Introduction

This Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for your breakfast or afternoon snack. Bursting with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.

Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups chopped apples
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, the additional 1/4 cup flour, and pecans if using.
Step 7: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 8: Sprinkle half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter.
Step 9: Spread the remaining cake batter over the apple mixture.
Step 10: Top with the remaining apple cinnamon mixture.
Step 11: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 12: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake moist and tender.
You can use any apple variety that holds its shape when baked, such as Honeycrisp or Gala.
For an extra cinnamon boost, dust the cooled cake with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup as a buttermilk replacement. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, work best to keep texture and flavor in the cake.

Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

This Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delightful baked treat featuring tender cake layers infused with cinnamon and studded with juicy chopped apples. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apple topping and a soft, buttery crumb makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk

Apple Cinnamon Topping

2 cups chopped apples
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter helping the cake rise.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to maintain batter consistency. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
Prepare apple cinnamon mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the additional 1/4 cup flour. Add chopped pecans if using to add crunch and flavor.
Assemble the cake layers: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Then, sprinkle half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter. Spread the remaining cake batter over the apples, followed by topping with the remaining apple cinnamon mixture.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
Cool before serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.

Notes

Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture and proper creaming.
Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
You can use any type of apple that holds its shape when baked, like Honeycrisp or Gala, for best texture.
For an extra cinnamon kick, dust the cooled cake with a little additional cinnamon sugar.
Chopped pecans add a nice crunch but are optional based on preference or nut allergies.

Keywords: apple cinnamon coffee cake, moist apple cake, cinnamon coffee cake, breakfast cake, fall desserts, apple cake recipe