Picture this: the cozy aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, a warm slice of coffee cake on your plate, and a steaming cup of tea or coffee in hand. This Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake is everything you love about fall wrapped into one perfect, crumbly, and tender dessert. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe is about to become your go-to autumn indulgence. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated fall without it!
What makes this recipe worth making? It combines the soft, buttery texture of coffee cake with the sweet, spiced goodness of apple pie. It’s like two desserts in one, and honestly, who could say no to that? I first came across a version of this at a family gathering, and after a few tweaks, I’ve created a recipe that’s easy, foolproof, and absolutely delicious. Ready to make your kitchen smell like fall heaven? Let’s dive in!
The Story Behind Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Apple desserts have always been a symbol of fall. From apple pies to crisps, there’s something comforting about the way apples transform when baked with spices. This Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake takes inspiration from the classic flavors of apple pie but gives it a fun twist with a crumbly coffee cake topping.
Growing up, my grandmother’s apple pie was a fall tradition. She made it from scratch, rolling out the dough on her old wooden counter and using apples from our backyard tree. But as much as I loved her pie, making one from scratch isn’t always practical. That’s how this coffee cake came to life—it’s a simpler, quicker way to enjoy those nostalgic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for fall mornings when the air is crisp, and you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks, family gatherings, or even just to make your weekdays feel a little more special. Plus, it’s a dessert that feels fancy without being fussy. You can dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.
So, whether you’re an apple pie fanatic or just someone who loves a good coffee cake, this recipe is going to hit all the right notes. Let’s talk about the magic ingredients that make it so special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each one is important:
- Apples: Go for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake. If you prefer sweeter apples, you can use Fuji or Gala.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the coffee cake. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination of these sugars gives the cake sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Eggs: These help bind the cake and give it structure. Room-temperature eggs work best for a smoother batter.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: The quintessential fall spices! They bring warmth and depth to the cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These ensure your cake rises beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash makes everything better. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Optional glaze: Powdered sugar and milk whisked together create a simple glaze that adds an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. And if you happen to have leftover apples, dice them up and freeze them for your next batch!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need a ton of fancy gadgets to make this Apple Pie Coffee Cake. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Mixing bowls: A couple of different sizes will save you from washing in between steps.
- 9×9-inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for this recipe. If you don’t have one, an 8×8-inch dish will work, but the cake may take a few minutes longer to bake.
- Electric mixer: While you can mix by hand, a hand or stand mixer will make your life easier.
- Peeler and corer: For prepping the apples. If you don’t have a corer, a sharp knife works just fine.
- Spatula: For scraping down the bowl and spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
Pro tip: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
How to Make Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup (50g) of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the diced apples.
- Make the crumb topping (optional): In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup (60g) of flour, 1/4 cup (50g) of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until crumbly.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before drizzling with the optional powdered sugar glaze.
And there you have it—a coffee cake that’s as easy as it is delicious!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
- Check your apples: If they’re very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Use fresh spices: Spices lose their potency over time. If your cinnamon has been sitting in the pantry for years, it might be time to replace it.
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Caramel drizzle: Instead of the glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake.
Serving and Storage
This coffee cake is best served slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh that just-baked taste.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this coffee cake (based on 9 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
While it’s not exactly a health food, the fresh apples do provide a dose of fiber and vitamin C!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dessert that screams fall, this Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the answer. It’s cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. I hope you love it as much as my family does!
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe or if you have any fun variations. And don’t forget to share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, pears or peaches can be a great substitute for apples in this recipe.
What’s the best way to peel and core apples?
A vegetable peeler works well for peeling, and an apple corer or a small paring knife can help with coring.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Is the crumb topping necessary?
Not at all! The cake is delicious on its own, but the crumb topping adds a lovely texture and flavor.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
