Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

When the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing better than filling your home with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples. I’ve got a lot of cinnamon apple recipes on the blog, but this one takes the cake….. see what I did there? 😉 This Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake is the perfect recipe for embracing fall. It features a fluffy cake filled with cozy spices and apple pieces, a layer of caramelized apples, and is topped off with a crumbly streusel topping. It’s the ideal companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack during these fall months!

A Deliciously Crumbly Streusel Topping

The hallmark of any great coffee cake is the streusel topping, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. Made with brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, softened butter, and flour, the streusel has a balance of sweetness and spice. The key to achieving that irresistible crumbly texture is gently mixing the ingredients until they form a sandy, chunky consistency. Chilled in the fridge, the streusel is ready to be sprinkled over the cake, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

The Apple Layer: Sweet and Tangy

What sets this coffee cake apart is the layer of thinly sliced apples in the middle. The apples are coated in lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar, which gives them a hint of tartness and sweetness. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning before baking. These tender, cinnamon-sugar-coated apple slices melt into the cake, adding moisture and flavor in every bite.

A Moist and Flavorful Cake Base

The cake batter consists of an amazing set of ingredients that blend together for the perfect flavor profile. Using yogurt and applesauce instead of butter creates a soft, light texture while keeping the cake moist. The applesauce also gives the cake an extra “apple-y” flavor. The combination of brown sugar and vanilla enhances the sweetness, while cinnamon adds a deep warmth. The shredded apple folded into the batter ensures that the apple flavor is infused into every bite.

Using the Proper Cake Pan

This Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. The only specific item I’d suggest you have on hand is an 8 inch round cake pan with a removable bottom. You’ll notice in the recipe below that you’ll start by preheating the oven and greasing your pan. You can certainly use any regular cake pan you have on hand, but I find the ones with the removable sides make for easier removal, better presentation and serving of the cake.

Easy Steps for a Rewarding Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

Start by preparing the streusel and apple layers so they’re ready to go when you make the cake batter. Once the batter is mixed and poured into the cake pan, you can simply layer the apples and crumble the streusel on top. It takes just about 48 minutes to bake, leaving you with plenty of time to sit back and relax as your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon.

The Perfect Texture Combination

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake so enjoyable is the combination of textures. The fluffy, sweet cake pairs beautifully with the caramelized apples. Then, there’s the crumbly streusel on top, which adds a little extra sweetness with a slight, satisfying crunch. Together, these textures make each bite an adventure for your taste buds, and the cake stays delicious for days when stored in the fridge.

Optional Glaze for Extra Sweetness

For those who like a little extra sweetness, an optional apple cider glaze can be drizzled over the cake. The glaze is simple to make with just two ingredients: apple cider and powdered sugar. It adds a hint of tangy sweetness that complements the spiced apples and cinnamon. Whether you drizzle it over the whole cake or add a little to each slice, it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Serve It Warm or Cold

This Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or cold. Straight out of the oven, the cake is soft and fragrant, perfect for serving with coffee or tea. If you prefer it cold, storing the cake in the fridge allows the flavors to deepen and develop further. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick and cozy breakfast, or enjoy them cold as a snack on the go.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert

Because this coffee cake stores so well, it’s a great option for make-ahead breakfasts or gatherings. You can easily bake it the day before and store it in the fridge, knowing it will be just as moist and flavorful when you’re ready to serve it. The streusel remains crunchy, and the cake stays tender for several days, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or treating guests.

Celebrate Fall with Every Slice

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of apples and cinnamon, especially in the form of a coffee cake. This Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and cozy moments. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, sharing it at a brunch, or treating yourself, each slice is a reminder of the simple pleasures that come with the changing seasons.

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Looking for more recipes to give you all the fall feels? Try these next!

1. Apple Cider Donuts
2. Peanut Butter Stuffed Baked Pears
3. Homemade Raw Applesauce

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