There's nothing better than the comforting aroma of Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping baking in your oven. The scent of cinnamon, butter, and warm apples fills your kitchen, instantly making it feel cozier. This cake is perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or any time you need a little indulgence.

I first came across this recipe when trying to impress my in-laws during their visit. The result? A warm, inviting dessert that won everyone over at first bite. Let's dive into what makes this cake a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Apple Coffee Cake
Get ready to savor your new favorite dessert (or breakfast). This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is all about bringing comfort and delight to your table.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, the steps are simple, and the results are foolproof. From mixing the batter to layering the crumb topping, it's a straightforward recipe with impressive results.
The flavor is out of this world. The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and a buttery crumb topping creates a balance that’s simply irresistible. Pair it with your morning coffee, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
You'll also love its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a mid-afternoon snack, this coffee cake fits the bill. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can always have a slice on hand for unexpected guests or personal indulgence.
Finally, the texture is divine. The moist, tender cake contrasts perfectly with the crunchy topping, while the apple pieces add a juicy burst in every bite.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake lies in its fresh ingredients and perfectly spiced crumb topping. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape during baking and provide a tangy counterpoint to the sweet cake. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces for even distribution.
- Butter: Both the cake and the crumb topping rely on butter for richness and flavor. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices bring out the best in the apples and give the cake its signature cozy flavor.
- Sour Cream: This secret ingredient keeps the cake ultra-moist and tender. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works just as well.
- Brown Sugar: The crumb topping features brown sugar for a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Ensure your flour is fresh for the best texture. You'll use it for both the cake and the topping.
Special equipment? Nothing fancy here! A 9x13-inch baking pan, a mixing bowl, and a pastry cutter or fork for the crumb topping will do the trick.
How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake

Making this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is simpler than you might think. Let me guide you through the steps:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing your apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream, and mix until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expect your kitchen to smell incredible and your taste buds to be wowed. The total time? Just a little over an hour for this bakery-style treat.
Storage Options
This coffee cake is as practical as it is delicious. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven will revive its fresh-baked taste and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Switch the Fruit: Not a fan of apples? Pears or peaches work beautifully in this cake, offering a softer texture and unique flavor.
- Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for an extra layer of crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a cake everyone can enjoy.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a spicier twist.
- Top It Off: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Don’t be afraid to experiment – this coffee cake is forgiving and adapts beautifully to your preferences.
There you have it: a cozy, crowd-pleasing Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. So grab your apron and get baking!
PrintApple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe
This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping recipe features tender spiced apple layers, a buttery crumb topping, and a moist cake base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this coffee cake combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple for a delightful homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix crumb topping ingredients: flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Add a dash of nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
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