Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

I have to tell you about this apple cinnamon coffee cake because it’s one of those recipes that sneaks into your heart and refuses to leave and the thing is I never thought a cake with apples and cinnamon could make my whole kitchen smell like a cozy hug and I remember the first time I made this apple cinnamon coffee cake I almost burned the edges because I got distracted talking to my neighbor but even with a slightly crunchy top it tasted amazing and reminded me that perfect baking isn’t about being flawless and that day I knew this recipe would be my go-to for breakfast and dessert.

I love making this apple cinnamon coffee cake when my kids come running into the kitchen early in the morning and the funny part is they don’t even wait for it to cool because the scent of apples and cinnamon is like magic and once I put this apple cinnamon coffee cake on the table my husband takes one bite and says it’s better than any coffee cake we ever bought and that makes me feel proud and a little surprised that something so simple could bring so much joy because this apple cinnamon coffee cake is soft and moist with warm cinnamon swirls and juicy apples hiding in every bite.

Sometimes I try to make this apple cinnamon coffee cake fancy with a little powdered sugar glaze or even some chopped nuts on top but honestly I often forget or spill a bit of batter and it’s messy yet somehow that makes it more real and fun because life isn’t perfect and neither is this apple cinnamon coffee cake but every single bite is comforting and reminds me that a cake can be delicious even if it’s not picture-perfect and I love it for that reason.

I’ve also found that this apple cinnamon coffee cake goes with so many things so well and here are a few ideas I’ve tried myself and they all taste amazing because you can have it with a cup of strong coffee and some creamy scrambled eggs or enjoy it with a warm mug of hot chocolate and a bowl of fresh berries and sometimes I slice it and toast it lightly with butter and drizzle a bit of honey over it or I serve it alongside vanilla yogurt and Raspberry Almond Crumble Bars for a quick breakfast and a few times I paired it with a side of apple compote and whipped cream and once I even made little sandwiches with peanut butter or cream cheese and it was surprisingly good and all these combinations make this apple cinnamon coffee cake feel like a treat every single time.

ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)

ingredients notes

All the ingredients you need are easy to find in the store. Flour makes the cake soft and fluffy. Sugar and brown sugar make it sweet and give a little chewiness. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Cinnamon gives a warm, cozy taste. Butter and oil make it moist. Eggs hold everything together. Vanilla adds a nice flavor. Sour cream makes it soft and tangy. Apples give natural sweetness and juiciness. Nuts are crunchy and optional. Powdered sugar can make a pretty glaze on top if you like.

How to make Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake ?

step 1: prepare the oven and pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray so the cake does not stick. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

step 2: mix dry ingredients

In a big bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly combined. This makes sure every bite tastes the same.

step 3: combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Make sure it is smooth and creamy. The eggs help hold the cake together and make it fluffy.

step 4: add wet and dry ingredients together

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until it is just mixed. Do not overmix or the cake will be tough. A few lumps are okay.

step 5: fold in apples and nuts

Add the chopped apples and nuts into the batter. Fold them carefully so they are evenly distributed. The apples will make the cake juicy, and nuts give a nice crunch.

step 6: pour batter into pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it bakes the same on all sides. Make sure the top is smooth.

step 7: bake the cake

Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The top should be golden brown and smell amazing.

step 8: cool the cake

Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Then you can slice it. If you want, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a simple glaze.

kitchen equipment needed

• mixing bowls (large and medium)
• whisk
• spatula or spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• knife and cutting board
• oven
• cooling rack
• optional: parchment paper

storage options

This apple cinnamon coffee cake stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature if you cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy later, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a cozy treat.

variations

One fun way to enjoy this cake is to change the fruits. You can use pears, peaches, or even berries instead of apples. Adding different spices like nutmeg or cloves gives a new, warm flavor. For a chocolate twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter. If you like it extra crunchy, add more nuts or even a streusel topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Finally, you can make mini cakes or muffins instead of one big cake. These are perfect for sharing or for little hands.

faq

What is this recipe made of?

This recipe is made of flour, sugar, butter, oil, eggs, sour cream, apples, cinnamon, and optional nuts. All these ingredients combine to make a soft, moist, and flavorful cake.

What does it taste like?

It tastes sweet, warm, and cozy. The apples make it juicy, cinnamon adds a gentle spice, and the cake is soft and buttery. Nuts give a nice crunch if you use them.

can i use a different type of apple?

Yes! Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work great. Tart apples like Granny Smith also work and give a tangy flavor.

can i make it without nuts?

Absolutely. The nuts are optional. The cake will still taste amazing without them.

can i make it gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it is one that measures like regular flour. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

can i use less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you like it less sweet. Keep in mind it may change the texture a little.

can i add a glaze or frosting?

Yes, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Cream cheese frosting is also a delicious option.

how long does it stay fresh?

At room temperature in a covered container, it stays fresh for 2–3 days. In the fridge, it lasts up to a week. You can freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Recipe by LaylaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

A soft, moist, and sweet apple cinnamon coffee cake perfect for breakfast or dessert, with juicy apples and warm cinnamon flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray so the cake does not stick. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
• In a big bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly combined. This makes sure every bite tastes the same.
• In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Make sure it is smooth and creamy. The eggs help hold the cake together and make it fluffy.
• Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon until it is just mixed. Do not overmix or the cake will be tough. A few lumps are okay.
• Add the chopped apples and nuts into the batter. Fold them carefully so they are evenly distributed. The apples will make the cake juicy, and nuts give a nice crunch.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it bakes the same on all sides. Make sure the top is smooth.
• Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The top should be golden brown and smell amazing.
• Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Then you can slice it. If you want, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a simple glaze.