If there’s one thing that screams comfort food, it’s the delightful pairing of apple pie and coffee cake. And guess what? This Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake combines the best of both worlds! Picture this: a buttery cake base layered with sweet, spiced apple filling, topped with a crunchy oat crumble, and finished with a luscious glaze. Trust me, it’s the kind of treat that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for a cozy dessert, or simply want to make your kitchen smell like heaven, this recipe checks all the boxes. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Using a yellow cake mix as the base cuts down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual coffee dates to holiday dinners, this cake fits every setting.
- Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of apple pie filling, cinnamon, and a crumbly oat topping will win over even the pickiest eaters.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need for this delicious creation:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- 3 large eggs
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Let’s Get Baking
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven is the secret to an evenly baked cake. While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, water, and eggs. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy batter. Pro tip: Using room-temperature eggs helps create a lighter, fluffier cake.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Pour half of the cake batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This will be the base layer that holds all the goodness to come.
Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
Now for the star of the show: apple pie filling! Spoon the apple filling over the batter, spreading it gently to ensure an even layer. Don’t forget to sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples for that extra warmth and spice.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, and nuts (if using). This crumbly mixture will add the perfect texture and crunch to your cake. Sprinkle it evenly over the apple pie layer.
Bringing It All Together
Now that your Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake is layered with all its deliciousness, it’s time to bring it home with the final steps. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet apples. Let’s dive back in and finish this masterpiece!
Step 6: Add the Final Cake Layer
Here comes the tricky part—adding the rest of the batter. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the oat mixture and apple layers. It might seem a bit challenging to get an even layer since the topping is crumbly, but don’t stress. A spatula or the back of a spoon works great for gently spreading it out without disturbing the layers below.
Pro Tip: If the batter feels too thick to spread easily, try adding a teaspoon or two of water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end—your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While it bakes, your home will be filled with the nostalgic scent of apple pie and buttery cake. It’s enough to make anyone impatient, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Pro Tip: If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While your cake bakes, let’s whip up the simple yet irresistible glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Start with one tablespoon of milk and add a little more as needed to achieve a drizzle-worthy consistency. You’re looking for smooth, slightly runny icing that will flow beautifully over your cake.
Optional Add-In: For an extra hint of flavor, mix in a dash of vanilla or almond extract into the glaze.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Once your cake is baked to golden perfection, allow it to cool slightly—about 10–15 minutes. Drizzling the glaze over a warm cake ensures it seeps into the cracks, adding an extra layer of sweetness and moisture.
Take your time with this step and drizzle the glaze generously over the top. It’s like the finishing touch that takes your cake from delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
The moment we’ve all been waiting for—slicing into this beauty! Cut generous pieces and serve them as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
Pro Tip: This cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a warm mug of spiced cider.
Variations and Tips for Perfection
While this cake is already amazing, here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Switch Up the Filling: Not a fan of apples? Try substituting the apple pie filling with cherry, blueberry, or even peach pie filling for a fun twist.
- Add a Streusel Kick: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger into the crumble topping for added depth of flavor.
- Make It Extra Decadent: Serve warm slices topped with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
FAQs and the Sweet Finish
As your Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake cools and tempts everyone in the house, let’s take a moment to answer a few frequently asked questions. These tips and tricks will help ensure your cake turns out perfect every time. And, of course, we’ll wrap up with some final thoughts to inspire your next baking adventure.
FAQs About Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake stores wonderfully, making it a great option for entertaining or meal prep. Simply bake the cake and allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can sit at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days.
2. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slices in the microwave for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste.
3. What if I don’t have a yellow cake mix?
No problem! You can substitute a white or spice cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade cake mix by combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. Can I make this cake without nuts?
Of course! If nuts aren’t your thing, simply leave them out of the crumble topping. The cake will still be wonderfully flavorful and have a satisfying crunch from the oats.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free alternative, like almond flour or a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.
6. What can I use instead of milk for the glaze?
If you need a dairy-free option, swap the milk for almond milk, coconut milk, or even water. Adjust the amount to get the right consistency.
7. Can I add more spices to the cake?
Definitely! If you love warm spices, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground cloves to the cinnamon layer or the crumble topping for a more robust flavor.
Wrapping It Up: Your New Favorite Treat
There’s something magical about the combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and a crunchy topping—all finished with a sweet glaze. This Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in food form.
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Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
This Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake combines the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the soft, moist texture of a coffee cake. With a simple yellow cake mix base, a sweet apple filling, and a crunchy oat streusel topping, this is a perfect dessert or breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- 3 large eggs
Apple Filling & Streusel Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and prepare the pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix the cake batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, water, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
3️⃣ Layer the first half of the batter:
Spread half of the batter evenly into the greased baking dish.
4️⃣ Add the apple pie filling:
Spoon the apple pie filling over the batter, spreading it gently. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the apples.
5️⃣ Prepare the streusel topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, and chopped nuts (if using) until combined.
6️⃣ Layer the streusel topping:
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apple pie filling.
7️⃣ Add the remaining batter:
Carefully pour and spread the remaining cake batter over the top of the oat and apple layers. Spread gently to cover everything.
8️⃣ Bake the cake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Prepare the glaze:
While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar with milk (adding a little at a time) until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency.
🔟 Cool and drizzle:
Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra apple flavor, add ½ teaspoon apple pie spice to the streusel.
- If you prefer a more homemade touch, swap the canned apple pie filling with fresh apples sautéed with cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
- Try substituting spice cake mix for the yellow cake mix for a deeper, autumnal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 12 generous pieces
