Apple Crisp Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

Soft apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a buttery oat crumble in every bite! If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that tastes like fall in cake form, this Apple Crisp Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe is calling your name. It’s the ultimate mashup of two cozy classics: classic apple crisp and old-fashioned coffee cake, layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp oat streusel topping made from hearty oats and brown sugar.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this apple oat coffee cake will fill your kitchen with the most amazing smell and your belly with joy! It’s super easy to make, completely customizable, and can even be made vegan-friendly with a quick swap. Perfect for brunch, snack time, or a warm fall dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. 😋

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• Simple one-bowl recipe – This apple crisp crumble coffee cake comes together easily in one bowl, so there’s minimal cleanup. The process is simple, and no fancy equipment is needed just a whisk and a good old-fashioned love for baking!
• Perfect balance of soft apples and crispy crumble – The soft, cinnamon-spiced apples are perfectly complemented by the crunchy, buttery oat crumble topping. The layers blend together beautifully to give you the best of both worlds moist cake and a crisp topping!
• Made with pantry staples – You don’t need any special ingredients just apples, oats, brown sugar, and butter (or vegan substitutes). It’s a recipe you can make anytime you want a comforting dessert with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable for any diet – Whether you prefer a vegan version, need to make it gluten-free, or love experimenting with different spices, this recipe is super flexible! You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or a warm fall dessert, this apple oat coffee cake will be the star of any gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy!

INGREDIENTS FOR APPLE CRISP CRUMBLE COFFEE CAKE

• Granny Smith apples – These apples are the star of the show! Their tartness and firm texture hold up perfectly in baking, giving you that ideal balance of sweet and tangy. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can swap them out for Gala apples instead.
• Cinnamon & allspice – These two spices are what give this cake that cozy, fall vibe. The cinnamon warms things up, and the allspice just takes it to the next level with a little extra depth. So good!
• Brown sugar – The molasses in brown sugar adds a lovely toffee-like flavor to the oat crumble topping. It’s what makes the streusel so irresistible!
• Rolled oats – I’m all about using good ol’ fashioned rolled oats for that perfect, chewy texture. Quick oats won’t do the trick they’ll absorb too much moisture, and you won’t get that delightful crumble we’re after.
• Butter (or vegan butter) – Whether you’re going the regular route with butter or keeping it vegan with almond, coconut, or cashew butter, the richness it brings to the crumble is everything.
• Vanilla – A splash of vanilla is a must! It adds a little extra warmth and pairs perfectly with the oats and spices. Trust me, it makes a difference!
• Flour – Just a bit of flour to help thicken up the apples and keep them from getting too runny. It’s the secret ingredient to keep everything together!

HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRISP CRUMBLE COFFEE CAKE:

• STEP 1) Prep the apples. Start by slicing up those Gala apples (or whichever apple variety you’re using). Toss them in sugar, flour, and cinnamon (and allspice if you’re feeling a little extra). Set them aside to get those flavors all cozy.
• STEP 2) Make the crumble topping. In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add a little vanilla for that warm, sweet touch. Cut in your butter (or vegan substitute) until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter no mixer needed!
• STEP 3) Layer the bottom of the pan with crumble. Press half of that delicious crumble into the bottom of your 8×8 baking pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down to form a solid base. This is the magic foundation!
• STEP 4) Layer in the apples. Spread your cinnamon sugar coated apples evenly over the crumble base. Make sure to get them all nestled in there nicely!
• STEP 5) Top with more crumble. Sprinkle the rest of the crumble topping over the apples. Don’t be shy—this is the best part!
• STEP 6) Bake! Pop it in the oven at 330°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are nice and soft. Your kitchen will smell like a fall dream trust me, it’s worth the wait!
• STEP 7) Cool and serve. Let your cake cool for about 20 minutes before slicing into it. It’s hard, but it’s totally worth it to let it set just a bit!

