If you’re looking for a coffee cake that tastes like fall mornings and warm hugs, this is it. Libby Hale’s Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a treasured recipe passed down in my family, and it always makes the kitchen smell like pure comfort. It’s layered with spiced apples, buttery crumb, and a tender, sour cream-rich cake base — the kind that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
💌 Want more comforting classics like this?
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is soft and fluffy thanks to sour cream, with juicy apples and a cinnamon-sugar swirl baked right into the center. It’s perfect for brunch, snack time, or as an anytime dessert.
Taste & Texture: Moist, rich crumb with sweet cinnamon apple filling
Smell: Warm cinnamon, buttery vanilla, and baked apples
Perfect For: Holiday mornings, weekend baking, or gifting a loved one
Ingredients List
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to coat apples)
For the Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Dash of nutmeg in the filling for deeper spice
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking pan
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line your baking pan.
- Make the apple filling. Toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp flour. Set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients gradually until fully combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble. Spread half the batter in the pan. Layer with apple mixture. Top with remaining batter.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- Glaze. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Tips for Perfecting the Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance
- Coating apples in flour prevents sogginess
- Don’t overmix the batter — it keeps the crumb soft
- Add chopped nuts or streusel for extra texture
What to Serve With It
Pairs perfectly with:
- A cinnamon latte or chai tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Warm apple cider on chilly mornings
Other cozy bakes to try:
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Fridge: Keeps well for 5–6 days — microwave slices for 15–20 seconds
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight
General Information
This cake is egg-based, nut-free by default, and full of whole fruit. It’s beginner-friendly, bakes beautifully, and fills your home with cozy warmth. An excellent recipe for holidays or just-because weekends.
FAQ
Can I use a bundt pan?
Yes! Grease well and bake for 50–60 mins.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Definitely — use full-fat plain yogurt as a substitute.
What other fruit can I use?
Pears or berries work well — adjust the sugar in the filling if needed.
Conclusion
This apple cinnamon coffee cake is everything you want in a cozy dessert — warm, soft, sweet, and layered with spiced apples. It’s easy to love, hard to stop eating, and even better shared. Try it and tag your bake on Pinterest!
Print
Irresistible Libby Hale’s Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake – Cozy, Classic, & Crowd-Loved!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, buttery coffee cake layered with warm cinnamon apples and drizzled with vanilla glaze. This cozy classic is perfect for fall mornings or anytime you need a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Cake: 2½ cups flour, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla
Filling: 2 cups apples, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp flour
Glaze: ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, ¼ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 9×9 pan. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Whisk dry cake ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Add flour mix. Layer half the batter, then apples, then rest of the batter. Bake 40–50 mins. Cool and glaze.
Notes
Use tart apples. Don’t overmix. Add chopped nuts for crunch. Glaze once cool.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
