Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake – Cozy, Sweet & Perfect with Coffee
Introduction
Few things feel as comforting as a slice of Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake. With tender layers of buttery cake, a sweet apple‑cinnamon filling, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, this recipe is the ultimate treat for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or afternoon coffee breaks. The combination of tart apples and warm spices makes every bite taste like fall, but it’s delicious year‑round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic flavors: Apples, cinnamon, and vanilla glaze.
Moist & tender: Sour cream keeps the cake soft and rich.
Beautiful layers: Apple filling tucked between cake batter.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Cake
2 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling
2 cups peeled & chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp all‑purpose flour (to coat apples)
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (adjust as needed)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9‑inch round or square baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare Apple Cinnamon Filling
In a medium bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Make Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Assemble Cake
Spread half the batter evenly in prepared pan.
Spoon apple cinnamon filling over batter.
Top with remaining batter, spreading gently to cover apples. Smooth with spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 7: Glaze & Serve
Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Let set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
Best apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Extra crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling.
Spice it up: Add nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
Make ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance; glaze just before serving.
Variations
Streusel Topping: Mix butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter before baking.
Caramel Drizzle: Replace glaze with warm caramel sauce.
Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Gluten‑Free: Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
Serving Ideas
Pair with hot coffee or chai latte.
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Add fresh apple slices or cinnamon sticks for garnish.
Present on a cake stand for brunch gatherings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, it works perfectly and keeps the cake moist.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely—wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13 pan and increase baking time to 45–50 minutes.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a cozy, crowd‑pleasing recipe that combines tender cake, spiced apples, and a sweet glaze. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.