Ingredients
For the Cake
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
1½ cups (200g) peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch square or round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until coarse crumbs form. Set the streusel aside while preparing the cake batter.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step creates a soft and tender cake texture.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing only until combined after each addition.
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel generously over the top, covering the entire surface for a delicious crumbly topping.
Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake just before serving.
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is incredibly soft, moist, and filled with tender chunks of fresh apples. The warm cinnamon flavor blends perfectly with the buttery cake, while the crunchy streusel topping adds a delightful texture in every bite.
Finished with a light vanilla glaze, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake light and tender.
Allow the butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze so it sets beautifully without melting completely.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Variations
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch.
Mix raisins or dried cranberries into the batter for additional sweetness and texture.
Replace the vanilla glaze with a cream cheese glaze for a richer finish.
Sprinkle coarse cinnamon sugar over the streusel before baking for an extra crispy topping.
Nutritional Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 9–12 slices
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 390 kcal
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 17 g
Sugar: 32 g
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a timeless homemade dessert that combines soft, buttery cake with juicy apples and a crisp cinnamon streusel topping. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or alongside your favorite coffee or tea, this comforting cake is easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite.