If you want a warm, cozy bake that fills the house with fall spices, this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a perfect choice. The cake is tender and moist thanks to sour cream, studded with soft diced apples, and finished with a buttery oat streusel that crisps up while baking. It’s ideal for brunch, potlucks, or a simple weekend treat—easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and a crowd-pleaser any time of year.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
The batter comes together quickly using pantry staples and a couple of crisp apples. The streusel is mixed by hand, so no special equipment is required. This cake holds up well, reheats nicely, and is easy to portion for guests.
Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a classic, comforting pairing. The texture is soft and slightly dense from the sour cream, with bright apple pieces and a crunchy oat topping for contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Brunch-ready: A great centerpiece for breakfast gatherings or holiday mornings.
- Crispy Streusel: Buttery and oat-forward, it adds the right amount of crunch and cinnamon warmth.
- Easy Prep: One bowl for the batter and one for the topping—minimal fuss, minimal cleanup.
- Feeds a Crowd: Bakes in a 9×13 pan, so it’s perfect for sharing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well at room temperature for a few days and freezes successfully.
Shopping List / Ingredients Overview
Below is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact quantities and the full recipe, see the recipe section further down.
- Neutral oil (canola or similar) – keeps the crumb moist without adding extra flavor.
- Brown sugar – for depth and caramel notes in both cake and streusel.
- Egg – provides structure.
- Sour cream – key for a tender, moist crumb (plain Greek yogurt is an acceptable substitute).
- Baking soda & baking powder – ensure a light rise.
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour – the base of the cake.
- Apples – firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold up best.
- Butter – softened for the streusel.
- Oats – add texture to the streusel.
- Cinnamon – classic warming spice for the cake and topping.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Follow these clear steps while referencing ingredient amounts in the recipe card below. The method is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Mix the batter: Whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and flour until smooth. Fold in finely diced apples.
- Prepare the streusel: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon with your fingers until crumbly.
- Assemble: Spread the batter evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. The cake is especially delicious served warm.
FAQ
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container or freeze slices individually wrapped.
Yes. Bake the cake a day in advance and warm individual slices briefly before serving. Many people find the flavors meld and improve overnight.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole pan in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk are good substitutes; keep the same volume as the recipe calls for.
Yes. Pears or firm peaches can work, and a mix of apples and cranberries makes a festive variation for the holidays.
More Breakfast Treats
- Blackstone Eggnog French Toast
- Traeger Caramel Rolls
- Traeger Banana Bread
- Baked Blueberry Brioche French Toast
- Apple Fritters
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Moist, sweet, and ideal for brunch. This easy coffee cake combines tender apple pieces with a buttery oat streusel.
Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Cake:
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large apples, finely diced
Streusel:
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened and cut into cubes
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and flour until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, use your fingers to combine the streusel ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake 35–45 minutes, until a tester comes out with only moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes before slicing; serve warm if possible.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 455 • Total Fat: 21g • Saturated Fat: 8g • Trans Fat: 1g • Unsaturated Fat: 12g • Cholesterol: 47mg • Sodium: 207mg • Carbohydrates: 62g • Fiber: 2g • Sugar: 34g • Protein: 5g
Nutrition estimates are approximate. Consult a trusted nutrition source for clinical needs.