Applesauce coffee cake recipe lovers, you’re in for a treat! This easy, moist, and flavorful coffee cake combines warm cinnamon spice, a tender crumb, and a buttery streusel topping—all with the wholesome goodness of applesauce. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast cake, a quick dessert, or the perfect brunch addition, this simple homemade recipe is just what you need.
Made with pantry staples like flour, brown sugar, and baking powder, this applesauce coffee cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, making butter or oil almost optional. Plus, the irresistible cinnamon-sugar crumb topping brings a bakery-style touch right to your kitchen.
Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea, this old-fashioned applesauce cake is sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this coffee cake so special—and how you can whip it up in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe
Perfectly Moist and Full of Flavor
One of the best things about this applesauce coffee cake recipe is how incredibly moist it is, thanks to the generous amount of applesauce. Unlike some coffee cakes that can dry out quickly, the applesauce acts as a natural binder and adds a layer of richness that’s hard to beat. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tenderness. Whether you’re enjoying it in the morning or as an afternoon treat, this cake will never disappoint.
Simple Pantry Staples You Already Have
This easy applesauce coffee cake recipe is made with basic pantry ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. From all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon, to brown sugar and vanilla extract, these simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful cake. You won’t need to run out to buy fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, making this a perfect option for a quick, last-minute dessert or breakfast.
A Classic Recipe with a Cozy Twist
While coffee cake recipes have been around for ages, this version adds a cozy twist by incorporating applesauce into the batter. The applesauce not only makes the cake extra moist, but it also adds a mild sweetness and a subtle fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. The result is a cake that’s both familiar and comforting, with a fresh twist that will make it your new go-to recipe.
Ideal for Breakfast, Dessert, or Brunch
This applesauce coffee cake recipe is versatile enough to serve at any time of day. It’s perfect for a leisurely breakfast alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also makes for an impressive brunch treat, whether you’re hosting guests or just enjoying a cozy morning at home. And, of course, it’s a great option for dessert, especially after a hearty meal. No matter when you serve it, this cake will be a crowd-pleaser.
Great Paired with Coffee or Tea
Nothing goes better with a slice of this delicious coffee cake than a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of cinnamon, applesauce, and brown sugar blend beautifully with the rich taste of your favorite brew. Whether you prefer a strong, dark coffee or a light, refreshing tea, this cake will enhance your drinking experience. It’s the perfect snack for your mid-morning or afternoon break.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need a few dry ingredients that form the foundation of the cake batter. These ingredients will help give the cake structure and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
All-purpose flour is the main base for the batter, giving it that tender yet sturdy texture. Baking powder is essential for leavening, allowing the cake to rise and become light and fluffy. A pinch of salt will balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Cinnamon and Brown Sugar for Warmth
The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice to the cake, making it the perfect cozy treat. Brown sugar brings a rich sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the applesauce and cinnamon. These two ingredients are key to giving your coffee cake that inviting, spiced aroma.
Wet Ingredients
Next, we’ll move on to the wet ingredients that will bind everything together and give the cake its moist texture.
Unsweetened Applesauce
The star ingredient in this cake is, of course, unsweetened applesauce. Not only does it add natural moisture, but it also infuses the cake with a subtle sweetness and fruity flavor. Using unsweetened applesauce ensures the cake isn’t overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
Oil or Butter, Eggs, Vanilla Extract
You can choose between oil or butter for your fat in this recipe. Oil gives the cake a lighter texture, while butter adds a rich, flavorful depth. You’ll also need eggs to help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure. A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, creating a beautifully aromatic cake.
For the Streusel Topping
This cake wouldn’t be complete without a streusel topping that adds a crunchy, sweet contrast to the moist, tender cake. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Flour
For the streusel topping, you’ll need butter to give it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a bit of moisture, while cinnamon brings that warm spice to tie everything together. Flour is used to help thicken the streusel and give it a crumbly, yet slightly crunchy texture when baked.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
With all your ingredients prepared, it’s time to begin making the batter for your applesauce coffee cake. This part is easy and straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying your cake in no time!
