Let me tell you, if fall had a flavor, this Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe would be it. I grew up eating a version of this cake that my grandmother swore by, and the scent alone brings back memories of chilly Saturday mornings and warm mugs of cinnamon tea. This recipe is everything I love about baking: simple ingredients, big flavor payoff, and that little bit of magic that makes you feel like you’re home.
It’s sweet, but not too sweet. Moist, thanks to the applesauce. And bursting with cozy spice and a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Whether you’re hosting brunch, looking for an easy potluck dessert, or just want something warm and satisfying to go with your afternoon coffee, this is your cake.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Coffee Cake
Let’s break down exactly why this recipe works so well, and how you can make it your own!
- Super Moist Without Butter Overload: Applesauce naturally adds moisture without needing tons of butter or oil.
- Warm, Spiced Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove create that classic fall spice vibe.
- Cinnamon Streusel = Joy: The crumble topping gives a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender crumb.
- Easy Pantry Recipe: No fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just mix, pour, and bake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually gets better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld.
- Diet-Friendly Swaps:
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and a flax egg.
- Gluten-Free: Sub your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Lower Sugar: Cut sugar in half and still get plenty of sweetness from the applesauce.
Recipe card
Old-Fashioned Applesauce Coffee Cake
Course: BrunchDifficulty: Easy9
servings15
minutes40
minutes270
kcalMoist, spiced, and topped with a buttery streusel, this applesauce coffee cake is the ultimate cozy treat for fall mornings or anytime comfort.
Ingredients
- Cake Batter
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
⅛ tsp cloves
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
- Streusel Topping
½ cup flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
¼ cup cold butter
Directions
- Preheat and Prep (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Streusel (5 minutes): In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Chill until ready to use.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients (5 minutes): In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients (3 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Make the Batter (3 minutes): Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix!
- Assemble the Cake (2 minutes): Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake (35–40 minutes): Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Can be made vegan or gluten-free. Great for make-ahead brunches!
Let’s Make It Awesome: Pro Tips
- Use unsweetened applesauce: Sweetened varieties may make the cake too sugary.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the crumb tender.
- Double the streusel if you’re feeling extra: Trust me, no regrets.
- Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans): Toss ½ cup into the streusel or the batter.
- Make it a loaf: Pour into a loaf pan and bake for about 50–55 minutes.
Variants of the Recipe
- Applesauce Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese (4 oz cream cheese + 2 tbsp sugar) before the streusel. Swirl gently with a knife. This gives a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
- Vegan Applesauce Coffee Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and vegan butter for the streusel. The texture stays beautifully moist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and double-check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The result is just as tender and delicious.
- Apple-Chip Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist.
FAQs
It keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness without needing a ton of fat.
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet cake.
Absolutely! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Traditionally, coffee cake is meant to be served with coffee, not made with it.
Yes! Just bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time to 40–45 minutes.
Totally. The flavor gets even better after a day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Wrapping Things Up, Let’s Bake Something Cozy
I hope this Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, whether you’re baking it for a weekend brunch, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because your home could use that cinnamon-sugar aroma wafting through the air.
If you’re in the mood to keep the baking train going, I’ve got a few more cozy, comforting treats I think you’ll love. For a classic twist, check out this Applesauce Cake Recipe, it’s like the coffee cake’s spiced cousin, simple and just as nostalgic. Want something fruity and buttery? You have to try this Apple Bread Recipe, another applesauce-adjacent bake that pairs beautifully with your favorite hot drink.
And if cinnamon is your love language, don’t sleep on this Easy Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe, it’s another one-bowl wonder with that irresistible crumbly topping.
Baking truly is one of the coziest ways to show love, and I’d be thrilled to hear how your cake turns out. Leave a comment, share your twist, or tag me in your bakes. Your kitchen creativity always inspires me!
Happy baking, friends!
Leave a Reply