This apple coffee cake is the ultimate cozy bake made with soft cinnamon-spiced cake, juicy diced apples, a buttery crumble topping, and a sweet maple glaze. If you’re looking for a comforting apple coffee cake recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this one delivers the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and fall flavor in every bite. This apple coffee cake is easy to make and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma while it bakes.
Method
Mix the Wet Stuff
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the room-temperature coconut oil, packed brown sugar, applesauce, one large egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spoon to stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want the sugar to dissolve well into the wet ingredients, so take your time mixing. This step creates the rich, flavorful base for your cake.
Sift & Combine
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder. Sifting helps to get rid of any clumps and makes the flour mixture lighter and easier to combine. Once sifted, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spoon or spatula don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth. Now, fold in your diced apples evenly so that every bite of cake will have a soft, juicy piece of apple.
Into the Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the sides are covered too so the cake lifts out easily after baking. Pour the batter into the pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. The batter should reach the corners and be spread out evenly.
Make the Crumble
In another small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for the crumble topping. Stir these dry ingredients together first. Then slowly pour in the melted coconut oil in small amounts, stirring with a fork as you go. This will help form a crumbly texture. The mixture should feel a little sandy and slightly sticky it’s okay if there are some bigger chunks! That’s what gives the topping a nice crunch.
Top & Bake
Sprinkle the crumble mixture all over the top of the cake batter, covering it completely from edge to edge. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. The top should look golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If there’s batter sticking to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.
Cool & Glaze
Once the cake is fully baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan. It’s important to wait until it’s completely cool before adding the glaze if it’s still warm, the glaze will melt into the cake instead of sitting nicely on top. While the cake is cooling, mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl: powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
Slice & Enjoy
Drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top of the cooled cake using a spoon or small whisk. Once the glaze sets a bit, cut the cake into 9 squares. Serve and enjoy a slice (or two) of this soft, spiced, apple-filled cake topped with sweet, cinnamony crumble and maple drizzle!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium, one small)
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Fork (for mixing the crumble)
- Sifter (optional but helpful)
Apple Coffee Cake Recipe The Coziest Fall Treat!
Cuisine: GermanyDifficulty: Easy9
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesIngredients
For the Cake:
1/4 cup coconut oil (room temp)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup apple sauce
1 large egg (room temp)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour (AP, GF, or whole wheat)
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp apple pie spice
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 large apples, diced (~1.5 cups)
For the Crumble:
1/2 cup flour (any kind)
3 tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered (confectioner’s) sugar
1/2 tbsp milk (any kind!)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp maple syrup
Directions
- Mix the Wet Stuff: In a large bowl, mix together coconut oil, brown sugar, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and blended.
- Sift & Combine: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, apple pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder. Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is mixed well, then gently fold in your diced apples.
- Into the Pan: Line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
- Make the Crumble: In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Add melted coconut oil a little at a time, using a fork to stir until you get that perfect crumbly texture.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the crumble over the batter. Bake at 350°F for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Cool & Glaze: Let the cake cool completely. Mix the glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the top.
- Slice & Enjoy: Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Notes
- Don’t overmix your batter once you add the flour this keeps the cake soft and fluffy.
- Make sure the coconut oil is room temperature for the batter and melted for the crumble.
- Let the cake cool before adding glaze, or it will melt and disappear!
- Dice apples evenly so they bake properly and you get a bit in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair it with coffee, tea, or even warm apple cider for a cozy snack.
- It makes a yummy brunch treat or a special afternoon pick-me-up!
Fun Fact
Even though it’s called coffee cake, there’s actually no coffee in the cake itself! It’s called that because it’s often enjoyed with coffee. So yes this cake is kid-friendly and caffeine-free!
Conclusion
This apple coffee cake is everything you want in a cozy homemade treat—moist, fluffy, warmly spiced, and loaded with fresh apples. The crumbly cinnamon topping and maple glaze take this apple coffee cake recipe to the next level, making it perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply craving something comforting, this apple coffee cake is a reliable favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
