There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking to fill your home. This incredible Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake brings together the best of both worlds: the gooey, spiced swirl of a classic cinnamon roll and the tender, moist crumb of a rich coffee cake. It’s an irresistible treat, generously loaded with sweet and tart apple pieces, and finished with a luxurious, thick cream cheese glaze that truly elevates every single bite. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion that promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice where each layer offers a symphony of flavors and textures. The soft vanilla cake provides a perfect canvas, while pockets of buttery brown sugar and ground cinnamon create that signature “cinnamon roll” sensation. Interspersed throughout are tender apple bits, adding a fresh, fruity counterpoint that’s especially welcome during crisp autumn days or any time you crave a touch of wholesome sweetness. And then, the creamy, tangy glaze – it’s the final flourish that makes this coffee cake utterly divine and unforgettable.
More Irresistible Morning Delights
If you adore the comforting flavors of this Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, you’ll certainly want to explore other delightful breakfast and brunch recipes. For a similar gooey, spiced experience, try these Easy Quick Gooey Cinnamon Rolls. Perhaps a zesty twist is what you’re after with these Lemon Sweet Rolls, or indulge in the rich textures of an Apple Crumb Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. For a creative take on a classic, don’t miss these Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls. Each offers a unique way to brighten your mornings and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why This Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is Your New Go-To
This Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake isn’t just another recipe; it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and simple pleasures, making it absolutely perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend breakfast, hosting a festive brunch, or simply craving a sweet treat to pair with your morning coffee, this cake delivers every time. It’s especially fitting for those times of the year when apples are abundant, and the air carries a hint of cinnamon spice, inviting you to bake something truly special.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to combine the beloved elements of two classic desserts: the comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll and the elegant simplicity of a coffee cake. The result is a wonderfully moist cake, generously swirled with a rich cinnamon filling and studded with tender apple pieces, all crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It’s a treat that captures hearts and taste buds alike. Once you experience its delightful flavors, you’ll understand why it’s impossible to resist another slice.
The Ultimate Warmth and Comfort in Every Bite
One of the best ways to enjoy this Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is when it’s still warm, fresh from the oven, or quickly reheated in the microwave. Just 15 seconds in the microwave can transform a cooled slice into a wonderfully soft, gooey, and fragrant piece of heaven. The warmth intensifies the cinnamon and apple flavors, allowing the creamy glaze to melt slightly and coat every delicious morsel. It’s an experience that’s sure to evoke sighs of pure contentment.
Planning to impress? This apple coffee cake is your secret weapon. Its stunning appearance, with visible swirls of cinnamon and delightful apple chunks, makes it a showstopper. But it’s the taste that truly seals the deal. It’s the kind of baked good that earns rave reviews, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or bringing it as a thoughtful gift. Prepare for compliments and requests for the recipe – because this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Crafting this sensational cake requires a few key components, each playing a vital role in achieving its legendary flavor and texture. We’ll break down the ingredients into four main sections: the gooey cinnamon filling, the spiced apple mixture, the tender vanilla cake batter, and the decadent cream cheese glaze. Using fresh, quality ingredients will make all the difference in the final outcome of your Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake.
Cinnamon Filling: The Heart of the Swirl
- Butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth, rich paste.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a lovely caramel note to the cinnamon swirl.
- All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: Helps thicken the filling and keeps it from becoming too runny during baking. You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, providing warmth and aromatic richness.
Cinnamon Apple Mixture: Freshness in Every Bite
- Granny Smith Apple: Chopped into small, even bits, these tart apples are perfect for baking. Their crispness holds up well, and their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cake and filling.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar to sweeten the apples as they cook down.
- Ground Cinnamon: More cinnamon to infuse the apples with fragrant spice.
Vanilla Cake: The Tender Foundation
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): Essential for a light and fluffy cake batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Eggs (Room Temperature): Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more uniform texture.
- Vanilla Extract or Maple Syrup: Provides a classic warm flavor. Maple syrup can add an extra layer of autumn richness.
- All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: The primary dry ingredient for the cake structure.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
- Baking Soda: Another leavening agent, activated by the acidity in Greek yogurt or buttermilk, contributing to the cake’s airy texture.
