Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of tender, spiced cake and a sweet, buttery crumble topping. Bursting with juicy apples and warm cinnamon flavor, this comforting treat offers a delightful balance of soft texture and crunchy streusel.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, this coffee cake delivers cozy, homemade flavor in every bite. It’s an irresistible dessert or snack that brings the taste of fall to your table all year round.
Few desserts are as comforting and soul-satisfying as a slice of moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake. This cake brings together the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, the tenderness of buttery cake, and the irresistible crunch of a brown sugar crumble topping.
Whether served at brunch, with your afternoon coffee, or as an after-dinner treat, this cake is a showstopper.
Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Description
Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a tender, spiced cake layered with juicy apples and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-streusel crumble.
Perfectly balanced between sweetness and warmth, this cake combines the comfort of baked apples with the richness of sour cream or yogurt for a moist, fluffy texture.
Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
The crunchy crumble adds contrast to the soft cake and melts slightly into the apples beneath.
A cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite during fall, but delicious any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Crumble Topping:
Optional Glaze:
Instructions
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Start by peeling and finely chopping your apples. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This keeps the fruit from sinking to the bottom and enhances the flavor. Set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix—it should be chunky. Refrigerate the crumble while you make the batter.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or use a 9x9 inch square baking dish. Line with parchment paper for easy removal, if desired.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla extract.
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Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until smooth. Then gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula or mixer on low. Once just combined, gently fold in the cinnamon-coated apples. Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
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Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the surface, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
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Place the pan in the center rack of the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 9
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 380kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 55mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 30g
- 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
Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake: Tips, Tricks & Serving Ideas
A Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is the perfect treat to bridge the gap between breakfast and dessert.
Whether you’re making it for brunch, a cozy gathering, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, this cake delivers tender texture, juicy apples, and a buttery crumb topping.
To make yours truly special, here are some tried-and-true tips and tricks, along with creative serving suggestions.
Baking Tips for a Moist Cake
- Choose the Right Apples
Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape during baking and offer a nice contrast to the sweet cake. A mix of two apple types can add depth. - Grate and Dice Combo
For best texture, grate some apples into the batter for moistness and dice the rest for tender apple chunks. This dual texture gives the cake both moisture and bite. - Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the flour, stir until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense. You want a light, tender crumb. - Use Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
These add tang and keep the cake incredibly moist. If your recipe calls for milk, swap in full-fat sour cream or yogurt for best results. - Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better and create a more even rise in the oven. - Don’t Skip the Crumble
The crumble topping should be buttery and sandy, not too wet. Use cold butter and blend it into the flour and sugar with your fingers or a pastry cutter. For extra crunch, toss in chopped walnuts or pecans. - Bake at the Right Temperature
Too hot, and the outside browns before the inside sets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) and test with a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Serving Tricks
- Let It Cool Properly
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a rack. This allows the crumble to firm up and the cake to finish setting. - Serve Warm or Room Temp
A warm slice enhances the apple flavor and softens the crumb topping. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. - Drizzle with Glaze
A simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla extract) drizzled over the top adds sweetness and elegance. Add a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup for a seasonal twist. - Pair with the Right Drink
It goes beautifully with hot coffee, chai, or apple cider. For brunch, try pairing it with a cinnamon latte or caramel macchiato. - Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
For a dessert-style presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Yield & Storage Tips
- Servings: A standard 8x8 inch pan yields 9 generous squares or up to 12 smaller portions.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake it the day before and keep it covered at room temperature. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Freezer Friendly: Cool completely, wrap slices in plastic, and freeze. Thaw and reheat for a quick breakfast or dessert.
- Stays Moist for Days: Store in an airtight container. The apples keep the cake soft for up to 3 days without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with:
- A cup of coffee or chai latte
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Fresh apple slices or berries for a bright touch
Tips & Variations
- Apples: For a tarter flavor, use Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter touch, use Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the crumble or mixed into the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of allspice or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
- Make ahead: This coffee cake keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be frozen (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love It
What makes this apple crumble coffee cake special is the moistness from the sour cream, the soft texture of the spiced apple chunks, and the crunchy topping that delivers a satisfying contrast. It’s not too sweet, making it ideal for morning or afternoon snacking. Best of all, it's easy to make with pantry staples.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days; bring to room temp or microwave briefly before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
Whether you're hosting brunch or just craving a cozy treat, a Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake delivers comfort, warmth, and home-baked flavor every time. With these tips and tricks, your next bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this apple coffee cake so moist?
The moisture comes from a combination of fresh apples (often Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sour cream or Greek yogurt, and sometimes oil or butter in the batter. These ingredients ensure the cake stays soft, even after baking, and pairs beautifully with the crumbly topping.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This coffee cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld and the moisture from the apples further soaks into the cake. It can be made 1–2 days ahead, stored at room temperature (covered) or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
What kind of apples work best?
Firm, slightly tart apples are best—like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake and crumble topping. Avoid apples that get mushy when baked, like Red Delicious.
Can I freeze apple crumble coffee cake?
Absolutely. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For best texture, warm slightly in the oven before serving.
