This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake combines everything you love about classic apple pie and homemade coffee cake in one delicious dessert. A soft, buttery cinnamon cake is layered with sweet apple pie filling and finished with a crunchy brown sugar crumb topping. It is perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the Apple Filling
- 2 cups apple pie filling
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
For the Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients in portions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a small bowl, stir the apple pie filling with cinnamon and nutmeg.
If the apple pieces are large, chop them into smaller bite-sized pieces so they distribute more evenly throughout the cake.
4. Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until coarse crumbs form.
Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts if using.
5. Assemble the Cake
Spread about half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the batter.
Add the remaining cake batter and gently spread it over the apples.
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the surface.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the cake with foil during the final part of baking.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20–30 minutes.
7. Add the Glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled or slightly warm coffee cake.
Slice and serve.
Tips for the Best Apple Coffee Cake
- Use a thick apple pie filling so the cake doesn’t become watery.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this helps keep the cake tender.
- Let the cake cool before slicing so the apple layer has time to set.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling.
- Toasted pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch to the crumb topping.
- A mixture of tart and sweet apples works especially well if making homemade filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this coffee cake warm with a cup of coffee or tea. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream.
A light dusting of powdered sugar can also be used instead of the glaze.
Storage
Store the cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.