- Greek Yogurt or Milk of Choice: Greek yogurt is highly recommended for its ability to keep the cake incredibly moist and tender. You can also use sour cream or any milk of your choice for a slightly different texture.
Cream Cheese Glaze: The Crown Jewel
- Cream Cheese: Softened for a smooth, lump-free glaze. It adds a delightful tanginess.
- Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze, creating a smooth and sweet finish. Adjust to your preferred consistency.
- Almond Milk or Milk of Choice: Thins the glaze to a drizzly consistency.
- Vanilla Extract or Maple Syrup: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
Creating this delicious Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a perfectly baked, incredibly flavorful treat that will have everyone asking for more.
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly spray the parchment paper and exposed pan sides with non-stick cooking spray. This preparation ensures your cake comes out cleanly.
Crafting the Gooey Cinnamon Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose (or gluten-free) flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth, thick paste. Set this aromatic filling aside.
Preparing the Flavorful Cinnamon Apple Mixture
- Chop and Combine Apples: Wash, peel, and core your Granny Smith apple, then chop it into small, uniform bits. This ensures the apple pieces cook through evenly and meld seamlessly into the cake. In another small bowl, gently toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated. Set aside.
Mixing the Tender Vanilla Cake Batter
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically 2-3 minutes. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract or maple syrup until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose (or gluten-free) flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the Greek yogurt (or milk of choice). Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour about half of the vanilla cake batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cinnamon paste mixture over the batter, spreading it out slightly. Sprinkle the cinnamon apple mixture evenly over the cinnamon filling. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the apples and cinnamon.
- Create the Swirl: Take a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl through the cake batter, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon filling and apple. Don’t overdo it; just a few swirls are enough to distribute the flavors without fully mixing them in.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
Whipping Up the Dreamy Cream Cheese Glaze
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, almond milk (or milk of choice), and vanilla extract or maple syrup. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the glaze is completely smooth and creamy. If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, you can microwave it for about 20 seconds to aid in a smoother consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cake has cooled sufficiently (it doesn’t have to be completely cold, just not piping hot), generously pour or drizzle the thick blanket of cream cheese glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set slightly. For the ultimate warm experience, microwave an individual slice for about 15 seconds before serving. Enjoy this delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake recipe!
Pro Tip for Larger Gatherings: If you’re hosting a larger crowd, or simply can’t get enough of this amazing treat, feel free to double this recipe! It scales perfectly for a 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring extra servings of this cinnamon and apple goodness for your family, guests, or those extra-special weekend cravings.
Exciting Variations and Delicious Add-Ins for Your Coffee Cake
While the classic Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is perfect as is, this versatile recipe also lends itself beautifully to various modifications and additions. Experiment with these ideas to customize your coffee cake and discover new favorite flavor combinations.
- Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and rich flavor, consider stirring in about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into either the cinnamon filling or sprinkled over the apple mixture before baking. The toasted nuts provide a delightful contrast to the soft cake and gooey filling.
- Fruity Alternatives: If apples aren’t your only fruit love, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Instead of or in addition to apples, try incorporating other finely chopped fruits. Peaches, cranberries, or a medley of your favorite berries (such as blueberries or raspberries) would all be wonderful additions, offering different bursts of flavor and color.
- Spice it Up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of allspice to your apple mixture for a more complex spice profile, especially during the fall and winter months.
- No Apples? No Problem!: If you’re not an apple fan or simply don’t have any on hand, you can absolutely make this coffee cake without them. The cinnamon roll swirl alone is enough to create a truly spectacular dessert.
Expert Tips for Baking Your Best Apple Coffee Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is easier than you think with a few simple tips. These insights will help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure your cake turns out moist, tender, and incredibly delicious every time.
- Preparation is Key: For the smoothest baking process, it’s best to follow the order of preparation outlined in the instructions. This means preheating the oven and preparing the pan first, then the cinnamon filling, followed by the apple mixture, and finally the cake batter. Having all your components ready before you start assembling prevents rushing and ensures even baking.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a golden rule for many cake recipes, and especially for coffee cakes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined – a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly acceptable and often indicate a tender final product.
