If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting cake that combines the goodness of apple pie filling and the fluffiness of coffee cake. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that blends these two favorites into one irresistible treat—apple pie filling coffee cake. Trust me, it’s as delicious as it sounds, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re craving a sweet morning bite, a dessert for a family get-together, or just something cozy to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is here for you. Plus, it takes very little time to prepare, and the result is so good, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner.
The batter is rich and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream. After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of cream to elevate the flavor even more. Don’t forget to top it off with a sprinkle of brown sugar to add a lovely caramelized sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to put together.
- Deliciously Moist: The coffee cake is soft and fluffy, while the apple pie filling adds a sweet, spiced depth of flavor that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for brunch, a family gathering, or a cozy afternoon treat, this coffee cake is always a hit.
- Versatile: You can customize it with different fruits or toppings like nuts, streusel, or even a maple glaze to make it uniquely yours.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of cinnamon, apples, and streusel brings a comforting, cozy vibe that’s perfect for any time of year.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this delicious cake, making it an easy option for a last-minute dessert or snack. The batter is made even richer with sour cream for added moisture and texture.
- Great for Sharing: This cake serves 12, making it perfect for sharing with friends, family, or coworkers.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Information: Contains dairy and gluten (but I’ll share some substitutions if you need them!)
Ingredients
Ready to bake? Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious apple pie filling coffee cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (this makes the cake extra moist)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling (or homemade if you prefer!)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (you can totally do this by hand, no fancy tools required!)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but it does make the mixing a little quicker)
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon for serving (because you’re going to want to serve this immediately!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get this cake baking! Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×9-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. That cinnamon will add a lovely warmth to the cake! In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, softened butter, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling
Here comes the fun part—layering the apple pie filling. Spread about half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Then, spoon the apple pie filling on top. I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the apples for added spice. Next, carefully drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the pie filling. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just spread it out as best as you can!
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until you have a crumbly mixture. This streusel topping is what makes the cake so irresistible, so don’t skip this step! Sprinkle it evenly over the coffee cake batter.
Step 5: Bake the Coffee Cake
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. You’ll also know it’s done when the kitchen smells like heaven!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and slice it while it’s still warm! Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little cream to make it even more decadent. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the batter, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it light and fluffy.
- Extra Crunch: If you love a little extra texture, toss some chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping. It adds a nice crunch and flavor.
- Homemade Apple Pie Filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own apple pie filling! Just cook fresh apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a little cornstarch until it thickens. It’ll give the cake an even more homemade feel.
Variations You Can Try
- Apple and Cranberry Twist: Add some fresh or dried cranberries to the apple pie filling for a tart twist that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled coffee cake for an extra layer of sweetness. Just mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a little milk for a simple glaze.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan-friendly version, swap the butter for coconut oil, use flaxseed meal instead of eggs, and dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream. It’s just as delicious!
Why This Coffee Cake Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Apple pie filling coffee cake isn’t just a cake—it’s a warm hug in dessert form. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special brunch, a family gathering, or a simple afternoon snack. The flavors of cinnamon, apples, and streusel topping combine to make it a truly comforting dessert that anyone will love.
What I love most about this coffee cake is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it with different fruits, toppings, or glazes, making it your own unique creation. Add a little brown sugar to the streusel topping or drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and cream for an extra touch of sweetness. And no matter how you make it, I promise it will be a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
Baking this apple pie filling coffee cake is more than just making a dessert—it’s about creating something that’ll bring smiles to everyone around you. The blend of sweet apples, buttery cake batter, and crunchy streusel is just too good to resist. The addition of sour cream in the batter ensures the cake is moist and delicious. And don’t worry if you’re new to baking—this recipe is simple, and I know you’ll nail it.
So, go ahead and preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up something magical together. You’ll be enjoying this delicious, comforting coffee cake in no time. Don’t forget to finish it off with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and cream for an extra touch of sweetness!
