*This Recipe was updated on August 31, 2026

Apple coffee cake is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually very beginner-friendly. You get a soft, moist crumb packed with grated apple, a hidden layer of cinnamon sugar apple slices in the middle, and a thick crumb topping that gets perfectly crisp in the oven. It hits every note you want from a good coffee cake! It is sweet, spiced, and satisfying.

After testing a lot of coffee cake recipes over the years, I’ve learned that the details matter. Grated apple in the batter keeps the cake extra moist, and that middle layer of thin apple slices adds texture and flavor you just don’t get from a plain batter. If you love baking with apples, my glazed apple fritter bread uses a similar approach and is equally cozy.

Slice of apple coffee cake on a wood plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with real apple flavor: Grated apple goes right into the batter for moisture and flavor, plus a layer of thinly sliced cinnamon sugar apples in the middle so every single bite has apple in it.

Bakery-style crumb topping: The buttery cinnamon crumble on top bakes up thick and golden. The best part of any coffee cake, honestly.

Simple ingredients: Everything here is pantry-friendly. No specialty ingredients, no fancy equipment, just a couple of bowls and a baking pan.

What I Love:

This apple coffee cake is one I keep coming back to because it works for so many occasions. Lazy weekend mornings, a fall brunch, or even a quick treat to bring to a gathering. It fits all of it.

The ingredients needed to make the apple coffee cake with crumb topping om the counter.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Applesauce: The applesauce adds moisture and a little extra apple flavor without making the batter too dense. You can use store-bought or homemade. In a pinch, you can swap it for an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Greek Yogurt: Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Any percent plain Greek yogurt works here. Sour cream is a great substitute if that’s what you have. You can also use a plant based plain yogurt if needed.

Grated Apple: About one to two medium apples once grated will give you the cup you need. No need to peel the apple before grating. The skin softens completely in the oven. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well since they hold their flavor.

Sliced Apple Layer: Use a firmer apple for the middle layer so the slices hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are all good choices. Softer apples like Red Delicious can get mushy.

Cold Butter for the Crumb Topping: Cold butter is key. It helps create those chunky, crumbly pieces rather than a paste. Cut it into small cubes straight from the fridge before mixing it into the topping.

Cooking Oil: A neutral oil works best. Avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil are all great options.

Thinly sliced apples and grated apples on a wood cutting board for the apple coffee cake.

Apple layer with cinnamon sugar in the center of the apple coffee cake.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish, springform pan, or square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir together and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 15-20 seconds with a hand mixer. Add the applesauce, Greek yogurt, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet and stir until just combined. There will still be some lumps – that is completely fine! Fold in the 1 cup of grated apple.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Lay the thinly sliced apples over the batter in about two layers.
Mix the cinnamon sugar together and sprinkle it evenly over the sliced apples.
Pour the remaining batter over the sliced apples and gently spread it out to cover.
To make the crumb topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of salt in a medium bowl. Stir together. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the coffee cake is fully set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Sara’s Tip

Do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and stop. Lumps are totally fine. Overmixing develops the gluten and can make your coffee cake tough instead of tender.

Apple coffee cake right out of the oven in a spring form pan.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best pan to use for this coffee cake?

A 9-inch springform pan, pie dish, or square 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan all work well. A springform pan makes it especially easy to remove and slice cleanly, which is nice if you are serving it for brunch. Just make sure whatever pan you use is well greased.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This apple coffee cake actually tastes great the next day once the flavors have had time to settle. Bake it the night before, let it cool completely, and cover it tightly. Store at room temperature overnight or in the fridge if your kitchen runs warm.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover coffee cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. I prefer storing mine in the fridge and warming a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before eating.

Can I freeze this coffee cake?

Yes, you can freeze it. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Any neutral oil works. Avocado oil, canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil. Avoid strongly flavored oils like coconut or olive oil, which can change the flavor of the cake.

Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans mixed into the crumb topping add a nice crunch. About 1/4 cup stirred in with the flour and sugar works well.

Do I need to peel the grated apple?

No need to peel the apple before grating it. The skin softens completely during baking and blends right into the batter. For the sliced apple layer in the middle, I do recommend peeling those slices so the texture stays smooth.

How to Store Apple Coffee Cake

Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the fully cooled cake in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.

Looking for more coffee cake recipes? I have a whole collection worth browsing through.

If you give this apple coffee cake a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this coffee cake as much as we do!