Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
A tender, buttery coffee cake loaded with juicy apple chunks and a warm cinnamon swirl, all crowned with a crisp, nutty streusel topping. This cozy classic bakes up golden and fragrant, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.
For 8 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan.
1.Set the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F (175°C).2.Grease a 9-inch springform pan or square baking dish with butter. - mix
Mix the dry ingredients.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp baking soda, a pinch of salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.2.Set the bowl aside. - mix · ~4 min
Cream the butter and sugar.
1.In a large bowl, beat 0.5 cup softened butter and 0.75 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.2.Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.3.Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.TIPScrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed. - mix
Combine wet and dry mixtures.
1.Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.2.Add 0.5 cup sour cream and mix until incorporated.3.Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.TIPOvermixing the batter develops too much gluten, which makes the cake tough instead of tender. - mix
Fold in the apples.
Using a spatula, gently fold the diced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- assemble
Make the streusel topping.
1.In a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup packed brown sugar, 0.25 cup finely chopped walnuts, and the remaining 1 tsp cinnamon.2.Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.3.Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter. - bake · ~45 min
Bake the coffee cake.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
TIPCheck the cake at 35 minutes. If the streusel is browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. - rest · ~15 min
Cool before slicing.
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then remove the springform ring (if using). Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
TIPFor the cleanest slices, let the cake cool completely before cutting.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a more complex fruit flavor.
- 2Make sure your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature so the batter creams evenly and holds air.
- 3Toss the diced apples in a teaspoon of flour before folding them in to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- 4For a deeper cinnamon flavor, bloom the spice in melted butter before adding it to the streusel.
- 5Let the coffee cake cool completely in the pan before slicing if you want clean, crumb-free pieces.
- 6This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days; store it tightly covered to retain moisture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Whole Wheat
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. The cake will be slightly denser but still tender.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
Use a plant-based butter stick and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The texture remains rich and moist, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the walnuts from the streusel and replace them with an equal amount of oat flour or crushed graham crackers for a nut-free crunch.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend (with xanthan gum). The cake will be slightly more crumbly but still delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Contains Dietary Fiber from Apples
Two medium apples provide about 8 grams of fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Provides Healthy Fats from Walnuts
Walnuts are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
Cinnamon's Antioxidant Properties
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and may support blood sugar regulation.
Moderate Protein from Eggs
Eggs contribute high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12 and choline, supporting muscle and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, full-fat plain Greek yogurt works as a direct substitute for sour cream and will give a similar tender crumb.
