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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!