There’s something truly magical about the way the comforting aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery cake fills the kitchen. Imagine combining the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie with the soft, tender crumb of a coffee cake—that’s exactly what this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake delivers.
Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet apple pie filling layered between moist, cinnamon-kissed cake and topped with a buttery streusel crumble. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, yet it’s simple enough to whip up anytime you crave something indulgent.
Don’t forget—save this pin for recipe inspiration later! You’ll want to come back to it again and again, especially when you need a crowd-pleasing treat.
What makes this coffee cake so special is its versatility. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, an afternoon snack with coffee, or even as a sweet ending to dinner.
The canned apple pie filling keeps it quick and convenient, while the crumbly streusel topping adds that irresistible bakery-style touch. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this cake promises to make your table feel extra cozy and inviting, no matter the season.
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake
Description
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the flavors of a classic apple pie with the rich texture of a moist coffee cake.
A tender cinnamon-spiced cake base is layered with luscious apple pie filling, adding natural sweetness and a juicy burst in every bite.
A buttery streusel topping provides a delightful crunch, while a light glaze drizzled over the top makes it irresistibly indulgent.
Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet ending to dinner, this cake balances coziness and elegance. It’s an easy yet impressive treat for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the filling:
For the streusel topping:
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
Instructions
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Prepare the Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place in the refrigerator to keep chilled until ready to use.
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Make the Cake Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
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Beat in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Assemble the Layers
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Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Spoon the apple pie filling over the batter, spreading it evenly. If you like, sprinkle with an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for more spice.
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Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apple filling. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly—swirls of apple peeking through are part of the charm.
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Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the top.
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Bake
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The top should be golden brown and fragrant. Allow the cake to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before glazing or slicing.
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Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled coffee cake for extra sweetness and a bakery-style finish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 360kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake – Tips & Serving Tricks
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is one of those cozy, heartwarming desserts (or even breakfast treats) that perfectly blends the richness of a soft, buttery cake with the sweetness of spiced apples.
Whether you’re baking it for a family brunch, a potluck, or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea, this cake can easily become a showstopper.
To make sure your Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake turns out perfect every single time, here are some practical tips and creative serving tricks.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake
- Choose the Right Pan
A 9x13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe, ensuring even baking and enough room for layering the cake batter and apple pie filling. Glass or ceramic dishes tend to distribute heat gently, giving you a moist cake with golden edges. - Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure that butter, eggs, and sour cream (if used) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even texture. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy. - Upgrade the Filling
While canned apple pie filling is convenient, you can enhance it by adding extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla. If the apples are too chunky, chop them slightly for better distribution in the cake layers. - Perfect Streusel Topping
A crumbly streusel topping makes the cake irresistible. For the best results, combine cold butter with flour, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon using a fork or pastry cutter. Sprinkle generously over the batter before baking for a golden, crunchy finish. - Check for Doneness
Since the filling adds extra moisture, insert a toothpick into the cake part (not the apples) to check doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Serving Tricks for Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake
- Serve Warm
Coffee cake tastes incredible when slightly warm. The apple filling is gooey, the cake is tender, and the streusel topping has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8–10 minutes before serving. - Pair with Beverages
- Morning Option: Serve with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Afternoon Treat: Pair with a glass of cold milk or apple cider.
- Evening Dessert: Offer with dessert wines like Moscato or a dollop of Irish cream in coffee.
- Add a Topping Twist
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on warm cake creates a classic dessert combination.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
- Cutting for Presentation
For gatherings, cut the coffee cake into neat squares or rectangles. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish. If serving individually, garnish with a fresh apple slice or a sprinkle of cinnamon. - Turn into Mini Servings
Bake the batter in muffin tins with cupcake liners for single-serve coffee cake portions. This works perfectly for potlucks, parties, or school events. - Creative Pairings
- Serve alongside savory brunch dishes like scrambled eggs, sausage, or quiche for a sweet-and-savory spread.
- Use it as a dessert centerpiece with a warm custard or crème anglaise on the side.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Store for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and warm before enjoying.
Tips for Success
- Chopping the filling: If the apple slices in your pie filling are very large, chop them into smaller chunks so they distribute more evenly throughout the cake.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Streusel texture: Keep your butter cold while making the streusel so it forms nice crumbs instead of melting into the flour.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- For breakfast: Pair a warm slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- For brunch: Serve alongside eggs, fresh fruit, and juice for a balanced spread.
- For dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a truly indulgent treat.
- For holidays: This makes a wonderful Thanksgiving or Christmas morning bake since it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and reheats beautifully.
Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Swap the glaze for caramel sauce to complement the apple flavor.
- Spiced Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg directly to the cake batter for a warm spiced flavor throughout.
- Mini Coffee Cakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings—reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is the perfect fusion of two comfort-food favorites. The tender, buttery cake layered with sweet apple filling and topped with a crunchy streusel creates a dessert that feels like fall but is delicious year-round.
Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a versatile treat that works for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a sweet snack. By following the baking tips—like enhancing the filling, perfecting the streusel, and checking doneness carefully—you’ll end up with a moist, flavorful cake every time.
Serving tricks like warming it up, pairing with beverages, or adding decadent toppings elevate the experience, while storage methods ensure it stays fresh for days. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn a simple coffee cake into a bakery-worthy delight that everyone will rave about.
It’s a versatile recipe you can dress up with a glaze for special occasions or keep simple for a weekday treat. Whether you serve it at brunch, as a holiday centerpiece, or just as a sweet ending to your day, this cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned apple pie filling, or should I make it from scratch?
You can use either option. Canned apple pie filling works beautifully for convenience and provides consistent flavor and texture. If you prefer homemade, simply cook apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice until tender. Both methods will give your cake that classic apple pie flavor, so it really depends on how much time you have.
How do I keep the cake moist and fluffy?
The key to a moist coffee cake is balancing wet and dry ingredients properly. Using sour cream, Greek yogurt, or buttermilk in the batter adds moisture and tenderness. Also, avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added, as this can make the cake dense. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean ensures it stays soft without drying out.
Can this coffee cake be made ahead of time?
Yes! Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it the night before, cover it tightly, and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What toppings go best with this cake?
This coffee cake is delicious on its own, but you can make it extra special with toppings. A classic streusel crumb topping made with butter, sugar, and cinnamon is the most popular. For a sweeter touch, drizzle cream cheese glaze or vanilla icing on top. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pair beautifully if you’re serving it as a dessert.
