There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping baking in your oven. The warm scent of cinnamon and apples fills the air, promising a cozy treat that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

I discovered this recipe on a crisp autumn afternoon while experimenting with ways to use up a bushel of freshly picked apples. What started as a simple bake turned into a family favorite that now graces our table every holiday season. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special!

Why You'll Love This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Get ready to meet your new go-to baked treat! This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is everything you want in a dessert: easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and beautifully textured.

First off, the moist and tender cake base is studded with fresh apple pieces, providing bursts of natural sweetness and a juicy contrast to the crumbly topping. It's like having an apple pie and a cake combined into one delightful bite.

The buttery crumb topping is the star of the show, offering a sweet, slightly crunchy layer that perfectly balances the softness of the cake. With hints of cinnamon and brown sugar, it adds that comforting flavor we all crave in a coffee cake.

Not only is this recipe quick and straightforward, but it also uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. That means less time at the store and more time enjoying your creation.

Lastly, this cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee in the morning or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. Either way, you’ll have people asking for seconds!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dessert a standout treat.

Apples

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake and crumb topping, and they hold their shape well during baking.

All-Purpose Flour

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour to create the perfect balance of structure and softness. For a slightly heartier texture, you can substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Butter

Use unsalted butter, so you can control the saltiness of the cake. Make sure it's cold when making the crumb topping, as this helps create that perfect crumbly texture.

Brown Sugar

The addition of light brown sugar in both the cake and crumb topping adds a caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

These warming spices are the heart of this recipe. They infuse the cake with the cozy flavors we all associate with fall and holiday baking.

No special equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking dish. However, a pastry cutter or fork will make preparing the crumb topping easier.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Making this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a delightful treat ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in ½ cup of cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside for later.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in ½ cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1½ cups of peeled, diced apples.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter, ensuring an even layer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, serve your Apple Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with a vanilla glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Allow it to come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your preferences:

Swap the Apples: Try pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a different fruity twist.
Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the sour cream with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Extra Spices: Amp up the flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom in the batter.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This coffee cake is wonderfully forgiving and can handle almost any tweak you throw its way.

With its buttery crumb topping and tender apple-filled cake, this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet finale to dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron and get baking – your kitchen is about to smell amazing!