Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Think coffee cake, only way better. This deliciously rich and sweet apple cinnamon coffee cake recipe is perfect for brunches, lunches, and holiday potlucks. Pair it up with a warm cup of coffee and settle in.
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Who doesn’t love an apple coffee cake baking away in the oven? Other yummy cinnamon goodies include these delicious cinnamon roll muffins and these crunchy, amazing cinnamon roasted almonds. Yum and yum!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The cozy combo of apple and cinnamon is a classic fall and winter comfort food favorite.
- The textures of the moist cake, chunks of apples, and the crumbly cinnamon sugar topping come together perfectly.
- This coffee cake features rich almond flour making it naturally gluten-free. Bonus!
Ingredients
Find the complete ingredient list, with measurements, in the recipe card below.
For The Cake
- Almond Flour – We LOVE using almond flour in baking. Yes, it is gluten-free if that matters to you, but it also is so rich and delicious. It makes for soft and perfectly moist baked goods. We recommend blanched almond flour for best results.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – We use both to create a light and tender crumb.
- Salt – A pinch of fine sea salt boosts the flavors of your ingredients.
- Eggs – Using room temperature allows them to blend easily with the other ingredients.
- Maple Syrup – Who doesn’t love a touch of maple sweetness?
- Vanilla – This adds that classic warm sweetness that is familiar in many baked goods.
- Plain Greek Yogurt – We use Greek yogurt to add a touch of creamy tang for balance.
- Apples – Use your fave! We usually roll with honeycrisp. Read all about the best apples for baking.
- Butter – This is for softening the apples.
- Coconut Sugar – This is added to the apples when cooking to add a touch of sweetness.
- Cinnamon – It puts the cinnamon in cinnamon coffee cake.
For The Crumb Topping
- Coconut Sugar – Helps to create a crunchy, caramelized texture.
- Almond Flour – This combines with the butter and sugar to make the crumble crumb.
- Cinnamon – For warmth and that signature flavor.
- Salt – Always a must to bring out the best flavors.
- Butter – This adds some rich moisture to make sure the topping isn’t too dry.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – For this recipe, you will need two mixing bowls: one large for the cake batter and another medium for the streusel topping.
- Saucepan – A medium-sized pan is used to soften the apples.
- Baking Dish – We use a ceramic 9×9 baking dish for this recipe.
- Parchment Paper – A must for easy clean-up. We recommend unbleached parchment paper.
- Made of durable porcelain, it is safe for microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven up to 500°F.
- Suitable for cakes, casseroles, enchiladas, and more.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Step 1
First, get the apples started.
Start by peeling and dicing the apples into small pieces.
Step 2
Next, melt one tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of cinnamon together in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to combine.
Once it is smooth, add the diced apple pieces and sprinkle with the cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until soft. 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set the pot aside.
Step 3
Preheat your oven to 350°. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4
Next, stir in the eggs, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the softened apples and the Greek yogurt. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and set it aside.
Step 5
Next, add the crumble topping ingredients into a small mixing bowl and mix until they clump together when pressed between your fingers. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake batter in the baking dish.
Step 6
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Use a toothpick in the center to see if it comes out clean to know if it is cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil while the cake finishes baking.
Once the toothpick test comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7
Use the sides of the parchment paper and carefully lift the cake out of the pan. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely – 30 -45 minutes.
Step 8
Using a large knife, slice the cooled cake into 16 pieces.
Expert Tip!
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. It is very delicate when hot and could crumble apart if cut too soon.
Substitutions
- Instead of Greek yogurt, use sour cream for an even richer and creamier coffee cake.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of coconut sugar.
- If you don’t have butter, refined coconut oil will work in its place in the topping.
Recipe Variations
- Use pear instead of apples for another wintery fruit flavor.
- Boost the holiday vibes by adding a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg.
- For crunch and texture, add chopped toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or dry roasted almonds to the topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion the apple crumb cake onto plates and serve with coffee – obviously! Try this spiced chai coffee for a winter coffee treat.
- For a delicious dessert, add a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side.
- Cut into smaller, bite-sized squares and add to a dessert tray for brunch or as a buffet-style treat.
FAQS
There is no coffee in coffee cake. Weird, right? The coffee in the title refers to how amazing it pairs up with everyone’s favorite warm drink, which is, of course, a hot cup of coffee.
The answer is both! It is sweet enough to be a dessert but also a delicious addition to a holiday or special event breakfast or brunch.
Storage Tips
To Store: Cover the baking dish with foil and store at room temperature for a day or two. You can also wrap it tightly with foil and place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temp before serving.
To Freeze: Wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—warm slices in the oven or microwave for a fresh-baked vibe.
More Almond Flour Recipes
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Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For The Apples
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced into small pieces.
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For The Cake
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 4 eggs *room temperature recommended
- ⅔ cup maple syrup
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
For The Topping
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar
- ⅔ cup blanched almond flour
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Start by peeling and dicing the apples into small pieces.
- Next, melt one tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon of cinnamon together in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to combine.
- Once it is smooth, add the diced apple pieces and sprinkle with the cinnamon. Cook, stirring, until soft. 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set the pot aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Then, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry cake ingredients – almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Next, stir in the eggs, maple syrup and vanilla. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the softened apples and the Greek yogurt. Pour into the prepared baking dish and set it aside.
- Next, add the topping ingredients into a small mixing bowl and mix until they clump together when pressed between your fingers. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake batter in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Use a toothpick in the center to see if it comes out clean to know if it is cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil while the cake finishes baking.
- Once the toothpick test comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
- Use the sides of the parchment paper and carefully lift the cake out of the pan. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely – 30 -45 minutes.
- Slice into 16 pieces.