Apple Crumble Coffee Cake with Walnuts
There’s just something about apple cakes that makes me think of my mom. She went through a phase for a while where apple crumb cakes were her go-to dessert to whip up, and now I can’t see one (or make one) and not think of her.
This is the kind of cake that feels like home in the best way, with soft baked apples, warm spices, and a buttery crumb topping that cracks just slightly when you cut into it. There’s a layer of coffee flavor baked into the cake (thank you, instant coffee), and the drizzle of vanilla glaze on top just ties it all together. It’s cozy. It’s a little nostalgic. And it’s definitely worth making.
The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to throw together. The batter mixes up in one bowl, the apples require nothing more than a quick slice and toss in sugar and cinnamon, and the crumb topping comes together fast. It bakes up with a tender crumb and a beautifully golden top that’s just begging for that glaze. And if you’re wondering whether you can actually pull this off, the answer is a big yes.
If your house doesn’t smell like a bakery when this comes out of the oven, I’ll be shocked. Just don’t be surprised if everyone hovers around the kitchen waiting for the first slice—warm, sweet, and crumbly in all the right ways. It’s a hug in cake form. And if that’s not reason enough to bake, I don’t know what is.
Ingredients Needed to Bake Apple Crumble Coffee Cake:
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt
Warm water
Instant coffee powder
Melted butter
Eggs
Walnuts
Honeycrisp apples
Granulated sugar
Old fashioned oats
Powdered sugar
Milk
Vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions:
All-purpose flour → 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
Brown sugar → Mix granulated sugar with molasses, or use light/dark brown sugar interchangeably
Instant coffee powder → Espresso powder or omit entirely
Melted butter → Coconut oil or plant-based butter substitute (note: texture may change slightly)
Walnuts → Pecans or omit if needed
Honeycrisp apples → Any firm, sweet apple (like Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala)
Milk → Any unsweetened milk (almond, oat, soy, dairy, etc.)
What Tools Do You Need to Bake Apple Crumble Coffee Cake?
Fork
Toothpick (for doneness check)
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Apple Crumble Coffee Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9-inch springform pan with butter or parchment paper. Slice up two medium Honeycrisp apples, keeping the peels on or off depending on your preference. Toss the slices with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon, and set them aside to soak up that cozy flavor.
Next, mix together the dry ingredients for the cake in a large bowl—this includes your flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, dissolve instant coffee in warm water, then add melted butter and an egg, mixing until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix, and then gently fold in chopped walnuts.
Spread the cake batter evenly in your prepared pan and layer the apple slices right on top.
For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl, then add in the butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this generously over the apples.
Bake your cake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before drizzling on your vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla.
How to Get the Perfect Crumb Topping:
Use butter that’s soft but not melted. This helps you create those beautiful, chunky crumbs that don’t melt away while baking. Mix with a fork or your fingertips just until large crumbs form—don’t overwork it. And don’t be shy—pile on that topping generously!
How to Prevent a Soggy Bottom:
Make sure to slice your apples thinly and toss them well with sugar and cinnamon before layering them over the batter. This helps draw out excess moisture. You can also blot the apple slices lightly with a paper towel after tossing, just to be safe. And always check that your oven is fully preheated before baking—the right temperature helps set the base quickly.
How to Freeze or Store Apple Crumble Coffee Cake:
If you want to freeze the cake, skip the glaze until you’re ready to serve. Once the cake is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave, then drizzle with fresh glaze.
For short-term storage, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just know that the crumb topping is crispiest the first day, so enjoy it fresh if you can!
Recipe for Apple Crumble Coffee Cake with Walnuts:
Apple Crumb Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter an 9 inch springform pan (or line it with parchment for easy lifting later).
- Slice up your apples thinly (you can peel them or leave the skins on—whatever your heart tells you).
- In a small bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until coated.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a small bowl, stir the warm water and instant coffee powder together until dissolved. Then add in the melted butter and egg. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not overmixing the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer.
- Layer the sliced apples over the cake batter.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- Add in the melted butter, and mix with a fork until large crumbs form.
- Generously sprinkle the crumb topping all over the apples, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Place the cake into your preheated oven and bake it for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes while you make your glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. If its too thin, add in a little more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set for a few minutes (or don’t), then slice, serve, and enjoy!