APPLE PIE COFFEE CAKE

 

There’s just something magical about the combination of apple pie and coffee cake. Imagine the warm, spiced apples melting into a soft, buttery cake, all topped with a golden, crumbly streusel and a drizzle of sweet glaze. That’s exactly what this Apple Pie Coffee Cake delivers! Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a cozy snack with your afternoon coffee, this cake has you covered.

This recipe is simple, quick, and foolproof, thanks to a handy shortcut—yellow cake mix! Don’t worry, though. The end result tastes completely homemade, with layers of cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a crunchy oat topping that takes it to the next level. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be looking for every excuse to bake it again!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Easy to make – No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed!
• Full of warm, cozy flavors – Perfect for fall, winter, or any time you crave apples and cinnamon.
• Perfect with coffee or tea – The crumbly texture and sweet glaze make it the ultimate pairing for your morning cup.
• Crowd-pleasing dessert – Great for potlucks, brunches, or family gatherings.

Let’s Get Baking!

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s go over what you’ll need.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup water
• 3 large eggs

For the Apple Filling:

• 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake and the perfect texture.

While your oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and make sure your cake comes out easily.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Now, let’s make the cake base! In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• The yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Water
• Eggs

Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth and lump-free. The butter adds richness to the cake, making it soft and moist.

Step 3: Layer the Cake

Time to build our masterpiece!

• Pour half of the cake batter into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
• This forms the first layer of our coffee cake, which will hold all the sweet apple goodness in place.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

Grab your canned apple pie filling and spoon it over the cake batter, spreading it evenly across the surface.

For an extra burst of fall flavor, sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples. This will enhance the warmth and aroma, making your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.

Pro Tip: If you prefer smaller apple chunks, use a fork to gently mash the apples before adding them to the cake.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Now comes the best part—the crunchy, buttery crumb topping!

In a separate bowl, mix together:

• Brown sugar
• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (if using)

Use a spoon or your hands to combine everything until it forms a slightly clumpy, crumbly mixture. This is what will give your coffee cake its signature texture.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra crunchy topping, toss in an additional tablespoon of cold butter and mix it in with your fingers.

Step 6: Assemble

• Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling. Make sure it covers every inch so you get that delicious crunch in every bite.
• Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover most of the topping.

It might not look perfect, but don’t worry—the batter will spread as it bakes, creating a beautifully layered effect!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your assembled cake into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While your cake is baking, take a deep breath—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

The best way to take this coffee cake to the next level? A sweet, glossy glaze drizzled over the warm, golden-brown cake.

To make the glaze, you’ll need:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk to start. Keep whisking until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. If it feels too thick, add the second tablespoon of milk—a little at a time—until you reach the perfect drizzle-worthy texture.

Pro Tip: Want extra flavor? Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for a warm, spiced touch.

Step 9: Cool & Glaze

As tempting as it is to dig in right away, let your cake cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze. This allows the cake to set while keeping it slightly warm—perfect for absorbing all that sweet drizzle!

Once cooled slightly:

• Use a spoon or whisk to drizzle the glaze all over the top of the cake.
• Let it flow naturally over the crumb topping and cake, giving it a bakery-style finish.

If you love extra glaze (who doesn’t?), feel free to double the recipe and go all in!

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Your Apple Pie Coffee Cake is officially ready to enjoy!

Cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on how large you want your servings. This cake is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect treat for:

• Breakfast or brunch with a cup of coffee
• A cozy afternoon snack with tea
• A delightful dessert topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Serving Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, warm up your slice for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before eating. The warmth makes the apple filling even gooier and enhances the flavors!

Pro Baking Tips & Variations

Want to make this cake even more special? Here are some creative ideas and baking tips:

1. Make It Extra Buttery

If you love ultra-rich coffee cake, try adding an extra 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the batter for a more buttery texture.

2. Add Caramel Drizzle

Apples and caramel are a match made in heaven! Instead of (or in addition to) the glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent finish.

3. Try Different Cake Mixes

While yellow cake mix is the classic choice, you can also try:

• Spice cake mix for an even deeper fall flavor
• Butter pecan cake mix for a nutty twist
• Vanilla or white cake mix for a lighter taste

4. Swap the Nuts

If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, try using:

• Almonds for a crunchy, nutty taste
• Hazelnuts for a richer, roasted flavor
• Omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version

5. Add a Streusel Middle Layer

For an even more textured, layered cake, mix up extra crumb topping and add a thin layer between the apple filling and the second cake batter layer.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This cake stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or serving at gatherings.

How to Store:

• Room Temperature: Keep leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm up slices before serving for the best taste.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or heat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply bake it as instructed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

If you’re making it ahead for an event, you can wait to add the glaze until just before serving to keep it looking fresh.

2. Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Apple Pie Filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, here’s how to make a quick homemade apple filling:

• Peel and dice 3-4 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best).
• Cook in a saucepan over medium heat with:
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • A squeeze of lemon juice
  • A tablespoon of butter
• Cook until the apples soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes). Then, use them just like the canned filling in the recipe!

3. What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Crumb Topping is Crunchy?

The key to a perfectly crunchy crumb topping is to:

1. Use cold butter (instead of melted butter) when mixing the crumb topping.
2. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples to create an even texture.
3. Avoid overmixing—you want little crumbly clumps for that bakery-style texture.
4. If you love an extra crispy topping, add an extra tablespoon of flour and oats to absorb moisture.

4. Can I Freeze Apple Pie Coffee Cake?

Yes! This cake freezes really well, making it great for meal prep or last-minute desserts.

To freeze:

• Let the cake cool completely.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave slices for 15-20 seconds.

Pro Tip: If you plan to freeze the cake, skip the glaze until after reheating for the freshest taste.

5. What’s the Best Way to Serve This Cake?

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fancy touch.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or chai for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a fall-inspired indulgence.

6. Can I Make This in a Different Pan Size?

Yes! While this recipe is designed for a 9×13-inch pan, you can adjust it:

• For a smaller 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, simply halve the ingredients.
• For a bundt cake, bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
• For muffins, divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

7. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make this gluten-free, swap out:

• The yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix (such as King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill).
• The all-purpose flour in the crumb topping for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

The result is just as moist, delicious, and full of apple goodness!

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Cake

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, comforting, and crowd-pleasing treat, this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the answer. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a midnight snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Easy to make – Uses a cake mix shortcut but tastes 100% homemade!
• Perfectly spiced – Warm cinnamon, tender apples, and a crunchy oat topping.
• Versatile – Enjoy it warm or cold, with coffee or ice cream.
• Great for sharing – Ideal for potlucks, family brunches, or gifting.

So go ahead—grab your ingredients and give it a try! You won’t regret it.

If you make this Apple Pie Coffee Cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added any special twists. And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love cozy, comforting treats.

Happy Baking!

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