If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven, then this Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake is about to become your new best friend. Picture this: a soft, buttery cake base with sweet, spiced apple chunks tucked inside, all crowned with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar topping that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly afternoon with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends at a gathering, this cake is the kind of dish that brings people together with its irresistible aroma and flavor. Get ready to savor every bite—this warm, gooey delight is going to steal your heart.
Why You’ll Love Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake
This recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a way to bring a little bit of comfort into your day. Here’s why I know you’re going to fall for it:
- Versatile: Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert to share, this coffee cake fits the bill. It’s perfect for a cozy morning with your favorite cup of coffee or as a sweet surprise at a brunch gathering.
- Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. You probably already have most of these pantry staples lying around. It’s one of those recipes where simple ingredients come together in a big way, creating something that tastes like a million bucks.
- Quick and Easy: Don’t let the mouthwatering result fool you—this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll be able to impress without the stress.
- Crowd-Pleasing: From kids to adults, everyone loves this cake. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise, it won’t last long on the table. One bite, and people will be asking for the recipe!

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Ingredients in Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake
Here’s what makes this coffee cake so incredible—just a handful of everyday ingredients, but when they come together, magic happens. Let’s take a look:
- Apples: Sweet, tender, and spiced to perfection. Apples are the heart of this cake, giving it that apple pie essence everyone craves.
- Flour: The base of this cake, soft and fluffy, letting all the other flavors shine through without overpowering them.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the tartness of the apples.
- Butter: Rich and indulgent, butter gives this cake its tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Cinnamon: The spice that makes everything nice! It adds warmth and depth to the flavor, transforming the cake into a cozy masterpiece.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise and gives it that soft, airy texture.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together, creating that perfect consistency.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar brings that caramel-like sweetness, making this cake extra moist and flavorful.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla adds a lovely undertone that ties all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying this warm, gooey apple pie coffee cake in no time.
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly and gives you that golden-brown top we all love.
Prepare Your Ingredients
In a bowl, peel and chop the apples into small chunks. Set them aside so they’re ready to go.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined. You’ll want this to be light and fluffy. This step is where the magic starts happening.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. You’ll smell the warmth of the cinnamon already—and it’s only going to get better!
Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, stirring gently until just combined. Now fold in the apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Assemble the Cake
Grease your cake pan and pour the batter in, spreading it out evenly. It should look thick and cozy, just waiting to bake up into something amazing.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, with the apples peeking through.
Finishing Touches
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to set and makes it easier to cut. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool a bit more. But who are we kidding—this cake is best when it’s still a little warm!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your warm and gooey apple pie coffee cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy every bite—you deserve it!
How to Serve Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The perfect way to enjoy a slice of cake. The spiced warmth of the cinnamon makes it a match made in heaven with your favorite hot beverage.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, just like the cake, a dollop of whipped cream adds an extra touch of sweetness.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream would complement the apple pie flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit: If you want to keep the apple theme going, a side of fresh sliced apples drizzled with honey works great.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can chop the apples the night before and store them in the fridge to save time the day of baking. This is especially handy if you’re serving this cake at a gathering.
- Spice It Up: Want to add a little extra kick? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
- Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double if you’re baking for a crowd. Just be sure to use a larger pan!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute [ingredient] with [alternative ingredient]?
A1: Absolutely! For instance, if you don’t have apples, you can use pears or peaches for a slightly different flavor. It may change the texture, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can bake it the night before, store it in an airtight container, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the fridge for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just use a larger pan and bake for a little longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: With a few adjustments, yes! For example, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute and gluten-free flour.
Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Fresh fruit or a simple green salad would pair beautifully with this rich, comforting cake.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Try using whole wheat flour for a more nutritious base, or reduce the sugar for a less-sweet version.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A 9-inch round or square cake pan works best for this recipe, but any similar-sized pan will do.
Conclusion
With its soft, cinnamon-kissed layers and gooey apple filling, this Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Trust me—this cake will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Happy baking!
PrintWarm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake
This Warm & Gooey Apple Pie Coffee Cake combines the best of apple pie and coffee cake, with soft, spiced cake and a sweet cinnamon crumble topping. A delightful, cozy treat perfect for any time of day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (8×8-inch pan) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cubed cold butter to create the crumble topping. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Once the cake is done, drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, make sure the apples are diced evenly.
- You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- If you want a richer topping, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~330
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg