There's nothing quite like the comforting scent of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break. The moist cake is layered with tender apples and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-infused crumb topping that's simply irresistible.

I first made this cake when I was looking for a cozy dessert to bring to a family gathering. It quickly became a hit, with everyone asking for the recipe. Now, it’s a staple in our home, especially during the fall months when apples are at their peak.

Why You'll Love This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Get ready to fall in love with this deliciously comforting dessert. This Apple Coffee Cake is packed with flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

First, it's a breeze to make, even for beginner bakers. The recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients and straightforward steps that guarantee a perfect cake every time.

The crumb topping is the star of the show, adding a sweet, crunchy layer that pairs perfectly with the tender cake and juicy apple slices. It's like the best parts of a coffee cake and an apple pie combined.

This cake is versatile too. Serve it as a dessert, a brunch centerpiece, or even as a sweet snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy afternoons at home.

Finally, the flavors are classic and crowd-pleasing. The warm spices, buttery crumble, and fresh apples create a comforting, nostalgic taste that appeals to everyone, young and old.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping lies in its simple yet carefully balanced ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cake so special.

Apples are the heart of the recipe. Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor. Peel, core, and slice them thinly so they bake evenly into the cake.

The crumb topping is made with flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of cinnamon. It’s essential to use cold butter, cutting it into the dry ingredients until it forms pea-sized crumbs. This ensures a perfectly crunchy topping.

For the cake, all-purpose flour provides the ideal structure. Be sure to measure it correctly – spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense cake.

Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the apples. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Finally, ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth to the cake. These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the apples, making every bite deliciously aromatic.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just a mixing bowl, a hand mixer, and a 9x13-inch baking pan.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Creating this apple coffee cake is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily after baking.

In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms small crumbs. Set this aside.

For the cake batter, cream together softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan, then layer the sliced apples evenly on top. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon for extra flavor. Spread the remaining batter over the apples and smooth it out gently.

Top the batter with the prepared crumb mixture, distributing it evenly across the surface of the cake. This will create that iconic crunchy topping.

Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage Options

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping stores beautifully, making it perfect for making ahead or enjoying over several days.

To store at room temperature, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving for the best flavor.

You can also freeze this cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature or gently reheat before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This cake is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping. They’ll add extra crunch and a toasty flavor.

If you prefer a lighter cake, substitute half the butter in the batter with applesauce. This will reduce the fat content while adding even more apple flavor.

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk mixed with vinegar in place of buttermilk.

Finally, feel free to experiment with different fruits. Pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries would work beautifully in this recipe, offering a unique twist on the classic.

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging in a quiet afternoon treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.