If you're searching for a Coffee Cake Recipe that's not only easy to make but also incredibly moist and flavorful, you've just found it! This Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe is the perfect balance of warm spices, a tender crumb, and a crunchy streusel topping, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day.
What sets this Coffee Cake Recipe apart? The applesauce—a simple ingredient that locks in moisture and rich flavor without the need for excessive butter or oil. Even better, this cake comes together effortlessly with pantry staples, so you don’t need to run to the store.
Whether you're preparing a brunch centerpiece, looking for the perfect coffee pairing, or simply craving a comforting homemade dessert, this Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe is guaranteed to impress. Bake it once, and it’ll become your new favorite go-to treat!
Why This Applesauce Coffee Cake Stands Out
Most coffee cake recipes can turn out dry and crumbly—but not this one! The secret? Applesauce. This simple ingredient infuses the cake with natural moisture and a subtle apple flavor that blends perfectly with cinnamon and brown sugar. After countless Sunday morning bakes in my kitchen, this applesauce coffee cake recipe has been perfected to achieve the ultimate balance of sweetness, spice, and texture.
Coffee cake has been a beloved breakfast staple for generations. Unlike rich dessert cakes, it’s just sweet enough to feel indulgent while remaining light and satisfying. The tradition of pairing coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee dates back to European coffee houses, where slightly sweet baked goods complemented the bold flavors of coffee. Our applesauce coffee cake recipe offers a modern, slightly healthier spin on this timeless classic.
This cake is incredibly versatile—serve it with a hot cup of coffee, soothing tea, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. For a more filling breakfast, enjoy it with fresh fruit or creamy yogurt. No matter how you serve it, this coffee cake recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Jump to:
Ingredients
The Cake:
- All-purpose flour - creates the perfect structure for a tender crumb
- Baking powder - helps the cake rise
- Baking soda - works with the applesauce for a light texture
- Salt - balances the sweetness
- Ground cinnamon - adds warm spice notes
- Ground nutmeg - complements the apple flavor
- Unsalted butter, softened - for richness
- Brown sugar, packed - adds moisture and caramel notes
- Granulated sugar - for the right sweetness balance
- Large eggs, room temperature - binds everything together
- Unsweetened applesauce - the star ingredient for moisture
- Vanilla extract - enhances all flavors
- Milk - adds tenderness
The Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar, packed
- Ground cinnamon
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugars by 25% as the applesauce adds natural sweetness
- Egg-free: Replace eggs with ½ cup more applesauce or 2 flax eggs
- Nut-free: Simply omit the nuts from the streusel, or replace with oats for crunch
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prep and Make the Streusel
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel.
- Add cold butter cubes and cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in nuts if using and refrigerate.
- Bring refrigerated items (eggs, butter) to room temperature while you prepare the rest.
Make the Cake Batter
- Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg) in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the applesauce and vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour mixture alternating with milk.
- Use gentle folding motions to avoid over-mixing, which can make your cake tough.
Assemble and Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep and Make the Streusel:Mix the dry ingredients and cut in the butter to create a crumbly streusel topping.
- Make the Cake Batter:Cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs and applesauce, then mix with dry ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the batter in the pan, sprinkle with streusel, and bake.
Equipment For Coffee Cake Recipe
You don't need fancy equipment for this applesauce coffee cake recipe, but these tools make the process easier:
- 9-inch square baking pan - provides the perfect thickness for even baking
- Parchment paper - prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze
- Stand mixer or hand mixer - for creaming butter and sugar efficiently
- Mixing bowls - at least two, for wet and dry ingredients
- Whisk and rubber spatula - for gentle folding and thorough mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons - for accurate measurements
Budget tip: If you don't have a pastry cutter for the streusel, two dinner forks work just as well!
Expert Baking Tips
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour - this develops gluten and can make your cake tough instead of tender.
- Using room temperature eggs and butter creates a smoother, more even batter.
- For extra apple flavor, fold in ½ cup of peeled, diced apples to the batter before baking.
- The cake is done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs - if it's completely clean, the cake might be overbaked.
- For the most concentrated spice flavor, grate your own nutmeg if possible.
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh - they lose potency after about 6 months.
