Apple Pie Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel and Vanilla Glaze – Cozy Fall Dessert

Get ready to bake the ultimate fall treat: a delectable apple pie coffee cake! This recipe features a wonderfully moist cake base, generously layered with tender, spiced apples, and crowned with a sweet, buttery streusel. A rich brown butter glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. This apple pie coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Coffee Cake

You’ll adore this homemade apple pie coffee cake for so many reasons. It brings together all the best elements of fall baking in one incredible dish.

• Soft and Tender Crumb: The coffee cake boasts an incredibly moist and light texture that melts in your mouth.
• Juicy, Spiced Apple Filling: Each bite is bursting with warm, perfectly cooked apples, seasoned with classic fall spices.
• Cozy Cinnamon Streusel Topping: A crumbly, buttery streusel adds a delightful texture and aromatic cinnamon flavor.
• Rich Brown Butter Glaze: The nutty, sweet glaze elevates the entire cake, making it truly special.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Enjoy it warm with coffee in the morning or as a comforting dessert after dinner.

Ingredients

For the Streusel

• 6 tablespoons (84g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (168g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15g) ground cinnamon

For the Apple Filling

• 2 cups chopped apples, skins removed (2 medium or 3 small apples)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

For the Coffee Cake

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup (190g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Brown Butter Glaze

• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, browned and cooled
• ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2-5 tablespoons (60-75ml) milk, any type

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting the right apples is key for the best apple pie coffee cake. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji varieties work wonderfully for their balance of sweetness and tartness, and they hold their shape well when baked.

For a comprehensive guide on the best apples for baking, consult this list of recommended apple varieties. If you don’t have sour cream, feel free to substitute it with full-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture.

For the glaze, you can opt for a traditional vanilla glaze made with just powdered sugar and milk, or skip the glaze entirely for a simpler cake. Remember to bring your dairy and eggs to room temperature; this helps create a smooth, well-emulsified batter.

Equipment

You will need a few standard kitchen tools to bake this amazing apple pie coffee cake.

• An 8×8-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• A stand mixer or a hand mixer
• Several mixing bowls
• A small saucepan for browning butter

Instructions

Prep Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, allowing excess to overhang for easy removal. Ensure your butter, egg, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin.

Make the Streusel

• In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients with a fork or spoon until a crumbly texture forms with various sized pieces. Set this delicious streusel aside.

Prepare the Apple Filling

• Peel and dice your apples into small, dime-sized pieces. Place the chopped apples in a bowl and toss them with the 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice.

Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter

• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the large egg until it is fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Next, add the sour cream and pure vanilla extract, beating until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1¼ cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Finish by mixing briefly with a spatula by hand to ensure no dry streaks remain.

Assemble and Bake

• Spread about half of the coffee cake batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the prepared streusel mixture over this batter layer. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the streusel, spreading it gently to cover. Next, spoon the seasoned apples over the batter, leaving any excess apple juices in the bowl to prevent a soggy cake.
• Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture evenly over the top of the apples. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the apple pie coffee cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.

Make and Apply the Glaze

• To brown the butter, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally as it melts. Once it starts boiling, the bubbles will transition from large to small.
• Continue stirring constantly as the milk solids at the bottom of the pan turn golden brown, then quickly deepen to an amber color. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking. Allow it to cool for several minutes. Once cooled, whisk the browned butter with the sifted powdered sugar.
• Gradually add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, drizzly consistency. Drizzle this rich brown butter glaze over your cooled apple pie coffee cake just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream. This helps create a smooth, emulsified batter, resulting in a lighter and more uniform cake texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough and dense cake.
• Prevent Soggy Cake: After tossing your apples with spices, any liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl should be discarded. Adding excess liquid to the batter can make your cake soggy.
• Baking Pan Size: An 8×8-inch pan works best for this recipe. If using a different size, adjust baking time accordingly; a larger pan might bake faster, while a smaller, deeper one could take longer.
• Browning Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can go from perfectly nutty to burnt very quickly. Look for amber-colored specs at the bottom and a fragrant, nutty aroma.
• Checking for Doneness: For dense cakes like this, a toothpick test is crucial. Insert it into the very center of the cake; it should come out clean, possibly with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions

This cozy apple pie coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. For a truly indulgent dessert, serve slices warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness and decadence.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover apple pie coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed is best) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

Variations & Customizations

Get creative with your apple pie coffee cake! Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Experiment with different spices like a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a unique aromatic twist. You can also swap out the apples for other seasonal fruits like peaches, berries, or pears for a delicious variation any time of year.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this delicious apple pie coffee cake with peace of mind. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional facts per serving, based on approximately 12 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

This irresistible apple pie coffee cake truly embodies the warmth and comfort of homemade baking. With its tender crumb, spiced apple filling, crunchy streusel, and nutty brown butter glaze, it’s a simple yet spectacular treat perfect for any occasion. Don’t wait for fall to enjoy this delightful creation!

Give this recipe a try and share your baking journey in the comments below.

Apple Coffee Cake

This delightful apple coffee cake features a tender cake base, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, all finished with a luscious brown butter glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings 9 slices

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• oven
• 8×8-inch pan
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer
• mixing bowls
• spatula
• Saucepan
• Heatproof bowl
• Toothpick

Ingredients

  

Streusel Topping

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 84g
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 120g
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed 168g
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 15g

Apple Filling

• 2 cups chopped apples, skins removed 2 medium or 3 small apples
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed 28g
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

Coffee Cake Batter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 113g
• 1 cup granulated sugar 190g
• 1 large large egg, at room temperature
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature 120g
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 150g
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Brown Butter Glaze

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, browned and cooled 28g
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted 65g
• 2-5 tablespoons milk, any type 60-75ml

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8-inch pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
• For the streusel, combine melted butter with flour, ¾ cup light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon until crumbly, then set aside.
• Prepare the apple filling by peeling, dicing the apples, then tossing them with 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon apple pie spice; set aside.

Making the Cake

• In a stand mixer, cream ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg until well incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.
• Add ½ cup sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until just combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, mixing on low speed until just incorporated, then finish mixing by hand with a spatula.
• Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the prepared streusel over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter and spread it out. Evenly spoon the spiced apples over the batter, leaving any excess juice behind, and then sprinkle with the remaining streusel topping.
• Bake the cake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely, or serve it slightly warm.

Brown Butter Glaze

• Brown 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, continue stirring until the milk solids turn golden brown and darken slightly, then immediately remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl to cool.
• Combine the cooled brown butter with ½ cup sifted powdered sugar. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until you achieve your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the finished coffee cake before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk. Store leftover coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.