Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping

 

A Soft, Moist Cake Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is one of those comforting homemade cakes that fills the kitchen with the warm smell of cinnamon and baked apples. The texture is incredibly soft and moist, loaded with tender apple pieces, and finished with a thick buttery streusel that melts slightly into the cake while baking. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even as a light dessert after dinner.

What makes this cake special is the balance: sweet apples, gentle cinnamon spice, and a crumb topping that adds just the right crunch. It’s simple to prepare, uses basic pantry ingredients, and turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Streusel

In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Place the bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. This helps the streusel stay crumbly during baking.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Add the sour cream and mix until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix gently just until combined. Do not overmix.

Fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping generously over the entire surface of the cake, covering it completely.

4. Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea
• Add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving
• Enjoy plain or with a spoon of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Storage Tips

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months

Final Notes

This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is ideal for family gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or when you want a cozy homemade treat without complicated steps. The soft crumb, juicy apples, and crunchy streusel make it a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.