This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake brings together everything you love about a classic coffee cake and your favorite apple pie. With layers of moist buttery cake and tender diced apples, it’s topped off with a golden cinnamon-walnut crumble that adds the perfect crunch.
Perfect for fall mornings, holiday brunches, or an after-dinner treat, this cake is as versatile as it is delicious. The sweet aroma of apples and warm spices will fill your kitchen, and one bite will keep you coming back for more. Whether you serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy a cold slice with coffee, this cozy treat is always a win.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Crumble Topping:
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1/3 cup chopped walnuts
For the Cake:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup white sugar
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2 large eggs
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons milk
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2 cups apples, peeled and diced small (about 2 medium apples)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
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Prepare the crumble topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in walnuts. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
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Combine sour cream and milk, then add alternately with dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined.
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Fold in the finely diced apples. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 9 servings
Why This Apple Coffee Cake Stands Out
At first glance, this coffee cake might seem like just another sweet bake — but don’t let its humble appearance fool you. It’s designed with layers of taste and texture that elevate it far above your average dessert. The base is a soft, buttery cake that melts in your mouth, carrying just enough structure to hold up against the moisture from the apples.
What really sets it apart, though, is the topping — a walnut-cinnamon crumble that crisps up in the oven to create the perfect contrast. The subtle nutty crunch complements the soft cake and tender fruit beautifully. The flavors dance between sweet and slightly tart, with the cinnamon acting as the flavor bridge between the cake and crumble.
And let’s not forget the apples themselves. Diced small for even baking, they transform during the process from crisp cubes into delicate pockets of flavor — tender, slightly caramelized, and bursting with autumn goodness. There’s no need to sauté them in advance, which keeps the recipe simple while still delivering that perfect, just-soft texture.
A Perfect Treat for Any Time of Day
Don’t be fooled by the word “cake” — this dish easily earns a spot at the breakfast table. That’s the magic of a good coffee cake: it’s sweet but not too sweet, rich but not overwhelming, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether paired with a morning coffee, served as a mid-afternoon snack, or offered up for dessert after dinner, it fits seamlessly into any mealtime.
In fact, many fans of this recipe will argue that it tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld and the crumble topping firms up. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for brunches or events, and a great addition to any holiday spread.
The Magic of Texture and Contrast
What makes this coffee cake so addictive is its combination of textures. You get the soft, velvety crumb of the base, the juicy bits of apple bursting with subtle flavor, and the crunchy topping that provides a satisfying finish to each bite.
Every forkful gives you a bit of everything — the smoothness of the cake, the brightness of the fruit, and the earthy warmth of the crumble. It’s the kind of texture contrast that bakeries aim for but is surprisingly easy to achieve at home with the right method.
Plus, the chopped walnuts in the topping offer not only crunch but a mild bitterness that cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating a more balanced and mature flavor profile.
Simplicity Without Compromise
One of the most beautiful aspects of this recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients, advanced baking techniques, or special equipment. It’s a simple cake made with pantry staples and seasonal fruit, but the end result tastes like something you’d expect from a boutique café.
Because the preparation is straightforward and the baking time is predictable, it’s a reliable choice for novice bakers as well as experienced ones. It also adapts well to tweaks — want to substitute pecans for walnuts? Go ahead. Prefer pears over apples? That works, too. The recipe offers a lot of creative freedom without sacrificing structure or flavor.
Ideal for Sharing and Gifting
This cake isn’t just delicious — it’s also beautiful. Once baked, the golden crumble topping gives it a rustic, handcrafted look that makes it a natural centerpiece. Cut into generous squares or slices, it’s easy to plate, package, or box up for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Whether you’re taking a dish to a family get-together, packing treats for a school bake sale, or simply sharing with a neighbor, this cake travels well and stores beautifully. It holds its shape, doesn’t dry out quickly, and remains flavorful even days after baking.
Apples and Cinnamon — A Match Made in Baking Heaven
It’s no secret that apples and cinnamon go together like peanut butter and jelly. The spice brings out the depth of the fruit, while the apples add natural sweetness and moisture. In this cake, the cinnamon is present in both the crumble topping and the batter, creating a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
And let’s be honest — that smell alone is worth the effort. There’s nothing quite like walking into a home filled with the scent of baking apples and cinnamon. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of tea.
Not Just for Fall
While this cake is undeniably autumnal, thanks to its ingredients and warm flavors, it’s a treat that works year-round. Apples are widely available, and the rustic charm of a coffee cake makes it welcome at any table, no matter the season.
Whether it’s a snowy winter morning, a breezy spring brunch, or a cozy summer night, this dish finds a way to fit in. And if you’re lucky enough to have access to freshly picked apples in the fall, that’s just icing on the cake — so to speak.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Every Time
To ensure your Apple Crumble Coffee Cake turns out as good as the recipe promises, here are a few tried-and-true tips:
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Dice the apples small. This ensures they cook through during baking and blend seamlessly into the cake.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
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Use cold butter for the crumble. This helps create that perfect, coarse, bakery-style texture.
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Test doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
Conclusion
In a world filled with elaborate desserts and complicated techniques, the Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a reminder that sometimes, simple really is best. It’s a dish that brings joy through every bite — comforting, nostalgic, and wonderfully satisfying.
It honors the classic flavors of apple pie and crumb cake while offering something uniquely its own. Whether you’re baking it for your family, a special gathering, or just because you need a little sweetness in your day, this cake delivers every time.
With its perfect balance of taste, texture, and ease, it’s no wonder this recipe is becoming a staple in home kitchens everywhere. So next time you’re in the mood for something warm, delicious, and irresistibly cozy — you know what to bake.