There's nothing better than the comforting aroma of warm Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping baking in the oven. This recipe is the perfect marriage of tender, spiced cake, juicy apple pieces, and a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth.

I discovered this gem on a crisp fall afternoon when I had extra apples and a craving for something sweet. One bite, and it instantly became a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a cozy dessert or a special breakfast treat, this apple coffee cake has you covered. Let’s dive into the details!

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

Get ready to swoon over every bite of this delightful apple coffee cake. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

First and foremost, the flavors are divine. Imagine the sweetness of cinnamon-kissed apples, the richness of a buttery cake, and the crunch of a crumbly streusel topping. Every layer offers something special, making it hard to resist.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. While it’s perfect for fall, it’s just as delightful year-round. Serve it as a dessert, pair it with a cup of coffee for a luxurious breakfast, or bring it to your next brunch gathering—it always impresses.

It’s surprisingly easy to make, too. Despite its bakery-worthy appearance, this recipe doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. You’ll have it whipped up and ready for the oven in no time.

Lastly, this coffee cake is a great way to use fresh apples. Whether you have Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of varieties, they all shine in this recipe. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to make the most of apple-picking season.

Ready to get baking? Let’s start with what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Apples are the star here. For the best results, choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their natural acidity balances the sweetness of the cake and topping beautifully. Make sure to peel, core, and dice them into small, even pieces for even baking.

The crumb topping is what elevates this coffee cake to the next level. Made with butter, sugar, and flour, it creates a golden, crunchy layer that’s impossible to resist. Don’t skip the cinnamon—it adds a warm, aromatic touch that ties everything together.

For the cake base, a mix of all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder ensures a light, tender crumb. Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt brings moisture and a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the cake with a cozy warmth. These are classic companions to apples and give the coffee cake its signature flavor.

If you have a stand mixer, it will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze. A 9x13-inch pan or a round springform pan works perfectly for baking this cake to golden perfection.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Creating this delicious apple coffee cake is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and makes serving a breeze.

Prepare the crumb topping first. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the cake.

For the cake batter, cream softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a tender texture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the batter, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing—it smells amazing, but patience will be rewarded with neater pieces.

Storage Options

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping stores wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead option.

If you have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, let a slice sit at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Reheating is simple—just pop a slice in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The crumb topping will regain some of its crispness, and the cake will be as delicious as the day it was baked.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Swap out the apples for pears or even berries for a fruity twist. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the cake.

For a nutty addition, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping. They add a delightful crunch and complement the apples beautifully.

Want to make it dairy-free? Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt instead of sour cream.

Spices can also be adjusted to your taste. Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor profile, or stick with the classic cinnamon and nutmeg combo.

For a slightly healthier version, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.

This apple coffee cake is truly a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just create your next family favorite!