Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

There’s something about the combination of apples and cinnamon that’s synonymous with comfort. Whether it’s the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen or the soft, sweet flavor of baked apples, this duo brings warmth and nostalgia to any dish. If you’re a fan of classic fall flavors or simply love the blend of cinnamon and apples, then this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a must-try.

This coffee cake is incredibly easy to make thanks to a few shortcuts, like using a cake mix and apple pie filling. The end result, however, tastes anything but store-bought. Moist and rich, with a sweet apple filling and a cinnamon-spiced glaze, this cake is perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy evening, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1. Effortless Preparation: With the help of a cake mix and apple pie filling, this recipe comes together in no time, saving you the hassle of peeling apples and measuring out multiple ingredients. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Moist and Flavorful: The combination of sour cream, eggs, and cake mix creates an incredibly moist cake, while the cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Apple pie filling gives each bite a burst of fruity sweetness, and the glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a family brunch, a potluck, or simply enjoying it with your morning coffee, this coffee cake is incredibly versatile. You can even make it ahead of time, and it stays moist and flavorful for days.
4. Customizable: Don’t have apple pie filling on hand? No problem! This recipe is highly adaptable—swap in other fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry for a fun twist. You can also get creative with the glaze or toppings to make the cake your own.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s break down the ingredients in this delicious coffee cake and understand why each one plays a crucial role.

For the Cake:

• White Cake Mix: Using a cake mix makes this recipe a breeze to put together. The mix provides the base of the cake, while additional ingredients like sour cream and cinnamon add depth and richness to the flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the key spice in this recipe, bringing warmth and flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples. If you love a strong cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the amount slightly.
• Sour Cream: The secret ingredient that gives this coffee cake its incredibly moist and tender texture. Sour cream adds richness and tang to balance the sweetness of the cake.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the cake together and contribute to its structure and moist texture. The three eggs in this recipe also add a subtle richness.
• Water: A small amount of water ensures the batter has the right consistency for even baking.
• Apple Pie Filling: Canned apple pie filling is a convenient shortcut that adds layers of flavor and texture to the cake. It’s already sweetened and spiced, saving you the time of peeling and prepping fresh apples.

For the Glaze:

• Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This finely ground sugar dissolves quickly and gives the glaze its smooth, creamy texture. It adds sweetness to the cake without being overpowering.
• Milk: The liquid that binds the glaze together. Depending on how thick or thin you like your glaze, you can adjust the amount of milk.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s go through the steps to make this irresistible coffee cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. You can use butter, cooking spray, or a thin layer of oil to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 package of white cake mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 eggs
• ¼ cup water

Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend the ingredients together until you have a smooth and lump-free batter. The sour cream will make the batter slightly thick, but don’t worry—this is exactly what makes the cake so moist and tender once baked.

The cinnamon in the batter adds a delicious warmth that’s perfect for fall and winter baking, but also works year-round. If you’re a fan of spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth of flavor.

Step 2: Layer with Apple Pie Filling

Once the batter is ready, pour it into your greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

Next, it’s time for the star ingredient—apple pie filling. Open a can of 21-ounce apple pie filling and spoon it on top of the cake batter. Spread it evenly so that every bite of cake is filled with soft, sweet apples.

For a little extra texture, you can slice the larger apple chunks in the filling into thinner pieces. This ensures you get more apple in every bite, and the thin slices blend seamlessly into the cake as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake the cake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top, with the apple filling gently bubbling around the edges.

As the cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and apples—this is one of those desserts that smells as good as it tastes!

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze so it’s ready to drizzle once the cake has cooled.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

To make the simple glaze, all you need are two ingredients: confectioners’ sugar and milk. In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of milk (depending on how thick or thin you want the glaze)

Whisk the two ingredients together until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a little more confectioners’ sugar.

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze. If you like a bit of tartness, try adding a tiny bit of lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy glaze that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. You want the cake to be slightly warm but not hot when you drizzle the glaze—this way, the glaze will set nicely on top of the cake without melting too much into the surface.

Use a spoon or a small spatula to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. You can drizzle it in a zig-zag pattern for a decorative look, or spread it out evenly for full coverage. If you prefer a more generous amount of glaze, feel free to double the glaze recipe.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Make It Ahead: This cake is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld, and the cake stays moist and tender. Simply cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week and warm slices in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
• Switch Up the Filling: While apple pie filling is a classic choice, this recipe works wonderfully with other fruit fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach. You could even mix two different fillings for a fun combination—try apple and cranberry for a holiday twist!
• Add a Crumb Topping: For an extra touch of sweetness and texture, consider adding a crumb topping before baking. Mix together flour, sugar, and cold butter to create a crumbly topping that will bake into a deliciously crunchy layer over the apples.
• Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy, cold addition pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced cake.

Final Thoughts: A Cozy Dessert for Every Occasion

This Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to capture the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a tender, moist cake. Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors, makes it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even as a morning treat with your favorite cup of coffee.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to deliver a cake that tastes homemade with minimal effort. Plus, with its adaptable nature, you can get creative and make it your own by experimenting with different fillings, glazes, and toppings.

Enjoy your baking, and savor every slice of this warm and comforting coffee cake!