I’ve been dreaming about the perfect fall dessert, and this Spiced Apple Coffee Cake might just be it. Imagine warm slices of apple nestled in a moist, tender cake, all wrapped up in the cozy embrace of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. That crumbly topping adds the perfect contrast to each bite—a little crunch against the softness below. Want to know my secret to making this cake absolutely irresistible? The trick is in how you layer those flavors together…
Why You’ll Love this Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
Autumn coziness in every bite. This coffee cake isn’t just a dessert, it’s practically a warm hug on a chilly morning.
The combination of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg creates a spice profile that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
What makes it special? The contrast between the moist, apple-studded cake and that irresistible crumble topping.
Those little pockets of melted butter and brown sugar, can we talk about that for a minute?
Perfect with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or warmed slightly for dessert.
You might even catch yourself sneaking bites straight from the pan.
What Ingredients are in Spiced Apple Coffee Cake?
The heart of this recipe is a perfect balance of fresh apples, warm spices, and that irresistible crumbly topping that makes coffee cake so special.
For the cake:
- 4 cups peeled, diced apples (½ inch)
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 stick melted butter
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
For the crumble topping:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick butter
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
When selecting apples, tart varieties like Granny Smith work beautifully here, creating the perfect balance against the sweet crumble topping and spiced cake base.
How to Make this Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F, then thoroughly grease a 9-inch pan.
Nothing ruins the joy of a perfect coffee cake more than having it stick to the pan, so be generous with the greasing.
Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping
Combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl.
Cut in 1 stick of butter until crumbly, then stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
This magical mixture will create that irresistible crunchy top we all fight over.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of peeled, diced apples with 2 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
The apples should be cut into roughly ½-inch pieces—not too big that they won’t cook through, not too small that they disappear into the batter.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Spices
To your apple mixture, add 1¼ cups sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon ginger, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg.
Pour in 1 stick of melted butter and mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated with this aromatic spice blend.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gently stir 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda into your apple mixture.
Mix just until combined—overmixing will make the cake tough, and we want it tender and perfect.
A quality stand mixer would make this process easier and ensure even incorporation of ingredients without overmixing.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
Then comes the best part—sprinkle that glorious crumble topping over the entire surface, covering every inch of the batter with its sweet, buttery goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and your kitchen smells like heaven on earth.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow your masterpiece to cool before slicing.
This cooling period isn’t just torture—it’s necessary for the cake to set properly.
The wait might feel eternal, but your patience will be rewarded with perfect slices that hold their shape.
What to Serve with Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
This cozy cake shines as a breakfast centerpiece or afternoon treat. Serve it with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the warm spices.
For morning gatherings, pair with a strong cup of black coffee or chai tea to complement those cardamom and ginger notes. Looking for something more substantial? A side of crispy bacon creates that perfect sweet-savory balance we all crave.
Fresh fruit salad makes a revitalizing counterpoint to the cake’s richness, while a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this humble dessert into special-occasion territory.
Who knew comfort could taste this good?
Spiced Apple Coffee Cake Substitutions and Variations
• Spice It Up: Adjust the spice blend to your taste—more cinnamon, less cardamom, or add a pinch of cloves for warmth.
Leftovers and Storage for this Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
This apple-packed treat keeps remarkably well. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
To refresh refrigerated cake, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this cake even more delicious the next day.
To prevent sogginess, place a paper towel under the cake in your storage container to absorb excess moisture. If you notice the cake drying out after a couple of days, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple Coffee Cake brings together the perfect balance of warming spices, tender apple chunks, and that irresistible crumbly topping that makes coffee cake so special.
The combination of cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that elevates it beyond ordinary breakfast pastries. It’s the kind of recipe that works beautifully for weekend brunches when you want something a bit more special, but equally welcome at holiday gatherings or afternoon coffee breaks with friends.
Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed over the following days as the flavors meld together, this cake stands as a reflection of the simple pleasure of home baking with seasonal fruit.