Breakfast Bakes

Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

Name: Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup oat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups diced apples; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

By Yara Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Breakfast Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a cinnamon apple coffee cake from scratch. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my kitchen, and the first bite was like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Since then, I've perfected this recipe to share with you, and it's become a staple in my household.

This coffee cake is more than just a delicious breakfast or brunch option; it's a way to bring people together. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends, this cinnamon apple coffee cake is sure to impress.

The best part? It's incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can create a beautiful, golden-brown coffee cake that's sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to baking the coffee cake to perfection. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make this recipe your own.

So, let's get started and make a delicious cinnamon apple coffee cake that's sure to become a staple in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon apple coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch
It's easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients
The combination of tender apples, crunchy cinnamon topping, and crumbly oat streusel is absolutely delicious
The coffee cake is perfect for a family gathering or a casual get-together with friends
You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different spices or nuts
The coffee cake is moist and flavorful, with a beautiful golden-brown crust

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great cinnamon apple coffee cake is the combination of tender apples, crunchy cinnamon topping, and a crumbly oat streusel. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon topping provides a warm, spicy flavor. The oat streusel adds a satisfying crunch and texture to the coffee cake.

Another important factor is the use of brown sugar, which adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the coffee cake. The brown sugar also helps to balance out the sweetness of the apples and the cinnamon.

Finally, the use of a combination of all-purpose flour and oat flour helps to create a tender, crumbly texture that's perfect for a coffee cake. The oat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and a delicate texture that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.

By combining these ingredients and using a few simple techniques, you can create a delicious cinnamon apple coffee cake that's sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious cinnamon apple coffee cake, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oat flour. You'll also need some basic kitchen equipment, such as a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x13-inch baking dish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality apples that are sweet and tender. You'll also want to use a high-quality cinnamon that's fresh and fragrant.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flourAll-purpose flour provides structure and texture to the coffee cake. Look for a high-quality flour that's fresh and has a good protein content.
1 cup oat flourOat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and a delicate texture to the coffee cake. You can make your own oat flour by blending rolled oats in a food processor until they're finely ground.
1 teaspoon baking powderBaking powder helps the coffee cake to rise and gives it a light, tender texture. Make sure to use a fresh baking powder that's not expired.
1 teaspoon baking sodaBaking soda helps to balance the acidity in the coffee cake and gives it a tender texture. Make sure to use a fresh baking soda that's not expired.
1 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the coffee cake and helps to balance the sweetness. Use a high-quality salt that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds sweetness to the coffee cake and helps to balance the flavor. Use a high-quality sugar that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 cup brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the coffee cake and helps to balance the sweetness. Use a high-quality brown sugar that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter adds moisture and flavor to the coffee cake. Use a high-quality butter that's fresh and has a good flavor.
2 large eggsEggs add moisture and richness to the coffee cake. Use fresh eggs that are at room temperature for the best results.
2 teaspoons vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a sweet, creamy flavor to the coffee cake. Use a high-quality vanilla extract that's fresh and has a good flavor.
2 cups diced applesDiced apples add natural sweetness and moisture to the coffee cake. Use a variety of apple that's sweet and tender, such as Gala or Fuji.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamonGround cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor to the coffee cake. Use a high-quality cinnamon that's fresh and has a good flavor.
1/2 cup chopped walnutsChopped walnuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the coffee cake. Use a high-quality walnut that's fresh and has a good flavor.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhisk9x13-inch baking dishMeasuring cups and spoonsElectric mixerInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure to adjust the oven racks to the middle position to ensure even baking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to whisk until the ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Make sure to whisk until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
4
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition. Make sure to whisk until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
5
Add the vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until combined. Make sure to whisk until the vanilla extract is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
6
Add the diced apples to the sugar mixture and stir until they're evenly coated. Make sure to stir until the apples are well combined with the sugar mixture.
7
Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and stir until just combined. Make sure to stir until the flour mixture is just combined with the sugar mixture and there are no lumps.
8
Pour the batter into a 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the top. Make sure to smooth the top to ensure even baking.
9
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon. Make sure to mix until the walnuts and cinnamon are well combined.
10
Sprinkle the walnut and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top of the coffee cake. Make sure to sprinkle the mixture evenly to ensure a crunchy topping.
11
Bake the coffee cake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check the coffee cake after 40 minutes and cover the top with foil if it's browning too quickly.
12
Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Make sure to let the coffee cake cool in the pan to ensure it sets properly.
13
Transfer the coffee cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure to transfer the coffee cake to a wire rack to ensure it cools evenly and doesn't become soggy.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense coffee cake.
Use a variety of apple that's sweet and tender, such as Gala or Fuji.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the coffee cake before baking for an extra boost of flavor.
Let the coffee cake cool completely before serving to ensure it sets properly.
Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients that can affect the flavor and texture of the coffee cake.
Overmixing the batter, which can result in a dense coffee cake.
Not adjusting the oven racks to the middle position, which can result in uneven baking.
Not letting the coffee cake cool completely before serving, which can result in a soggy texture.
Not storing the coffee cake in an airtight container, which can result in dryness and staleness.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra flavor.
Use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, for a unique flavor.
Add chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, to the batter for extra texture.
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add a drizzle of glaze or icing to the coffee cake after it's cooled for extra sweetness and flavor.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake

This cinnamon apple coffee cake is perfect for serving at breakfast or brunch. You can serve it warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a snack on its own.

Some other ideas for serving this coffee cake include:

Sliced and served with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt

Warmed and topped with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Served as a dessert, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream

Serve with a cup of coffee or teaTop with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamonServe with a side of fresh fruit or yogurtWarm and top with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This cinnamon apple coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw it at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

To freeze the coffee cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Some tips for storing and reheating this coffee cake include:

Letting it cool completely before storing or freezing to prevent sogginess

Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out

Reheating it in the oven or microwave until warm and fragrant

Serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

You can use any variety of apple that's sweet and tender, such as Gala or Fuji. Avoid using tart apples, such as Granny Smith, as they can make the coffee cake too sour.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as honey or maple syrup, for a unique flavor. However, keep in mind that these sugars can be quite strong, so you may need to adjust the amount used.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the batter?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount used based on your personal preference.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and thaw it at room temperature when you're ready to serve.

How do I reheat the coffee cake?

You can reheat the coffee cake in the oven or microwave until warm and fragrant. Simply wrap it in foil and heat it at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warm and fragrant.

Can I make this coffee cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can make this coffee cake in a different size pan, such as a 9x9-inch or 11x7-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time based on the size of the pan and the thickness of the batter.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or almond flour, for a unique texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount used based on the type of flour and the consistency of the batter.

Can I add a glaze or icing to the coffee cake?

Yes, you can add a glaze or icing to the coffee cake after it's cooled for extra sweetness and flavor. Simply drizzle it over the top of the coffee cake and serve.

The Full Recipe

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