Easy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf

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If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy fall treat, this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf is it. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack, this loaf brings together tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a delicious crumb topping. It’s everything you love about fall, baked into one irresistible loaf. Let me walk you through how to make this easy, flavorful recipe, along with some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy fall flavors in every bite with cinnamon and juicy apples.
• The crumb topping adds the perfect texture, with a buttery crunch.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• This loaf tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Ingredients

• For the cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)

• For the cinnamon swirl:

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• For the crumb topping:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Apples

For this recipe, I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Both varieties hold their shape well during baking and balance sweetness and tartness perfectly. You can peel and dice the apples before folding them into the batter or leave the skin on.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

Greek yogurt makes this loaf incredibly moist and tender. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream works just as well. Either option adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Cinnamon

No fall recipe is complete without cinnamon! This recipe uses cinnamon in the batter, the cinnamon swirl, and the crumb topping. It gives the loaf that warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.

Butter

For the cake batter, I use softened butter to create a rich, fluffy texture. For the crumb topping, however, I recommend grating cold butter directly into the mixture. I found that grating the butter makes it much easier to incorporate by hand, resulting in a more even, crumbly texture.

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How to Make Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Grate cold butter into the mixture, and use your hands to combine until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
4. Mix the Batter:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add Greek yogurt and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the diced apples.
5. Assemble the Loaf:
   • Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top.
   • Add the remaining batter and top it with the crumb mixture.
6. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the loaf browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

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FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes! While I love Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, you can use any firm apple that holds up well during baking. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they may turn mushy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this loaf tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead treat.

Can I freeze the Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Loaf?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.