If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy bake that’ll have the whole house smelling like fall, this Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is it. It’s soft and rich from the sour cream, with tender apple chunks and a buttery oat topping that gets just the right amount of crisp. It’s the kind of brunch treat that disappears fast. Perfect with coffee, easy to prep, and always a hit with guests. This is one of those reliable go-to recipes that’s worth making any time of year.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
The batter comes together fast with pantry staples and a couple of apples. The streusel gets mixed by hand, so there’s no fancy equipment needed.
This one’s perfect for weekend brunch, potlucks, or just keeping around for a sweet afternoon snack. It feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream.
Kids and adults both love this. The flavor’s classic, and the texture is everything you want from a homemade cake.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Big Brunch Energy – Great centerpiece for breakfast gatherings or holiday mornings.
- That Streusel – Crunchy, buttery topping with just enough cinnamon to warm things up.
- No Fuss – One bowl for the batter, one for the topping. Easy clean-up, big payoff.
- Crowd-Friendly – Bakes in a 9×13 pan so there’s plenty to share.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh for days and freezes well.
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Apple Coffee Cake Shopping List
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Canola Oil – Adds moisture without overpowering flavor. Any neutral oil works.
- Brown Sugar – Brings depth and softness to the cake and sweetness to the topping.
- Egg – Helps bind the batter and gives structure.
- Sour Cream – The secret to a super tender crumb. Greek yogurt works too.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. No need to sift.
- Apples – Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Adds moisture and fresh flavor.
- Butter – Softened for easy mixing into the streusel. Salted or unsalted both work.
- Oats – Adds texture and a rustic crunch to the topping.
- Cinnamon – Just enough to make everything taste like fall.
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How To Make Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Make sure to follow along with the recipe card at the bottom of the post when you’re actually making this. This is just the run-down to give you an idea of what you’re in for.
- Mix the Batter – Combine oil, sugar, egg, sour cream, leaveners, vanilla, and flour until smooth. Fold in diced apples.
- Prepare the Streusel – Use your hands to mix butter, sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- Assemble the Cake – Spread batter into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with streusel.
- Bake – 350°F for 35–45 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool & Serve – Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. It’s best warm.
Apple Streusel Coffee Cake FAQ
Store it covered at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze in airtight containers.
Yes, bake it the day before and warm slices as needed. It tastes even better the next day.
Warm individual pieces in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk both work. Just keep the ratio the same.
Yes. Pears or firm peaches work well, or try a mix of apples and cranberries during 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, perfect brunch coffee cake. Make this easy coffee cake for the next time that you need to make a sweet treat for brunch!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 2 large apples, finely diced
Streusel:
- 1 stick butter, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix together the oil, sugar, egg, sour cream, baking soda, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and flour in a mixer until well combined.
- Add in diced apples and fold in.
- Spread batter into a prepared 9x13 baking pan.
- Mix together the streusel ingredients by hand until crumbly, and sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a tester comes out with only moist crumbs.
- Cool for 10 minutes, and serve warm if possible.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 455Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 207mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 2gSugar: 34gProtein: 5g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
This recipe was originally published in August of 2013. It has been updated on 10/26/25 with new photos.
Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars » Or Whatever You Do
Friday 17th of January 2014
[…] and also I can’t stop myself from tossing in some cinnamon and oatmeal into a crumb. See my Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake AND the Banana Crumb Cake for examples of the cinnamon oatmeal obsession. See my 8 […]
Anitra
Thursday 29th of August 2013
oh how I've missed your blogging! :) I am finding it hard to meet new friends as an adult as well. Everyone has known each other for ages so I'm the new kid in town :) I also miss Washington rain so bad!!