There’s nothing like the aroma of warm apple coffee cake filling your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. This delightful treat features tender, spiced cake layered with chunks of fresh apples and crowned with a buttery crumb topping that’s nothing short of heavenly.

I first discovered this recipe during a weekend baking spree, experimenting with ways to combine my favorite fall flavors. Now, it’s a staple at family gatherings, brunches, and even lazy Sundays at home. Let’s dive into why this recipe will be your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake

Prepare to meet your ultimate comfort dessert. This apple coffee cake with crumb topping is the perfect combination of cozy flavors, easy preparation, and a touch of elegance.

First and foremost, the tender, spiced cake is incredibly moist thanks to the addition of fresh apples. Every bite bursts with cinnamon and brown sugar warmth, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Then there’s the crumb topping—a buttery, golden masterpiece. It’s crunchy, sweet, and provides the perfect contrast to the softness of the cake below.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. It’s equally at home as a breakfast pastry, an afternoon snack, or a post-dinner dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And let’s not forget the simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, you’ll have this coffee cake ready to pop in the oven in no time.

Ready to get baking? Let’s start with the ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this apple coffee cake lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cake and holds up well during baking. Dice them into small, even pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
Butter: Both the cake and the crumb topping rely on unsalted butter for richness. Be sure it’s at room temperature for the batter and cold for the topping.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the cake and topping. Use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring a warm, autumnal vibe to the cake. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences.
Sour Cream: The secret to the cake’s moist and tender crumb. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works just as well.
Flour: Use all-purpose flour for both the cake and the crumb topping. Be sure to measure it correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accurate results.

You’ll also need a 9x9-inch baking pan and parchment paper for easy removal.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Making this cake is as enjoyable as eating it. Let’s break it down step by step for foolproof results.

Prepare the Crumb Topping:
Start by mixing cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place the topping in the fridge while you prepare the cake.
Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract.In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Incorporate the Apples:
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This step ensures every slice of cake is packed with apple goodness.
Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into a parchment-lined baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the batter, ensuring an even layer.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

This cake bakes up beautifully golden with an irresistible crumbly topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Storage Options

One of the best things about this apple coffee cake is that it stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying over a few days.

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure the cake has cooled completely to prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
Refrigeration: Extend its freshness by storing it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature or warm it in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to get creative with ingredients and flavors. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Swap the Apples: Pears, peaches, or even berries make excellent substitutes for apples. Adjust the baking time slightly if using juicier fruits.
Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them over the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl: Layer the batter with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a swirled effect that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
Glaze It: Drizzle a simple icing made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for added sweetness and a bakery-style touch.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.

This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping is the perfect way to celebrate fall—or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice with your morning coffee, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your day. Happy baking!