This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
Apple Coffee Cake—deliciously rich and indulgent, this cake is packed with tender apple chunks and a hint of spice. It’s incredibly easy to make and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful treat for any time of day.
Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Fall is here, and that means apple season is in full swing! The cool weather and colorful leaves are the perfect backdrop for enjoying the crisp, juicy apples that are now at their peak. If you’re looking for a cozy way to make the most of apple season, baking an old fashioned apple coffee cake is a must.
There’s nothing like a good coffee cake to start the morning, apart from my other favorites, Apple Cinnamon Bread and crumbly Apple Tart.
Imagine the smell of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen—it’s like a warm, autumn hug in every bite. This apple coffee cake is super easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon treat, it’s a delicious way to celebrate the season and make your home feel extra cozy. So, grab some apples and get baking—you won’t regret it!
And don’t forget, you can also use that abundant apple supply to make a fantastic Apple Crisp!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The juices from the apples help keep the cake moist, even after a few days.
- The tartness of the apples provides a great balance with the sugar and cinnamon.
- The cake is just a little over an inch thick, with the cinnamon and brown sugar sprinkled on top to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins, making it a versatile treat that always hits the spot.
How To Make Apple Coffee Cake
- I used self-rising flour to speed up the baking process.
- For a quick cake like this, I diced up Granny Smith apples to incorporate into the batter.
- Using a toothpick, I lightly swirled the two ingredients into the batter, so the traditional coffee cake flavors are present within, but still remain close to the surface to create a crisp top.
- Spices, like ground nutmeg and cloves, can also be added to create warmer flavors.
Sidenote: To substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour combined with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for each cup needed. Mix these ingredients together and use them in place of self-rising flour in your recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances well with the sweetness of the cake. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and salt. For this recipe, add 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking power plus 1/3 teaspoon salt.
Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and brown sugar on top of the batter before baking. This creates a sweet, crunchy topping.
This recipe is only 226 calories per serving.
Other Recipes You Might Like
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Apple Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and diced small
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 10-inch (25 cm) cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat together the granulated sugar, butter, and egg until combined. Mix in the milk, vanilla extract, self-rising flour, and apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top. Use a toothpick to swirl the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack to cool completely, then cut and serve.
Notes
- I used self-rising flour to speed up the baking process.
- If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and salt. For this recipe, add 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking power plus 1/3 teaspoon salt.
- For a quick cake like this, I diced up Granny Smith apples to incorporate into the batter.
- Using a toothpick, I lightly swirled the two ingredients into the batter, so the traditional coffee cake flavors are present within, but still remain close to the surface to create a crisp top.
- Spices, like ground nutmeg and cloves, can also be added to create warmer flavors.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use AP flour for this recipe- would you need to add baking powder or baking soda if you do?
Hi Tray – please check the Notes in the recipe card for the measurement.
Can you substitute milk?
Yes, you can try yogurt or sour cream.
HI! What should be the amount of ingredients if I were to use at 9 inch loaf pan or an 8 inch cake pan? Thanks!
It says apple “coffee” cake,
Where is the coffee? :D
Hi Allyson, coffee cake doesn’t literally mean it’s made with coffee. Coffee cake means that it’s a cake for coffee break.
Hi , i tried baking this cake today and it was yumdelicious !! I greased my pan with butter but my cake still got stuck to the base. I couldn’t unmould it or overturn this. Can i line the baking pan with baking paper the next time ? Thanks for sharing this recipe. Anna
Sure, yes you can.