Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a cozy breakfast treat that brings together tender cake, juicy baked apples, and a crunchy cinnamon crumble topping. The blend of sweet apples and buttery crumble makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a cool morning.
I love making this cake when I want something special but not too complicated. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking fills the kitchen and makes waiting so worth it. I usually make it the night before so it’s ready for a relaxing weekend breakfast or brunch.
My favorite way to enjoy this coffee cake is with a hot cup of tea or coffee, while sitting by the window and taking a moment to slow down. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves, whether for a holiday morning or just a simple get-together with friends. It’s easy to slice up and share, which always brings smiles around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Fresh apples are central to this cake. I prefer tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness. You can also try Fuji or Honeycrisp. If fresh apples aren’t available, peeled diced pears might work as a substitute.
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control salt levels. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing in the batter but cold for the crumble topping to get a nice texture. For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative.
Sour cream or plain yogurt: This adds moisture and tenderness. Greek yogurt works well too. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Brown sugar in crumble: This adds a deeper sweetness and moisture to the topping. If you don’t have brown sugar, use white sugar plus a bit of molasses or maple syrup to mimic flavor.
How Do You Get a Perfect Crumble Topping?
Making a great crumble topping is all about texture. You want small chunks, not a powder. Cold butter is key.
- Combine dry ingredients first, then cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers.
- Mix until it looks like coarse crumbs with some bigger pieces.
- Don’t overwork it or the topping will turn greasy and lose that crumbly feel.
- Sprinkle evenly on top of the batter so every bite has that crunchy layer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch square baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Mixing bowls – a few different sizes help keep wet and dry ingredients separate.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Pastry cutter or fork – great for cutting cold butter into the crumble topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredients to get the best results.
- Wire rack – lets your cake cool properly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or peaches in warm months for a fresh twist and gentle sweetness.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a spicier, warming note.
- Stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for a chewy texture pop.
Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. Allow extra cooling time before serving, especially if you plan to add the optional glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan, or use parchment paper to line it for easy removal.
2. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside for later.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with the granulated sugar until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
4. Add Apples:
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly spread.
5. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping all over the cake batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If you like, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Serve:
Slice the coffee cake and enjoy warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the batter to prevent it from becoming too wet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen slices gently before serving.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt work great as substitutes. If you’d like a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
Can I Make This Coffee Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and crumble topping the night before, then bake it fresh in the morning. Alternatively, bake it fully, then reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
