There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. This delightful treat combines tender spiced apples, a moist cake, and a buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth with every bite.
I first made this cake for a brunch with friends, and it instantly became a hit. It's the perfect balance of sweet and spiced, making it an ideal choice for cozy gatherings or a quiet moment with a cup of coffee. Ready to dive into a recipe that's as heartwarming as it is delicious? Let’s get started!
Why You'll Love This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
Get ready to fall in love with this heavenly dessert (or breakfast, we won’t judge!). This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a must-try for so many reasons.
First off, the texture is a showstopper. The cake is tender and moist, while the crumb topping adds just the right amount of buttery crunch. Together, they create a combination that's simply irresistible.
It’s packed with seasonal flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apples take center stage, making this recipe a celebration of fall in every bite.
This cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter the occasion, it always hits the spot.
Best of all, it’s a breeze to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Trust me, you'll want to make this cake again and again.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and texture that makes this cake so special.
The apples are the star of the show. I recommend using a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tanginess balances the sweetness of the cake and crumb topping beautifully. Be sure to peel and dice them into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
The spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—infuse the cake with warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your personal taste, but don’t skimp! These spices are key to that classic fall flavor.
The crumb topping is what sets this cake apart. Made with flour, brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, it adds a delightful crunch and a hint of caramel flavor. Be sure to use cold butter and mix until crumbly for the perfect texture.
For the cake base, all-purpose flour and baking powder provide structure and lift. A touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps it moist while adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the apples.
No special equipment is required, but a 9-inch round or square baking pan works best for even baking. A pastry cutter or your fingers will come in handy for making the crumb topping.
How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Creating this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through each step to ensure a flawless result.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily after cooling.
Next, prepare the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set it aside.
For the cake, cream together softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream to create a rich, creamy batter.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter, pressing it down slightly to adhere.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping stores beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers.
To store at room temperature, place the cake in an airtight container and enjoy within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. Wrapped tightly or in a sealed container, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving, or warm slices in the microwave for a cozy treat.
If you'd like to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
To reheat, pop slices into a warm oven for a few minutes, or use a microwave if you’re short on time. The crumb topping will regain some of its crispness, and the cake will taste freshly baked.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping. They’ll bring an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter cake, use sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Gala instead of tart ones. You can also drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The results are just as delicious and perfect for sharing with gluten-sensitive friends.
For a spiced variation, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the batter. These spices pair wonderfully with apples and will enhance the cake's cozy flavors.
Feeling adventurous? Replace the apples with diced pears or add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its irresistible flavors and easy preparation, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Happy baking!
PrintApple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe
Indulge in this delicious Apple Coffee Cake with crumb topping, a moist and tender cake packed with spiced apple flavors and a buttery crumb layer. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet treat for gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delightful homemade dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 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
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
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