Discover how to make a delicious Coffee Cake Apple Pie with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a buttery coffee cake topping, and a crunchy streusel finish. Follow this detailed step-by-step recipe for a bakery-style dessert that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend baking.
Coffee Cake Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re torn between a warm slice of apple pie and a crumbly piece of coffee cake, this Coffee Cake Apple Pie brings the best of both worlds together. Imagine a flaky pie crust filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a rich coffee cake crumble that bakes into a golden, buttery crust.
The result is a dessert that’s comforting, flavorful, and impressive enough for special occasions while remaining simple enough for home bakers. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, this pie is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines apple pie and coffee cake in one dessert
- Rich cinnamon flavor in every bite
- Buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, and family gatherings
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
You may use a homemade crust or a quality store-bought crust.
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Best Apples for Baking
A combination of these apples works beautifully:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Braeburn
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
Using two varieties creates a more complex flavor and texture.
For the Coffee Cake Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by washing, peeling, and coring the apples.
Slice them into thin, even slices about 1/4 inch thick.
Place the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl.
Add:
- Sugar
- Flour
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Mix thoroughly until every apple slice is evenly coated.
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
This resting period helps the apples release some of their juices and allows the flavors to blend.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides.
Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges if desired.
For a crispier crust, chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator while making the topping.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Cake Crumble
In a medium bowl combine:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Mix until evenly distributed.
Pour in the melted butter.
Stir with a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
The texture should resemble wet sand with larger crumb pieces throughout.
Avoid overmixing.
A chunky crumble creates the best topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Remove the prepared pie crust from the refrigerator.
Spoon the apple mixture into the crust.
Arrange the apples evenly and slightly mound them in the center.
The apples will shrink somewhat as they bake.
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples.
Cover the entire surface without pressing the topping down.
The loose crumbs will bake into a beautiful coffee cake layer.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
The pie is ready when:
- The topping is golden brown
- The filling is bubbling around the edges
- The apples are tender when pierced with a knife
If the crust edges begin browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Cool Properly
Remove the pie from the oven.
Place it on a cooling rack.
Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours.
This step is important because the filling continues to set as it cools.
Cutting too early may result in a runny filling.
Step 7: Prepare the Optional Glaze
While the pie cools, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth.
Drizzle lightly over the cooled pie before serving.
The glaze adds a bakery-style finish and a touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Coffee Cake Apple Pie is delicious served:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
- With whipped cream
- Alongside hot coffee
- With caramel sauce drizzle
- As part of a holiday dessert table
For brunch gatherings, serve slightly warm with freshly brewed coffee for a unique and memorable treat.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Coffee Cake Apple Pie
Use Firm Apples
Firm apples maintain their structure during baking and prevent a mushy filling.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice
Lemon juice balances the sweetness and enhances the apple flavor.
Keep the Crumble Loose
Large crumbs create the signature coffee cake texture.
Cool Completely
Allowing the pie to cool fully helps the filling achieve the perfect consistency.
Mix Apple Varieties
Combining tart and sweet apples creates a more balanced flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes. The pie can be baked one day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Canned Apple Pie Filling?
Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture, but canned filling can be used when you’re short on time.
Can I Add Nuts?
Absolutely. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Why Is It Called Coffee Cake Apple Pie?
Traditional coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee. Instead, it’s designed to be served with coffee. This pie incorporates the signature buttery crumb topping of a coffee cake over a classic apple pie filling.
Final Thoughts
Coffee Cake Apple Pie is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the flaky goodness of homemade apple pie with the irresistible crumb topping of a classic coffee cake. The contrast between the tender cinnamon apples and buttery streusel creates a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for every season.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, weekend gathering, or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. One slice is often enough to convince anyone why this dessert deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.