- Timely Transfer to the Oven: Once the batter, cinnamon filling, and apple mixture are all assembled in your prepared pan, get it into the preheated oven as quickly as possible. This allows the leavening agents to work most effectively, contributing to a good rise and light texture.
- The Secret to Moisture: Greek Yogurt: We highly recommend using Greek yogurt in your vanilla cake batter. Its creamy texture and slight acidity react wonderfully with the baking soda, resulting in an exceptionally moist, tender, and flavorful cake. If Greek yogurt isn’t available, sour cream is an excellent substitute, or you can use your favorite milk for a slightly denser crumb.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes evenly and results in a superior texture.
For more delightful cinnamon-infused treats, you absolutely must explore this Sinful ‘Cinnabon’ Cinnamon Roll Cake, a truly decadent experience. Or, for a seasonal twist, try these Cinnamon Pumpkin Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting. If you love the apple-cinnamon combination, these ‘Cinnamon Roll’ Apple Dumplings are a fantastic option, or discover a variety of 4 Amazing Apple Coffee Cakes. For a healthier take, consider these Cinnamon Apple Muffins – GF, Keto | Low-Carb, Sugar-Free!
The Ultimate Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe for this mouthwatering Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Get ready to bake a delicious treat that combines the best of a gooey cinnamon roll with a tender, flavorful coffee cake, all topped with a rich cream cheese glaze.
Recipe Summary
This sensational cake features generous swirls of gooey cinnamon and brown sugar filling within a tender vanilla cake. Just like a giant cinnamon roll, it’s packed with sweet and tart apple bits, giving it that perfect “harvest apple” flair. Drizzled with a thick blanket of cream cheese glaze, every bite is an explosion of “YUMMY-DELICIOUS” flavor!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Servings: 9 Servings
- Calories: 374 kcal per serving
- Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Keyword: apple, breakfast, cake, cinnamon, coffee cake, cream cheese, fall baking
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Apple Mixture
- 1 medium to large Granny Smith apple, chopped into small bits for cooking through
- 1 & ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Cake
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or milk of choice
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (add more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon almond milk or milk of choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- For the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until smooth and it resembles a paste. Set aside.
- For the Cinnamon Apple Mixture: Chop apples into small bits and mix with cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
- For the Vanilla Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract or maple syrup.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking to combine.
- Slowly alternate folding in the dry flour mixture and the Greek yogurt (or milk of choice) into the wet ingredients until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cinnamon paste mixture over the batter, spreading it out a bit. Then, add the cinnamon apple mixture on top. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the apples and cinnamon.
- Swirl through the cake with a butter knife to create ribbons of flavor.
- Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cake cools, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a medium bowl. Beat until smooth using a mixer or whisk. You can also soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 20 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- Pour or generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Enjoy a piece, especially delicious warmed up in the microwave for 15 seconds!
Notes
Double this recipe for a 9×13 inch pan to make extra servings, perfect for family gatherings or when you’re craving more cinnamon and apples!
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 374 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
- Sodium: 295mg
- Potassium: 34mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 38g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Calcium: 33mg
- Iron: 1mg
In conclusion, there’s no denying that this easy Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake recipe is the perfect indulgent treat for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Its mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving for more. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or a cup of tea, it’s a versatile delight that truly satisfies.
So, the next time you’re looking to bring some warmth and sweetness to your morning routine, a special family meal, or just a quiet moment of indulgence, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this heavenly treat. It’s more than just baking; it’s about creating joyful moments and delicious memories. So go ahead, let’s devour this Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. It’s what we do best! For even more fantastic apple-inspired creations, be sure to check out 45 Must-Try Best Apple Dessert Recipes. Share your baking triumphs with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
Even MORE Cinnamon Love!
If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, these recipes are sure to capture your heart and tantalize your taste buds. Dive into a world of spice and sweetness with these additional delights:
- Cinnamon Swirl Streusel Coffee Cake for the Weekends! (9×13 Pan)
- Country Cinnamon Swirl Buttermilk Loaf
- ‘Awesome’ Cinnamon Applesauce Cake
- Overnight Cinnamon French Toast Bake
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Easy No Yeast Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- 20 Dessert Recipes Using Greek Yogurt!
