Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Is there anything more welcoming than the smell of apples and cinnamon baking? This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. It’s a tender, buttery cake loaded with sweet, spiced apples and crowned with a generous, crunchy streusel topping. And despite its fancy name, it’s one of the simplest, most forgiving recipes you’ll ever make. Perfect for a slow weekend morning or a holiday gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to adore this recipe because it delivers big, cozy flavor without any fuss. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or holiday brunches. The crumb topping is seriously addictive—buttery, cinnamony, and with just the right amount of crunch. The cake itself is so, so tender and moist, thanks to the juicy apples baked right in. Honestly, I think this might be my favorite thing to bake all fall. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Ingredients

For the Crumb Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumble.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses sweetness.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: For a little extra crunch.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: Binds it all together and creates that irresistible crunch.
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cake its lift.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps create a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: For rich flavor and a soft texture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer.
1 cup sour cream: The secret to an incredibly moist and tender cake.
2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star of the show, providing moisture and flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: To spice the apples perfectly.

Step by Step Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture forms clumps and resembles wet sand. Set aside.
Prepare the cake: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
With the mixer on low speed, add half of the flour mixture, followed by all of the sour cream, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Toss your chopped apples with the teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl until they’re well coated. Gently fold the cinnamon apples into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the entire surface, using your fingers to press some of it into larger clumps.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake (not into an apple piece) comes out clean. The top will be a beautiful golden brown.
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Oven Temperatures for Baking

Getting your oven temperature right is key for a perfect coffee cake. Most ovens run a little hot or cold, so an inexpensive oven thermometer is a game-changer. This recipe is designed for 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a glass or dark non-stick pan, you might want to reduce the temperature by 25°F to prevent the bottom and edges from over-browning. The cake is done when the top is firm and golden and that toothpick test comes out clean.

Creative Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping. If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully as a 1:1 substitute. For a different fruit profile, try swapping half the apples for fresh pears or even peaches. And if you want a little extra warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the cake batter is just lovely.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This cake is fantastic all on its own, but a few additions make it extra special. A simple dusting of powdered sugar right before serving looks so pretty. For a real treat, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, a mug of spiced tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For your Thanksgiving dessert table, it’s a wonderful, homey option alongside more traditional pies.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

To keep your coffee cake fresh, let it cool completely first. Then, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up before serving. So good.

Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas

When you’re planning your Thanksgiving food recipes, it’s fun to mix classic pies with some easier, fun Thanksgiving desserts. This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake fits right in. It’s a less formal, more approachable option that guests absolutely love. It’s one of those easy Thanksgiving desserts that you can bake the day before, freeing up your oven on the big day. For a full spread, pair it with a pecan pie, a pumpkin cheesecake, and a simple fruit salad for a beautiful and satisfying end to your feast.

FAQs About Coffee Cake

Why is it called coffee cake? It’s named because it’s meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, not because it contains coffee! It’s the ultimate pairing for your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Can I make this ahead of time for Thanksgiving? Absolutely. This is one of the best make-ahead Thanksgiving baking recipes. Bake it the day before, let it cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature. Warm slices gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What are the best apples to use for baking? You want an apple that holds its shape and offers a little tartness to balance the sweetness. My go-tos are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
My crumb topping melted into the cake. What happened? This usually means your butter was too hot when you made the topping, or the crumb pieces were too small. Make sure your butter is just melted, not sizzling hot, and don’t be afraid to leave some nice big clumps.