This warm and gooey apple pie coffee cake brings the best of two comforting classics into one irresistible treat. With a soft, tender crumb and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar apples tucked inside, it tastes just like a slice of homemade apple pie—only easier to whip up and perfect with my morning coffee or as an after-dinner sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s the kind of bake that instantly fills the house with the smell of cinnamon and apples—cozy, nostalgic, and welcoming. It’s perfect for casual brunches, holiday mornings, or those times I just want to treat myself to something extra special. The gooey apple filling and buttery crumb topping bring rich flavors and textures in every bite. Plus, it’s simple to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Apples (peeled and diced)
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Optional: powdered sugar for glaze
Directions
- I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In one bowl, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- I stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor.
- Gradually, I mix in the dry ingredients just until combined.
- For the apple layer, I toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- I pour half the batter into the prepared pan, spread the apple mixture over it, then top with the remaining batter.
- I bake for about 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once it cools a bit, I like to drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 generous servings. Prep time is around 20 minutes, and bake time is 40–45 minutes. I usually let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Variations
- I sometimes use a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for more depth of flavor.
- Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping brings a nice crunch.
- A pinch of cardamom gives the spice blend a more complex, aromatic twist.
- I’ve also swapped the glaze for a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving warm.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds. If I want that fresh-baked feel, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I keep the apples from making the cake soggy?
I toss them with a little flour or cornstarch before layering to help absorb excess moisture.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, I often bake it the night before and cover it once cool. It’s even better the next day as the flavors develop.
What kind of apples work best?
I like using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, but any baking apple holds up well.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. I wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat in the microwave or oven straight from frozen.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, I substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, and it turns out great.
Conclusion
This warm and gooey apple pie coffee cake is my go-to when I want something comforting, sweet, and homey. It’s simple to make but tastes like I put in a lot more effort, and it always brings a smile—whether I’m serving it for guests or enjoying a quiet morning to myself.
Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake: A Cozy Cinnamon-Kissed Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This warm and gooey apple pie coffee cake combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon-sugar apples and tender cake for the ultimate comfort treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it's easy to make and impossible to resist—just like a slice of apple pie with your coffee.
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
-
1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 medium apples (peeled and diced)
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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Optional: powdered sugar (for glaze)
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Optional: 1–2 teaspoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
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Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
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In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Spread half of the batter into the prepared dish. Add apple mixture evenly over the batter. Top with remaining batter.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool slightly. If desired, mix powdered sugar and milk for a glaze and drizzle over the cake before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp).
- Add chopped nuts for crunch or a pinch of cardamom for extra spice.
- This coffee cake stores well and is freezer-friendly.
- Letting it rest overnight enhances the flavor even more.
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