This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feel like a warm hug on a chilly morning. I absolutely love how the tender coffee cake base is layered with chunks of crisp apples and a buttery, nutty crumble topping that adds just the right amount of texture and sweetness. Whether you’re brewing a fresh pot of coffee or inviting friends over for brunch, this cake always makes the table feel cozier and the moment more special.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the flavors meld so beautifully without being overly complicated. You’ll find that the combination of yogurt in the batter keeps the cake moist and tender, while the cinnamon-spiced crumble takes it to the next level. It’s a perfect weekend project, especially when apples are in season, and I promise it’s worth carving out the time to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Tender Texture: The yogurt in the batter keeps the cake wonderfully soft and moist every single time.
- Delicious Layering: The interplay of sweet apples and crunchy walnut crumble adds delightful contrasts of flavor and texture.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy, just common pantry staples with a couple of fresh apples.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake shines at breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon coffee break treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe plays a vital role, from the tangy yogurt that adds moisture to the crunchy toasted walnuts that make the crumble topping sing. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll want to grab when preparing to bake.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the salt content, and it’s important for that rich, creamy flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the sturdy base for the cake’s structure—no need for fancy flours here.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A little lift goes a long way to create a light crumb.
- Fine Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in a subtle way.
- Toasted Walnuts: Toasting nuts amps up their flavor, giving a lovely depth to the crumble topping.
- Light Brown Sugar & White Sugar: Brown sugar adds warmth, and white sugar balances the sweetness neatly.
- Ground Cinnamon: This classic spice pairs beautifully with apples and nuts.
- Large Eggs: Eggs give the cake structure and help bind everything together.
- Plain Yogurt: Use a creamy yogurt like Greek or sheep’s milk for tang and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Apples: I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness; be sure to dice them small so they cook thoroughly.
Variations
I love to switch things up with this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe depending on the season or mood. Whether it’s swapping nuts, tweaking spices, or even making it dairy-free, there’s plenty of room for your own creative spin.
- Nut Variation: I’ve swapped walnuts for pecans once and the cake took on a wonderfully buttery crunch that my family went crazy for.
- Fruit Swap: When apples aren’t in season, diced pears or even firm peaches can work beautifully as a replacement.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: You can use coconut yogurt and vegan butter to make this recipe dairy-free, and it still tastes fantastic.
- Spice Twist: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the crumble mix adds a cozy warmth that I adore in the fall.
How to Make Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center position for even baking. Generously butter a 9×12-inch baking dish with 2 teaspoons of unsalted butter to prevent sticking and help create a golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, which makes for a uniform rise and tender crumb later on.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
Combine the finely chopped toasted walnuts with the brown sugar, white sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Stir until all the nuts and sugars are coated with butter—this mixture will form that irresistible crunchy top layer.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs
Using a spatula or mixer, beat the cup of white sugar with the half cup of room-temperature butter until smooth and well blended. Add one egg, whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until fully incorporated and smooth, then add the second egg, mixing thoroughly. This step helps build a light and airy base for the cake.
Step 5: Incorporate Yogurt, Vanilla, and Flour Mixture
Whisk in the plain yogurt and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Then add the dry flour mixture bit by bit, stirring just until the flour disappears. Be careful not to overmix here—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.
Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Apples
Core your apples, then slice them thinly—about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If the slices seem thick, cut them again lengthwise and then dice crosswise into small cubes. Folding small pieces of apple into the batter ensures every bite has a juicy, tender apple chunk that cooks evenly.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Crumble in the Dish
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crumble mixture on top. Then dollop the remaining batter over the crumble layer and carefully spread it out, trying not to disturb the crumbs too much. Finally, finish with the remaining crumble, gently pressing it onto the batter.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let it cool completely to room temperature in the baking dish before slicing. This helps the cake set and makes cutting clean edges easier.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe
- Dice Apples Small: I learned the hard way that bigger apple chunks can stay a little undercooked, so keep your pieces small and even for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the cake light—in the early days, I overmixed and ended up with a dense cake.
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasting walnuts adds a lovely nutty flavor that makes the crumble topping stand out in the best way.
- Butter the Pan Generously: This simple step makes cleanup easier and creates a delicious crust around the edges that my family fights over.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness and a pretty finish. Sometimes, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is just the extra touch that makes this cake feel indulgent — perfect for weekend guests or special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of black coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I often serve it alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve presented individual servings in small ramekins with the crumble topping layered separately for a stunning photo-worthy effect. Another favorite trick is drizzling warm caramel or maple syrup on top to bring even more flavor and make it extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover apple crumble coffee cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, which keeps it moist and flavorful. If it lasts longer (which usually doesn’t happen in my house!), I pop it in the fridge wrapped well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this cake successfully by wrapping it tightly in foil and then sealing it in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, I let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and it still tastes just as good as fresh.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I heat slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but the oven method keeps the crumble crispier.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-to options for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any firm apple that holds up well during baking. Avoid super soft varieties as they can turn mushy and make the cake soggy.
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What can I substitute for yogurt if I don’t have any on hand?
If you don’t have yogurt, sour cream works as a great alternative and will keep the cake moist and tender. In a pinch, buttermilk can also be used, but you may want to reduce other liquids slightly.
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How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?
You’ll want to insert a toothpick or bamboo skewer into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging, your cake is ready. Avoid overbaking, or the cake can become dry.
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Can this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! By swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour, you can adapt this recipe. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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How long does this apple crumble coffee cake keep fresh?
Stored at room temperature, this cake stays fresh for about two days. Refrigerating can extend freshness up to five days, but bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe has become a personal favorite because it brings together such cozy, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. I love how it fills the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and baked apples, making it a perfect way to start any day or gather friends around the table. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a classic in any home.
Print
Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yield: 1 (9×12-inch) cake, serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake features a tender, yogurt-infused batter studded with finely diced Honeycrisp apples and topped with a crunchy cinnamon walnut crumble. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and a delightful crumbly texture, this cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
For the Baking Dish
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Crumble Mixture
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped toasted walnuts
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 cup plain yogurt (sheep’s milk yogurt or plain Greek yogurt recommended)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Honeycrisp apples
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a rack in the center position. Generously butter a 9×12-inch baking dish with 2 teaspoons of butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Set aside.
- Make Crumble Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups finely chopped toasted walnuts, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup white sugar, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir until nuts and sugars are fully coated with butter. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat 1 cup white sugar with ½ cup room temperature unsalted butter using a spatula until well blended and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Whisk in 1 egg to the creamed mixture until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the second egg and whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Add Yogurt and Vanilla: Stir in 1 cup plain yogurt and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet yogurt mixture. Whisk gently just until the flour disappears to avoid overmixing and creating a dense cake.
- Prepare Apples: Core the apples and discard the cores. Slice apples thinly, about ⅛- to ¼-inch thick. Stack slices and slice lengthwise then crosswise to dice into small cubes.
- Fold Apples into Batter: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a spatula until just combined.
- Layer Batter and Crumble: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the crumble mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add Remaining Batter and Crumble: Dollop the remaining batter over the crumble layer and carefully spread it to distribute evenly without disturbing the crumble. Top with the remaining crumble mixture and gently press crumbs into the batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature in the pan for approximately 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Sheep’s milk yogurt adds tanginess and moisture, but regular plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also work well.
- Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples depending on your preferred tartness.
- Cut apples into small dice to ensure they cook fully and evenly while baking.
- Do not overmix batter to maintain a tender crumb texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