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar—in a medium bowl. This will help ensure they’re evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including the unsweetened applesauce, oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once both mixtures are prepared, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until you no longer see dry flour.
Making the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
While the batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the cinnamon streusel topping. In a bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until the mixture forms crumbles. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix the ingredients together until the mixture forms small crumbs. This crumbly topping will add a delicious texture and flavor contrast to the soft cake beneath it.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Now that the batter and streusel topping are ready, it’s time to bake the cake. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon streusel over the batter. The cake will bake into a beautifully golden, fragrant treat.
Oven Temperature and Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the oven is preheated, bake the coffee cake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Since ovens vary, keep an eye on it as baking times may differ slightly.
Testing for Doneness
To check if your coffee cake is fully cooked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center.If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it means the cake is finished. If the toothpick comes out with batter stuck to it, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle and ensuring it’s easier to slice.
Tips for the Best Applesauce Coffee Cake
Use Homemade or Store-Bought Applesauce
Whether you use homemade applesauce or store-bought, the choice is yours! Homemade applesauce can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness, especially if you use seasonal apples. However, store-bought applesauce is perfectly fine and a convenient option when you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness balanced in the cake.
How to Keep Your Cake Moist
One of the keys to a perfect applesauce coffee cake is ensuring it stays moist. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as doing so can lead to a dense, dry cake. The applesauce itself adds moisture, but if you find the batter too thick, you can add a little extra applesauce or a small splash of milk to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, avoid overbaking—the cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Optional Add-Ins
While this applesauce coffee cake is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with some optional add-ins to suit your taste.
Nuts, Raisins, or a Touch of Nutmeg
- Nuts: Adding walnuts or pecans to the batter or streusel topping gives the cake a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.
- Raisins: For a touch of natural sweetness, consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
- Nutmeg: If you want to elevate the spice profile, a dash of nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon will add a warm, aromatic touch.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you end up with leftover coffee cake, don’t worry—it stores beautifully!
- Storage: Store the cake in a container at room temperature (for up to three days). If you prefer it chilled, store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap the applesauce coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can stay fresh in the freezer for more than 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight at room temperature or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
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Variations and Serving Ideas
Make It Gluten-Free or Vegan
This applesauce coffee cake recipe is highly adaptable to dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free or vegan, you can still enjoy this delicious cake with a few easy swaps.
Gluten-Free Flour Substitutes
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum, as this will help provide structure to the cake. You can also use almond flour or oat flour, but note that these may slightly change the texture of the cake, so adjust accordingly. If you want to experiment, consider using a gluten-free oat flour for a nutty flavor that complements the applesauce.
Egg and Dairy Alternatives
To make the cake vegan, replace the eggs with a plant-based alternative such as flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or a chia seed substitute. For the dairy, swap the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk in place of regular milk. These simple swaps make the recipe both vegan and just as delicious!
Mini Coffee Cakes or Muffins
If you prefer smaller servings, consider making mini coffee cakes or muffins instead of a large cake. Simply divide the batter evenly into muffin tins or mini cake pans and adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes. Mini versions are great for portion control and perfect for parties, brunches, or snacks on the go. You’ll still get the same wonderful flavor and texture, just in a more portable form!
How to Serve It
This applesauce coffee cake is versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience.
With Whipped Cream, Fruit, or a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice will add a rich, airy touch to the cake, making it feel even more indulgent.
- Fresh Fruit: Pair the cake with fresh sliced apples, berries, or banana slices for a light and refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: For a simple, yet elegant touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
Why You Should Try This Easy Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe Today
In conclusion, this Easy Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients, warm spices, and customizable variations, this recipe can be tailored to suit different dietary preferences, from gluten-free to vegan. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
The applesauce provides natural moisture and a subtle sweetness, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee, tea, or as an afternoon snack, the streusel topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast to the tender cake. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques, making it great for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
So, why wait? Try this applesauce coffee cake today and enjoy the delightful flavors that will fill your kitchen and your heart. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they’ll love this warm, spiced treat just as much as you do!
