Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

 Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

Warm, tender, spiced, and sweet—this apple crumble coffee cake is your new fall favorite.

---

There’s something undeniably cozy about a slice of apple crumble coffee cake served warm with a cup of coffee or tea. It's the kind of treat that invites conversation and makes you want to linger at the table just a bit longer. With its moist, tender crumb, juicy apple chunks, aromatic spices, and a perfectly crisp crumble topping, this cake brings together everything we love about fall baking.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast spread, or simply need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this homemade apple coffee cake hits all the right notes. Best of all? It’s easy to make and even easier to love.

---

🧾 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role to ensure that your apple coffee cake turns out rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The structural base for the cake, providing body and crumb.

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise to a light and fluffy consistency.

¼ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the sour cream to tenderize the cake.

½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, aromatic flavor.

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Pairs beautifully with apples for that classic fall spice profile.

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a tender crumb.

¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps create a golden crust.

2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s light structure.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor complexity.

½ cup sour cream – The secret to a super moist cake with a slight tang.

1 ½ cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Provide bursts of sweet-tart juiciness in every bite.

For the Crumble Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

– Combined to form a crumbly, buttery topping that bakes into a golden crust.

For the Glaze (Optional but Delicious):

½ cup powdered sugar – The base of a smooth glaze.

1 tablespoon milk – Thins the glaze to drizzle consistency.

½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds flavor to the finishing touch.

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour

Baking powder

Baking soda

Salt

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This process incorporates air, ensuring a tender cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.

5. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples.

6. Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine:

Flour

Brown sugar

Cinnamon

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

7. Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Drizzle the Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a bakery-style finish.

---

💡 Why This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is Loved

Incredibly Moist Texture thanks to the sour cream and fresh apples.

Flavor-Packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar crumble.

Perfect for Any Occasion – brunch, dessert, potlucks, or holidays.

No Fancy Equipment Required – Just bowls, a whisk, and a standard baking pan.

---

🥘 Pro Tips for the Best Results

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast against the sweet crumble.

Don’t skip the sour cream – it keeps the cake moist and fluffy.

Make it ahead – the flavors develop even more overnight.

Chill the crumble topping before baking for extra crispiness.

---

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pair with a cappuccino, chai latte, or spiced cider for a fall-perfect treat.

Add a side of fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait for a brunch-ready plate.

---

📝 Conclusion: A Cozy Classic That Never Disappoints

This moist apple crumble coffee cake combines the nostalgic comfort of homemade baking with the indulgence of a bakery treat. It’s simple to make, yet irresistibly delicious—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon. With its moist texture, spiced flavor, and crunchy crumble, this cake is destined to become a household favorite.

Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

🍏✨ Save this recipe, b

ake it today, and taste the cozy magic for yourself.

---

Ready to enjoy more crave-worthy baking recipes? Bookmark this post and share it with fellow fall dessert lovers!