This Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that combines the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie with the soft, moist texture of a classic coffee cake.
Using store-bought apple pie filling saves time while still delivering rich, spiced apple flavor in every bite. The tender cake base is topped with sweet apple filling and a buttery crumble topping, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or chilled for a snack, this coffee cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
If you’re looking for a warm, cozy, and crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is your answer. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake combines the moist, tender texture of a coffee cake with the sweet and spiced flavor of apple pie filling.
It’s quick to make using pantry staples and requires no mixer or special skills. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting treat from scratch.
Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe
Description
This Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Using canned apple pie filling and a simple cake batter, it comes together quickly with minimal prep.
The soft, moist cake is layered with warm spiced apples and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that adds irresistible crunch.
It’s ideal for holiday mornings, potlucks, or anytime you want the comforting flavors of apple pie without the fuss.
Serve it warm with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting, homemade touch.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
For the Crumb Topping
For the Glaze
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir by hand or use a whisk/spoon until everything is fully combined. The batter will be thick and creamy.
-
In a small bowl, empty the can of apple pie filling. Use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut the apples into smaller chunks (this helps spread them evenly throughout the cake). Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, if using. Set aside.
-
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then spoon the apple pie filling mixture over the batter, spreading it into an even layer. Finish by spreading the remaining cake batter gently over the apples. Don’t worry if some apples peek through.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cake batter.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and slightly springy to the touch.
-
While the cake is cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar if needed.
-
Drizzle the glaze over the warm or cooled cake using a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
-
Serve warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled — this cake is delicious no matter what.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 9g45%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 25g
- 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
Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake: Tips, Tricks & Servings Guide
If you love apple pie and crave coffee cake, this recipe is the best of both worlds. Using canned apple pie filling makes it incredibly easy, and the end result is moist, sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Here’s how to make it amazing every time — plus some clever tricks to elevate it.
1. Choose the Right Apple Pie Filling
Start with good-quality canned apple pie filling. Look for one with visible apple slices and a thick, syrupy texture. If it seems too sweet, you can balance the flavors by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon before spreading it onto the batter.
Pro Tip: Chop the apple slices a bit before using — smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the cake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Whether you're using a boxed cake mix or a homemade batter, resist the urge to overmix. Overmixing leads to a dense, tough cake. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a tender, moist crumb.
Shortcut: A yellow or vanilla cake mix saves time and works perfectly. Just mix it with eggs, oil, and sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
3. Layer for Maximum Flavor
Instead of mixing the apple pie filling into the batter, try this layering method:
- Pour half the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over it.
- Top with the remaining batter.
This creates a gooey, apple-rich center that mimics the feel of an apple pie inside your coffee cake.
4. Make a Streusel Topping
A buttery streusel makes the coffee cake irresistible. Here's a simple mix:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
Mix with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly, then sprinkle generously on top of the batter before baking.
Optional: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
5. Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–45 minutes, depending on the thickness of your cake. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with moist crumbs (not raw batter). Let the cake cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
6. Glaze It for a Bakery Finish
A simple glaze takes this cake from homey to bakery-style. Mix:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- Optional: a dash of vanilla or cinnamon
Drizzle over the cooled cake. It adds sweetness and a professional touch.
7. Serving Suggestions
- Warm: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Breakfast: It pairs beautifully with hot coffee or chai latte.
- Dessert Bar: Cut into squares and serve on a platter for potlucks or brunch.
Servings: This recipe typically serves 9 generous squares or up to 12 smaller pieces, depending on your pan size (8x8 or 9x9 works best).
8. Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can bake this cake a day in advance. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld.
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: It freezes well too — wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the microwave or oven.
Tips and Variations
- Make it homemade: If you prefer, you can use homemade apple pie filling. Just cook sliced apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch until soft and thickened.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apple layer or into the crumb topping for added texture.
- Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake instead of or in addition to the glaze.
- Make it mini: This recipe can also be baked in a muffin tin for individual portions — reduce the bake time to about 20–25 minutes.
Storage
Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cake also freezes well: wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. It's ideal for:
- Holiday brunches
- Potlucks
- Weekend baking
- Make-ahead breakfasts
Conclusion
With a soft, tender crumb and a gooey layer of spiced apples, this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a cozy, no-fuss treat that feels homemade without the hassle. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, special occasion, or just because, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy!
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes! You can substitute about 2 to 3 cups of peeled, sliced apples sautéed with sugar, cinnamon, and a little cornstarch to mimic the texture and sweetness of canned filling. However, canned apple pie filling saves time and guarantees consistent moisture and flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate the coffee cake after baking?
If you plan to finish it within 1–2 days, storing it covered at room temperature is fine. For longer storage (up to 5 days), refrigerate it to keep the apples and topping fresh. Warm slices slightly before serving to restore softness.
Can I add a crumb topping or glaze?
Absolutely! A simple streusel topping (butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon) adds a lovely crunch. For extra indulgence, drizzle a vanilla glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract over the cooled cake.
Can this recipe be made ahead or frozen?
Yes. Bake the coffee cake fully, let it cool, then wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature, and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes to refresh it before serving.
