Apple Streusel Coffee Cake with Cinnamon is the kind of treat that makes mornings feel special. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm cinnamon flavor, this cake is layered with tender apples and topped with a buttery streusel crumble. It offers the perfect texture contrast — fluffy cake and crisp crumb — with a sweet glaze to finish.

It’s a delightful breakfast cake, a lovely afternoon coffee companion, or the star of a holiday brunch table. Made with simple ingredients and everyday pantry staples, this cake delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen!

Why I Love This Recipe

The streusel topping adds a satisfying buttery crunch
Fresh apples make every bite extra moist and flavorful
Perfect balance of sweet + spice + fruit
A recipe that instantly makes the house smell like fall
Easy to make ahead and share with guests

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Ideal for brunch gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekends
Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly
A versatile recipe — great warm or chilled
Great way to use seasonal apples!

Recipe Summary

Category	Details
Course	Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert
Cuisine	American
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	45–50 minutes
Total Time	~1 hour 10 minutes
Servings	10–12 slices
Calories	~290 per slice

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled & diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp ideal)
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar

Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Optional Vanilla Glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 Preheat Oven

Heat to 350°F (175°C)
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan

Step 2 Make the Cake Batter

Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda & salt
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, melted butter & vanilla
Combine wet + dry ingredients until smooth (do NOT overmix)

Step 3 Apple Layer

Toss apples with cinnamon & brown sugar
Set aside

Step 4 Create Streusel Topping

Mix flour, cinnamon, brown sugar
Cut in cold butter with a fork until crumbly

Step 5 Assemble

Spread half of the cake batter in pan
Add apple mixture evenly
Spread remaining batter on top
Sprinkle streusel over entire surface

Step 6 Bake

45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

Step 7 Glaze (Optional)

Drizzle glaze over cooled cake for extra sweetness

How to Serve

Best served slightly warm with coffee, tea, or hot cider
Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish
Works beautifully for breakfast, brunch buffets, or dessert

Recipe Tips

Sour cream keeps the cake super moist — don’t replace with milk!
Use apples that hold shape while baking — avoid overripe ones
Keep butter cold for the most crumbly streusel
If using a deeper baking dish, extend bake time by 5–10 minutes
For richer spice flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg

Variations to Try

Style	What to Change
Caramel Apple Coffee Cake	Drizzle salted caramel instead of glaze
Nutty Streusel	Add chopped pecans or walnuts to topping
Apple-Pear Combo	Use half apples + half pears
Cream Cheese Layer	Add sweetened cream cheese between batter layers
Gluten-Free	Replace flour with 1:1 GF blend

Storage & Freezing

Method	How Long	Notes
Room Temp	2 days	Covered airtight
Refrigerated	5–6 days	Keeps best texture
Frozen	Up to 2 months	Wrap slices individually

Special Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Hand mixer (optional)

No fancy tools required — easy home baking!

FAQ

Q1: Can I use apple sauce instead of sour cream?
A: Not recommended — it changes texture and structure.

Q2: Which apple is best?
A: Granny Smith (tart & holds shape) ✅
Also good → Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji

Q3: Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes! Bake the day before — flavors deepen overnight.

Q4: Can I make it in a round pan?
Yes — two 9-inch rounds. Reduce baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake with Cinnamon is a comforting, fall-inspired bake that tastes like a warm hug. Its soft crumb, spiced apples, and buttery streusel create a memorable experience in every bite. Whether you serve it for breakfast, holiday gatherings, or cozy evenings in — this cake always delights.