Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

There is something incredibly heartwarming about waking up to a slice of **Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake** that captures the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie in a tender, moist cake crowned with a crunchy streusel topping. This delightful treat combines the fragrant cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling nestled between layers of buttery cake, finished with a sweet crumbly topping that makes every bite a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon snack, or just craving an indulgent dessert, this recipe feels like a warm hug in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, yet each one plays a pivotal role in creating the layers of flavors and textures that make the Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake so irresistible. From the richness of butter and sour cream in the cake to the warm spices in the apple filling and the sweet, crumbly streusel on top, these elements come together beautifully with simple pantry staples.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cake base.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup for filling): Adds sweetness and helps with browning the cake and softening the apples.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the batter together and contribute to a light texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle aromatic touch.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups total): Forms the structure for the cake and the streusel topping.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Work together to provide a perfect rise.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• Sour cream (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang to complement the sweet filling.
• Apples (4 cups, peeled and sliced): The star of the apple pie filling; choose a firm variety for the best texture.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup for streusel): Adds caramel notes and moisture to the filling and topping.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons in filling + 1 teaspoon in streusel): Brings warm spiced flavors typical of apple pie.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle spice that enhances the apple filling’s depth.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Balances sweetness and brightens the apples’ flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted for streusel): Binds the streusel topping into crisp, crumbly clusters.

How to Make Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Pie Filling

Start by combining your apples, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice in a large bowl. This mixture is what transforms plain sliced apples into the luscious filling that feels just like apple pie nestled inside your coffee cake. The flour thickens the juices released from the apples during baking, while lemon juice brightens the flavor, ensuring the filling isn’t overly sweet but perfectly spiced and moist.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready by greasing and lightly flouring it. Cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this aerates the batter and ensures a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract for an inviting aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt before gradually alternating the dry ingredients and sour cream into the creamed mixture, careful not to overmix. This balanced combination results in a rich yet delicate cake base that supports the filling beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Spread the apple pie filling over this first layer, taking care to distribute it evenly so every bite has those tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. Then gently spread the remaining batter over the filling, sealing in the apples. This layering technique helps retain moisture and keeps each slice packed with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Streusel Topping

Mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping, then stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake’s surface. The streusel adds a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft cake and juicy filling—a perfect harmony that makes this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake extra special.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled cake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set slightly—this also makes slicing much easier.

How to Serve Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful, delicate finish that feels festive without overpowering the natural spices. For an indulgent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this coffee cake into a luscious dessert worthy of any gathering.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, complementing the warm spice notes in the cake. For brunch, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance richness with refreshing brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cake warm and topped with a thin drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the apple pie vibe. Another fun twist is layering slices with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat that mimics the flavors of apple cinnamon rolls, turning your coffee cake into a showstopper for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to keep it fresh for about five days. Keeping it covered well prevents the cake from drying out and preserves the tender crumb and moist filling.

Freezing

You can freeze the coffee cake after it has completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three months, so you can enjoy that apple pie flavor anytime you crave it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place them in a preheated 300-degree F oven wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes. The mild warmth will revive the moist cake layers and melting the streusel topping slightly makes the flavors pop.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling for this coffee cake?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling made with your favorite apple variety and spices adds a personal touch and delicious freshness that enhances the entire cake’s flavor.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, which is perfect for the filling in this coffee cake.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, you can use full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk as substitutes. They provide similar moisture and tang, though sour cream gives the richest texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the streusel from burning while baking?

If your streusel seems to brown too quickly, tent the cake loosely with foil halfway through baking. This keeps the topping from over-browning while allowing the interior to cook through.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings comfort straight to your kitchen with every slice. Whether for a special occasion or a casual coffee break, I hope you enjoy making and sharing this joy-filled cake as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

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