There is something truly irresistible about a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat that offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. This Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe is exactly that kind of delight. Tender, moist cake packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze—it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s an absolute game-changer for morning gatherings or just a little pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains chopped yellow apples, white sugar and cornstarch in the center, and a sprinkling of brown cinnamon mostly on the right side of the bowl. The right bowl shows the same chopped apples mixed well with the sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, giving the apple pieces a light brown, powdery coating and a soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance—from the tart apples that add freshness to the brown sugar that deepens the sweetness and the cinnamon that ties it all together.

2 cups peeled and diced apples: Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect sweet-tart balance and firm texture.
¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps create that luscious caramelized effect.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that beautifully complements apples and streusel alike.
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (for filling): Helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t get soggy during baking.
1 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms the base for the buttery, crumbly topping everyone loves.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds rich, molasses-like depth to the streusel.
¼ teaspoon salt (for streusel): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The star ingredient that brings buttery richness and crunch to the streusel topping.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (for cake): The backbone that gives the coffee cake its soft and tender crumb.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Makes the cake rise just right for a light texture.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create the perfect lift.
¼ teaspoon salt (for cake): Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor of the cake.
⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter without overpowering the apple flavor.
2 medium eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet background that unites all the other flavors.
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Gives the cake a tangy moisture and soft crumb without heaviness.
3 Tablespoons 2% milk: Lightens the batter for a tender, not dense, cake.
½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Provides the perfect smooth sweetness for the drizzle on top.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the glaze’s aroma and flavor.
1-2 Tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency to your desired thickness for easy drizzling.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray. For an even easier time removing the cake once baked, line the dish with parchment paper. This small extra step saves fuss and preserves the cake’s beautiful edges.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

In a bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and flour. The flour helps thicken the mixture slightly, so the apples maintain their delicious texture without making the cake soggy. Set this flavorful mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the batter—it’s the juicy, spicy heart of this recipe.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you have a food processor, that works wonders here too. Pop this streusel topping into the fridge to keep it nice and cold until ready to use—it will create that perfect crumbly finish when baked.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Cake

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures even distribution of rising agents and salt throughout the cake for consistent texture and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, inviting air into the batter for a light crumb. Add the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt, stirring gently to maintain moisture and richness without heaviness.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk to avoid overmixing. Stir just until everything is combined. Careful not to overwork the batter to keep the cake tender and soft.

Step 7: Assemble the Layers

Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Scatter the apple filling on top, then sprinkle half the streusel over the apples. Gently spread the remaining batter over the streusel and finish with the rest of the streusel topping. This layering builds the perfect balance of moist cake, juicy fruit, and crunchy topping in every bite.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye toward the end. This slow baking allows the apples to soften perfectly while the cake cooks through and the streusel crisps up.

Step 9: Prepare and Drizzle the Icing

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get a drizzle consistency that you love. Once the cake is mostly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top to add a sweet, glossy finish that melts into every crumb.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe

A square baking pan lined with light brown parchment paper holds a crumbly apple dessert cut into nine pieces, showing a golden brown, rough-textured base overlaid with a white glaze in thin, uneven drizzles across the top. The pan sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Around the dish, there are three red and yellow apples, green leaves, two cinnamon sticks, a white bowl filled with cinnamon powder on a wooden board, white plates with silver forks, and a white ceramic pitcher containing more glaze with a spoon inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake shines on its own but you can elevate the presentation with a few simple garnishes. Fresh apple slices fanned on top or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon dusted over the glaze adds a lovely visual touch. A sprig of fresh mint nearby adds color contrast and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

Serve the Apple Coffee Cake with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte for a delightful pairing. For something heartier, it also pairs well with creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert. The creamy coldness balances the warm spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the cake into smaller squares and place each on a decorative plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side. You can also layer pieces with whipped cream and fresh apple slices to create a quick “trifle-inspired” presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness—just be sure to let it come back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for about 10 minutes. This wakes up the cake’s flavors and brings back the delightful contrast of soft crumb and crisp topping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firm texture and flavor, other baking apples like Fuji or Braeburn can work just as well. Just avoid very soft apples that may turn mushy during baking.

Is Greek yogurt interchangeable with sour cream in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt in equal amounts. Both add moisture and a subtle tang that keeps this cake tender and flavorful.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking to keep the cake’s texture intact.

Do I have to use the glaze? Can I skip it?

The glaze adds a lovely touch of sweetness and visual appeal, but the cake is still delicious without it. You can skip the icing if you prefer a less sweet finish, or dust the top lightly with powdered sugar instead.

What’s the best way to cut this coffee cake?

Use a serrated knife and cut the cake once it has cooled completely to avoid crumbling. Clean the knife between cuts for the neatest slices, especially with the streusel topping.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the cozy comfort of this Apple Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping and Icing Recipe to brighten your mornings or sweeten your afternoons. Its tender crumb, juicy spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping are the perfect combination that always brings smiles. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire—you will be so glad you did.