Recipe Variations
Seasonal Twists:
- Fall Harvest: Add ½ cup chopped fresh apples and ¼ cup cranberries
- Holiday Spice: Add ¼ teaspoon each of ginger, allspice, and cloves
- Spring Delight: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and replace ¼ cup of applesauce with orange juice
Dietary Adaptations:
- Whole Grain Version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugars by 25% and add an extra ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Vegan-Friendly: Use flax eggs, plant-based butter, and non-dairy milk
Flavor Enhancements:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture throughout the batter before adding streusel
- Caramel Drizzle: Finish the cooled cake with a simple caramel sauce
- Maple Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup for a simple glaze
Storage
Counter Storage
This applesauce coffee cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerator Storage
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. The cake will firm up slightly when cold, so I recommend bringing slices to room temperature before serving or warming briefly in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months:
- Cool completely
- Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Label with the date and freeze
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several hours
Make-Ahead Option
Prepare the streusel topping up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. The cake batter is best made fresh, but you can measure out all dry ingredients the night before.
The Secret That Transforms Your Coffee Cake Recipe
Every great coffee cake recipe has a secret, and this one is no exception. After years of baking, I discovered one simple trick that takes this applesauce coffee cake recipe from good to unforgettable—letting the batter rest for 15 minutes before baking. This small but powerful step allows the flour to fully hydrate and the spices to bloom, creating a deeper, richer flavor with a perfectly tender crumb.
While your batter rests, take a moment to prepare the streusel topping and preheat your oven. This extra time lets all the flavors meld together, making every bite of this coffee cake recipe taste like it’s been perfected in a bakery. Once you try this secret tip, you’ll never skip it again!
FAQ
What makes a coffee cake a coffee cake?
Coffee cake isn't defined by containing coffee, but by being the perfect companion to a cup of coffee. It's characterized by a moist, tender crumb, sweet streusel or crumb topping, and often features cinnamon or nuts. Traditional coffee cakes have a less sweet cake base than dessert cakes and are typically served at breakfast or brunch gatherings.
How do bakeries get their cakes so moist?
Bakeries achieve exceptionally moist cakes through several professional techniques: using ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce that add moisture without thinning the batter; incorporating oil alongside butter; precisely measuring flour to avoid dryness; adding simple syrup after baking; and carefully monitoring baking time and temperature. Many commercial bakeries also use specialized ingredients like cake enhancers and emulsifiers.
What are the ingredients in Starbucks cake?
Starbucks coffee cake recipe typically contains all-purpose flour, butter, eggs, sour cream, granulated and brown sugars, and vanilla extract. The signature streusel topping includes brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter. Their recipe often features a cinnamon-sugar swirl throughout the cake. Some versions contain nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor complexity.
Can you make coffee cake without brown sugar?
Yes, you can definitely make coffee cake without brown sugar! Substitute with white granulated sugar and a touch of molasses for similar depth, or use alternatives like coconut sugar, maple sugar, or honey (reducing other liquids slightly). The streusel topping works well with white sugar and extra cinnamon. The texture remains tender, though you'll miss some of the caramel notes.
Your Perfect Coffee Cake Recipe Awaits – Time to Indulge!
There’s something truly magical about the scent of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen as this applesauce coffee cake recipe bakes to golden perfection. It’s the ideal balance between wholesome and indulgent—hearty enough for breakfast, yet sweet and satisfying enough for dessert. And thanks to the natural moisture from applesauce, this cake stays fresh longer than most coffee cake recipes, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings or relaxed weekends.
If you loved this coffee cake recipe, why not expand your baking repertoire? Pair it with a savory slice of Homemade Asiago Cheese Bread, or switch things up with the creamy decadence of our Irresistible Banana Cheesecake Recipe. No matter what you choose, there’s always room for more delicious homemade goodness!
Tried this applesauce coffee cake recipe? Experimented with a twist of your own? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment below and share your baking success! Happy baking!
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Pairing
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Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking pan Ensures even baking
- Mixing bowls At least two (for wet and dry ingredients)
- Hand or stand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
- Whisk & rubber spatula For gentle mixing
- Measuring cups/spoons Accurate ingredient measuring
- Parchment paper Prevents sticking
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups All-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking powder Helps the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda Reacts with applesauce for texture
- ½ teaspoon Salt Balances flavors Balances flavors
- 1 ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warm spice notes
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg Enhances apple flavor
- ½ cup Unsalted butter Softened
- ½ cup Brown sugar Adds moisture & caramel notes
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar For sweetness balance
- 2 large Eggs Room temperature
- 1 cup Unsweetened applesauce The star ingredient!
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavors
- ½ cup Milk Adds tenderness
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup All-purpose flour Forms the crumbly texture
- ½ cup Brown sugar Sweetens and binds topping
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Boosts warm flavor
- 4 tablespoon Cold unsalted butter Cubed for crumbly texture
- ½ cup Chopped walnuts/pecans Optional adds crunch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) & grease a 9-inch pan.
- Prepare streusel: Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter & sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Stir in applesauce & vanilla. Gradually add dry mix, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into pan & sprinkle with streusel topping.
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
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