cake and makes it look extra special.
- Milk – Adds creaminess to your glaze; use any milk of your choice.
- Vanilla – A splash enhances the glaze’s flavor but can be omitted if desired.
With this collection of simple, but delicious ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable Apple Pie Coffee Cake that will surely become a beloved household treat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your Apple Pie Coffee Cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully mixed, which will help create a fluffy texture in the cake.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted butter, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step adds richness and moisture to your Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake, making it irresistibly tender.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, gently folding them together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay. This caution helps maintain the light, airy texture of your coffee cake, ensuring a delightful bite with every slice.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Filling
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, layer it with your choice of 1 can of apple pie filling, smoothing it out gently. Finally, add the remaining batter on top, ensuring it covers the apple filling completely for that lovely surprise center of flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and an optional teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut in ¼ cup of cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly. This crunchy streusel will lend a delightful texture to your Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake.
Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter in the baking dish. Bake your coffee cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown, filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. If desired, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla. Drizzle this over your cake for a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavors of your Apple Pie Coffee Cake.
Storage Tips for Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Room Temperature: Store any leftover Apple Pie Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for an easy treat!
Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature or warm it slightly for the best taste.
Freezer: To preserve your cake longer, freeze it in individual slices or whole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Apple Pie Coffee Cake
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Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to prevent a dense cake; scooping straight from the bag can lead to too much flour being added.
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Chill the Streusel: For a crunchier topping, chill your streusel mixture before sprinkling it on. It will hold its shape better during baking.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda; expired leavening agents can result in a flat cake.
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Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on baking times; every oven varies. Start checking for doneness around the 35-minute mark to avoid overbaking your Apple Pie Coffee Cake.
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Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely for the best texture and to ensure clean slices when serving.
What to Serve with Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet, spiced flavors and warm comforts to create a full, cozy dining experience.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious, airy contrast to the moist cake, enhancing its sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a delightful temperature contrast and pairs perfectly with the warm apple pie coffee cake, melting into bliss.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over each slice elevates the taste further, adding a rich and indulgent layer of sweetness.
- Coffee: A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the cake’s warmth and spices, making it an ideal pairing for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Apple Cider: Sipping on hot apple cider brings out the cake’s flavor profile, adding a refreshing yet comforting touch that celebrates fall.
- Nutty Streusel Topping: Enhance the crunchiness by generously sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake before serving; it introduces a delightful texture.
Serve your Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake with these delectable accompaniments to create a charming gathering or cozy morning at home!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cakes are a fantastic make-ahead option for busy home cooks! You can prepare the batter and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which will save you crucial time on a hectic morning. Additionally, you can assemble the entire cake, including the streusel topping, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply place it in the oven without needing to bring it to room temperature. For the best texture, bake the cake straight from the fridge and be sure to check for doneness, as it might take a few extra minutes. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and comforting Apple Pie Coffee Cake without much fuss!
Apple Pie Coffee Cake Variations
Feel free to play around and make this Apple Pie Coffee Cake your own with these delightful twists!
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Fresh Apples: Use freshly chopped apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a homemade taste. Toss them in a bit of sugar and cinnamon before layering for an irresistible bite.
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Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for a nutty crunch that complements the soft cake beautifully. The added texture creates a satisfying contrast with each bite.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake just before serving for a sweet and indulgent twist. It adds a luxurious touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute sour cream with plant-based yogurt or coconut yogurt for a creamy, dairy-free version. Your cake will still be deliciously moist without sacrificing flavor.
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Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor by adding a touch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter. This warm spice variation adds another layer of comfort and coziness, perfect for fall.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swap half of the flour for cocoa powder, creating a chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with apple filling. Chocolate and apple are a match made in dessert heaven!
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Glazed Perfection: For a sweet finish, whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Pour it over the cooled cake to elevate its appearance and sweetness dramatically.
For those who love cozy breakfasts, try this alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a slice of Wisconsin Apple Kringle for an extra seasonal treat! Embrace every flavorful option, and watch this cake become a favorite at your fall gatherings.
Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These varieties maintain their shape and bring a lovely tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake. If you’re using fresh apples instead of canned pie filling, peel and chop them into small pieces, about 1/2-inch cubes, and sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on them for added flavor.
How should I store the leftover coffee cake?
Very! You can store your leftover Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze this apple pie coffee cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your cake, I recommend slicing it first for easier thawing later. Wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to protect against freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in your microwave or oven.
What should I do if my coffee cake is too dense?
If you find that your cake is too dense, it might be due to over-mixing after adding the wet and dry ingredients. To resolve this in the future, mix just until everything is combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Also, ensure you’re measuring your flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you’re making this cake for someone with dietary restrictions, here are a few options: You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine to make it dairy-free. For egg-free alternatives, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes). If anyone has nut allergies, simply leave nuts out of any variations you may want to try.
Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
Yes, indeed! While all-purpose flour works wonderfully, you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser texture. However, keep in mind that it might alter the cake’s moisture level—so you may need to add a bit more liquid, or even consider using cake flour for an even lighter alternative!
Apple Pie Coffee Cake That Makes Mornings Cozy and Sweet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: melted butter, sour cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the baking dish and layer with apple pie filling, then top with remaining batter.
- Mix the streusel ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before glazing it with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla mixture.
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