There's something magical about the scent of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven, especially when paired with a buttery crumb topping. This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a cozy treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with your favorite coffee or tea.

I first baked this cake on a crisp autumn morning when my kitchen was overflowing with freshly picked apples. One bite of its tender, moist crumb paired with the sweet and spiced topping, and I knew this recipe was here to stay. Let me show you how to bring this delightful cake into your home.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping will win you over from the very first bite. It’s more than just delicious – it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Simple yet impressive. The combination of soft cake, juicy apples, and crunchy crumb topping looks bakery-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make.
Perfectly spiced. With the warming flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ideal for any time of day. It’s perfect as a breakfast treat, a mid-morning coffee pairing, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Great for gatherings. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a holiday spread, this cake fits in beautifully and always gets rave reviews.

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery? Let’s dive into the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

This coffee cake is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important.

Apples: Look for firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Their crisp texture and tart flavor hold up beautifully in baking and balance the sweetness of the cake.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and the crumb topping. Make sure to measure it accurately for the best texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to both the batter and the crumb topping.
Butter: Melted for the crumb topping and softened for the cake batter, it provides richness and flavor throughout.
Spices: A mix of ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuses the cake with warm, autumnal notes.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tang that complements the apples.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises perfectly and has a light texture.
Eggs: They bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.

For equipment, you’ll need a 9-inch square or round baking pan and a hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugar effectively.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake

Creating this delicious Apple Coffee Cake is straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure success.

Prepare your oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the crumb topping. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and dice 2 cups of apples into small cubes. Toss them with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, followed by ½ cup Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples with a spatula.
Assemble the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
Bake and enjoy. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

This cake is ready to serve as is, but it’s especially lovely with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days if you want to extend its shelf life.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave or oven as needed.

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh the crumb topping.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Coffee Cake is a versatile recipe with plenty of room for customization. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add nuts. Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Try different fruits. Swap the apples for pears or berries to give the cake a new flavor twist.
Make it gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Go dairy-free. Substitute coconut oil for the butter and use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
Add a glaze. Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

With these variations, you can tailor the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is everything you want in a baked treat – soft, spiced, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or enjoying it on a quiet morning, it’s sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking! 🍎