This Apple Crisp Coffee Cake combines everything you love about a classic coffee cake with the cozy flavors of homemade apple crisp! With tender chunks of Granny Smith apples baked into a moist sour cream cake, a crunchy pecan streusel topping, and a sweet apple cider glaze, every bite is packed with warm autumn flavor!

Best Apple Coffee Cake for Fall!

If you love the cozy flavors of Apple Crisp and the tender crumb of homemade coffee cake, this Apple Crisp Coffee Cake is the perfect recipe for you! Packed with fresh Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, a buttery pecan streusel topping, and a sweet apple cider glaze, this cake tastes like everything we love about Fall wrapped into one irresistible treat!

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a special breakfast, or simply need an excuse to use up fresh apples, this coffee cake delivers. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a crunchy apple crisp-inspired topping that makes every bite unforgettable!

Apple Crisp

Why this Recipe Works

Two Favorites Desserts in One – This recipe combines the moist texture of coffee cake with the crunchy cinnamon pecan topping of Apple Crisp for the best of both worlds.

Incredibly Moist Cake – Sour cream keeps the cake soft, tender, and rich while helping it stay moist for days.

Warm Fall Flavors – Cinnamon, apples, brown sugar, and apple cider come together to create the cozy flavors everyone craves during apple season.

Homemade apple crisp coffee cake made with fresh apples and streusel

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cake Batter

2 cups Flour – Provides the structure and foundation for the cake.

1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and create a light, tender texture.

1/2 tsp Baking Soda – Works with the sour cream to create a tender crumb and additional lift.

1/2 tsp Cinnamon – Adds warm spice that pairs perfectly with the fresh apples.

1/2 tsp Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

1 1/2 cups Sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft, moist texture.

1/2 cup Butter (Melted) – Adds richness and buttery flavor throughout the cake.

1 cup Sour Cream – Keeps the cake extra moist while adding a slight tang that compliments the apples.

3 Eggs – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.

2 tsp Vanilla – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

2 medium Granny Smith Apples (Peeled, Cored & Diced) – Brings tart apple flavor and juicy bites throughout the cake.

The Topping

3/4 cup Flour – Forms the base of the crumbly streusel topping.

3/4 cup Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a rich caramel like flavor.

1 cup Pecans (Chopped) – Provides crunch and a delicious nutty flavor.

1/2 tsp Cinnamon – Adds warmth and classic apple crisp flavor.

1/4 tsp Salt – Balances the sweetness of the topping.

1/2 cup Butter (Melted) – Binds the ingredients together to create a buttery, crisp crumble.

And the Glaze

2/3 cup Brown Sugar – Creates a rich, sweet glaze with hints of caramel.

2 tbsp Apple Cider – Adds concentrated apple flavor and seasonal warmth.

2 tbsp Butter – Gives the glaze a smooth, velvety finish.

Apple coffee cake with a crunchy crumb topping and cinnamon apples

How to Make an Apple Coffee Cake for Breakfast

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.

Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl.

Stir in 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sour cream, 3 eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla until smooth.

Pour into prepared pan.

Sprinkle 2 medium peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples on top of the batter.

In a medium bowl, make the topping by stirring together 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 salt, and 1/2 cup melted butter.

Sprinkle on top of the apples.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes.

In a small bowl, make the glaze by whisking together 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider, and 2 tbsp melted butter.

Drizzle over the coffee cake.

Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough coffee cake instead of a soft, tender crumb.

Make Chunky Streusel Crumbs – Mix the topping ingredients just until crumbly. Large chunks create that bakery style apple crisp topping everyone loves.

Let the Cake Cool Before Glazing – Allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before drizzling on the apple cider glaze. This helps the glaze stay on top instead of soaking into the cake.

Apple Cider Substitute – You can easily swap the cider for apple juice and get the same results.

Make Ahead Tip – This cake actually tastes even better the next day. The apple flavor deepens overnight, making it a perfect make ahead recipe for Fall brunches, holiday mornings, and weekend gatherings.