EXPERT BAKING TIPS:

• Use an 8×8 pan for the perfect texture – The size of the pan really makes a difference in how the layers bake together. An 8×8 pan gives you the perfect thickness for this cake, with just the right amount of crumble to apple ratio.
• Don’t skip the chilling on the butter – Chilled butter helps create that perfect streusel crumble texture. If you use melted butter, you’ll end up with a more doughy topping instead of the nice crispy crunch.
• Layer the apples evenly – Make sure your apple slices are evenly distributed, so you get that perfect bite with each piece. No one likes a piece that’s all topping and no apple!
• Be patient when baking – Don’t rush the baking time. The cake might seem done at 30 minutes, but trust the process and let it go the full 35 minutes if needed. You want that golden brown topping and tender apples. It’s worth the wait!
• Cool before cutting – This cake is hard to resist, but giving it a 20-minute cool-down before slicing ensures it holds its shape. I know, it’s tough, but the wait is worth it for perfect slices!
• Add your own twist – Want to get extra creative? Throw in some chopped nuts or even raisins between the layers for extra texture and flavor. The base recipe is versatile, so feel free to make it your own!

STORAGE TIPS

• How to store it – Once your apple coffee cake is completely cool, cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. You can leave it at room temp for up to 2 days, or pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh a little longer (up to 5 days). Just warm up slices before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven coziness!😊
• Freeze for later – Slice the cooled cake, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temp or gently reheat in the microwave when you’re craving a cozy treat.

FUN VARIATIONS TO TRY

• Make it vegan – Just use plant-based butter and a flax egg or dairy-free yogurt. Easy swaps, same delicious result.
• Go nutty – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the crumble before baking for extra crunch.
• Spice things up – Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of vanilla to the batter for a little flavor twist.
• Berry nice – Swap some of the apple slices for berries like blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Add caramel drizzle – A little caramel sauce drizzled on top after baking? It turns this into a full-on dessert!

RECIPE FAQ

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Apple Crisp Crumble Cake

Marcela Arias

This warm Apple Crisp Crumble Cake combines Granny Smith apples with a spiced cinnamon filling, topped with a buttery, oat crumble for the ultimate comforting dessert. It’s a sweet, crispy, and soft bite of fall, perfect for any occasion from brunch to an afternoon treat.😉

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, German

Servings 8 pieces

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups, spoons or digital scale
• Peeler (optional)

Ingredients

  

• For the Apple Layer:
• 4 Granny Smith apples sliced thin (400g / 4 cups)
• 3 tablespoons sugar 45g
• 2 tablespoons flour 30g
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 5g
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice optional (1g)
• For the Crisp Crumble Topping:
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 5g
• 1/2 cup sugar or brown sugar 100g
• 2 cups rolled oats 180g – we use Quaker, can also use Instant Oats
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 7.5ml
• 1/2 cup brown sugar 90g
• 5 tablespoons butter chilled and cubed (70g) – for a vegan version, use almond, coconut, or cashew butter

Instructions

 

• Start by slicing up those Granny Smith apples (or whichever apple variety you’re using). Toss them in sugar, flour, and cinnamon (and allspice if you’re feeling a little extra). Set them aside to get those flavors all cozy.
• In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add a little vanilla for that warm, sweet touch. Cut in your butter (or vegan substitute) until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble. You can use your hands or a pastry cutter no mixer needed!
• Press half of that delicious crumble into the bottom of your 8×8 baking pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down to form a solid base. This is the magic foundation!
• Spread your cinnamon sugar coated apples evenly over the crumble base. Make sure to get them all nestled in there nicely!
• Sprinkle the rest of the crumble topping over the apples. Don’t be shy this is the best part!
• Pop it in the oven at 330°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are nice and soft. Your kitchen will smell like a fall dream trust me, it’s worth the wait!
• Let your cake cool for about 20 minutes before slicing into it. It’s hard, but it’s totally worth it to let it set just a bit!

Notes

• Substitutions: For a vegan version, substitute coconut or almond butter for dairy butter. You can also swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a refined-sugar-free option.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Slice the cooled cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples work best for this cake, providing a nice balance of tartness that complements the sweet crumble topping.
• Tip for the Best Crumble: Chilled butter creates a crispier, more textured crumble. Be sure to chill the butter before mixing the crumble.

Keyword apple crisp crumble cake, apple crumble cake, apple streusel cake, apples, crumble, old fashioned german crumb cake recipe, streusel