If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat to pair with your morning coffee or to serve as a dessert, this Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect choice. With a moist, spiced cake base, chunks of fresh apples, and a buttery, crunchy crumb topping, this recipe combines all the flavors of fall into one irresistible bake.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing an afternoon snack, or simply craving something sweet, this coffee cake is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake

Here’s why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites:

Perfectly Moist and Tender:
The cake is soft and moist, thanks to the fresh apples and perfectly balanced batter.
Crunchy Crumb Topping:
The buttery crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch and makes every bite extra special.
Easy to Make:
With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together quickly.
Versatile:
Serve it as breakfast, dessert, or even a snack—it’s perfect for any time of day.
Packed with Fall Flavors:
The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a crumbly topping makes this the ultimate fall-inspired baked good.

Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake

This recipe is made with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients:

For the Cake Base

Apples: Fresh, diced apples provide sweetness and moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and depth.
Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a fluffy texture.
Butter or Oil: Keeps the cake moist and rich.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that elevate the flavor and complement the apples.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure the cake rises beautifully.

For the Crumb Topping

Flour: Creates the base of the crumb mixture.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the topping.
Butter: Creates a buttery, crunchy texture in the crumb topping.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

Chopped Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for an indulgent touch.
Powdered Sugar: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect apple coffee cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Create the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is versatile and pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments:

Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Apple Coffee Cake

Choose Firm Apples: Use apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Use Cold Butter for the Crumb Topping: Cold butter creates a better crumb texture compared to melted butter.
Line the Pan: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it easier to lift and slice the cake.
Store Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for days.