Apple coffee cake is a soft, moist cake layered with tender apples and a light crumb topping. It has a gentle sweetness with a warm flavor that works well for breakfast or a snack.
This recipe keeps the steps simple while giving you a balanced texture with a soft interior and a slightly crisp topping.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the apple layer
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the crumb topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Baking pan
- Spatula
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 180°C and grease a baking pan.
2. Prepare dry ingredients
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare wet mixture
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add milk and mix until smooth.
5. Prepare apples
In a small bowl, mix chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon.
6. Make crumb topping
Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
7. Assemble
Pour half the batter into the pan. Add apple layer, then remaining batter. Sprinkle crumb topping on top.
8. Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool and serve
Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Apple coffee cake pairs well with:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh apples for better texture.
Do not overmix the batter.
Spread layers evenly.
Let the cake cool before cutting.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.
Variations
Add nuts for extra crunch.
Use different fruits instead of apples.
Add a light glaze on top for extra sweetness.