Apple Crisp Coffee Cake – A Cozy Autumn Classic

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger with an endless love for recipes that combine comfort and indulgence. One of my favorite fall bakes is Apple Crisp Coffee Cake—a dessert that perfectly balances two beloved classics. Imagine a moist, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake layered with tender apples, topped with a buttery oat crumble, and finished with a light drizzle of glaze. It’s a cake that feels both nostalgic and elevated, the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special. Whether shared at brunch, enjoyed with afternoon coffee, or served after dinner, this cake always delights.

Overview of Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Apple Crisp Coffee Cake brings together the soft, tender crumb of coffee cake with the sweet crunch of apple crisp topping. Layers of spiced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon swirl through a buttery base, while the oat-streusel topping creates irresistible texture. Unlike traditional coffee cakes, this version has that extra element of crispness that makes each bite dynamic. The aroma alone—apples mingling with cinnamon and butter—creates a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen. What makes this cake shine is its versatility: perfect for brunch, dessert, or holiday gatherings. It’s warm, rustic, and indulgent, embodying the best flavors of autumn.

Why This Recipe Works

• Two Desserts in One: Coffee cake + apple crisp, all in one slice.
• Texture Contrast: Moist cake, tender apples, and crunchy topping.
• Balanced Sweetness: Sweet but not overwhelming—pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days, ideal for prepping before events.
• Seasonal Highlight: Celebrates apples in their peak, making it an autumn essential.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

Begin by preparing the crisp topping: combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then refrigerate. Next, prepare the apples by tossing diced pieces with brown sugar and cinnamon.

For the cake, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt). In another bowl, cream butter with sugars until light. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla. Mix in sour cream. Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Spread half the batter in a greased 9×13 pan, layer with apples, then top with remaining batter. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly before drizzling glaze.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the cake.
3. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples. Toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Cream Butter & Sugar: Using a stand mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in vanilla extract.
6. Add Sour Cream: Mix in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.
7. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
8. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Scatter the apple mixture evenly over the layer. Spread remaining batter on top, smoothing with a spatula. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly.
9. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Glaze (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a glossy finish.
11. Cool & Serve: Let the cake rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutrition Information (per slice, approx. 12 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 220mg

Serving with Apple Crisp Coffee Cake

This Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is best enjoyed warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai. It can be served as a breakfast treat, a sweet afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert. For gatherings, cut into neat squares and arrange on a rustic platter, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert version or whipped cream for a lighter touch. The crisp topping ensures every slice has that perfect balance of crunch and softness.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart balance, or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
• For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Drizzle salted caramel instead of glaze for added richness.
• Make it ahead—it stays moist for 3 days when covered at room temperature.
• Turn it into muffins for grab-and-go portions.

The Bottom Line

The Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is more than just a bake—it’s an experience of textures and flavors that define fall baking. With its moist cake base, cinnamon-spiced apples, and buttery oat streusel, it transforms everyday ingredients into a showstopping centerpiece. This recipe works for brunches, potlucks, holidays, or simple family moments when you need something sweet and comforting. As someone who has baked in kitchens all around the world, I can tell you: recipes like this bring people together, making ordinary afternoons feel special. One slice, and you’ll understand why it’s unforgettable.