Picture this: you wake up to the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet apples, your mouth watering in anticipation of that first bite. This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert—it's the perfect companion to your morning coffee, the star of any brunch, and a surefire crowd-pleaser for office gatherings or family get-togethers. Recently, when I shared this cake with my coworkers, it left everyone speechless. One even said, "I'd pay you to make me a loaf!" That’s how irresistible this cake is. And the best part? It's easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake:
- 1 package white cake mix (for 2 layers) – This serves as the foundation, giving the cake its light and fluffy texture. Using a cake mix ensures consistent results and saves you time.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, making every bite a cozy experience.
- 1 cup sour cream – The secret to a moist and tender crumb. Sour cream adds richness without making the cake heavy.
- 3 eggs – These give the cake structure and help bind all the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup water – A little moisture goes a long way, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 (21 oz) can of apple pie filling – A convenient yet flavorful way to introduce soft, cinnamon-laced apples that melt into the cake as it bakes.
Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar – The base of the glaze, adding just the right touch of sweetness.
- 1-1 1/2 Tbsp milk – Thins out the sugar to create a smooth glaze that drizzles perfectly over the cake.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, ensuring your cake doesn’t stick and is easy to serve.
In a large bowl, mix the cake ingredients (cake mix, cinnamon, sour cream, eggs, and water) using a hand or stand mixer. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. This step ensures a uniform texture, so the cake bakes evenly.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that every slice of cake has the perfect thickness.
Spoon the apple pie filling on top of the batter, covering the entire surface. The apple filling will sink into the cake as it bakes, creating pockets of gooey, spiced apples throughout.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the cake to finish baking!
While the cake cools, make the glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. This sweet finish adds a delightful contrast to the spiced cake, making every bite irresistible.
Why This Recipe is Loved
This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake stands out for its moist texture, thanks to the sour cream, and its burst of flavor from the cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Unlike traditional coffee cakes, which can sometimes be dry, this version stays incredibly soft, even after a day or two (though it's so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!).
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Room temperature eggs will mix more evenly into the batter, helping the cake rise better.
- If you want an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon over the apple filling before baking.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before drizzling the glaze to prevent it from soaking into the cake too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
To make this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake even more delightful, serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake comes together in no time, yet delivers a rich, bakery-quality experience. Whether you're making it for yourself, your family, or to impress your coworkers, it's guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation. The combination of the moist cake, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon glaze makes it an unbeatable treat.