Apple Pie Coffee Cake 8 Delicious Tricks You Must Try

Introduction of Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that transforms an ordinary morning into something truly special. Imagine the scent of spiced apples and freshly brewed coffee filling the kitchen as a soft, moist cake bakes to golden perfection. With tender crumbs, warm apple pie spice, and a drizzle of smooth vanilla glaze, this cake offers the best of two favorites: the comfort of apple pie and the indulgence of coffee cake.

As a chef, I know that many home bakers worry about coffee cakes turning out dry or lacking in flavor. That is why this recipe has been carefully developed to guarantee success. Sour cream keeps the cake rich and moist, while apple pie spice blends seamlessly with the sweetness of fruit filling to create a balanced flavor that lingers in every bite. The canned apple pie filling saves time without sacrificing taste, making this a recipe that feels homemade yet simple enough for even beginner bakers.

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake is versatile, too. Serve it warm at brunch, bring it to a holiday gathering, or prepare it as a make-ahead treat for busy mornings. However you choose to enjoy it, this cake delivers a tender crumb, spiced apple flavor, and a glossy vanilla glaze that makes it irresistible from the very first slice.

Apple Pie Coffee Cake 8 Delicious Tricks You Must Try

Andrew BELLETT

Moist Apple Pie Coffee Cake made easy with white cake mix, sour cream, warm apple pie spice, and a luscious vanilla bean glaze. Topped with juicy apple pie filling for bakery-style flavor in every bite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk 
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack 

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 15.25 oz white cake mix one standard box
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream full-fat for best moisture
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
• 21 oz apple fruit filling such as Lucky Leaf; spread evenly

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar sifted for smoothness
• 2 tbsp milk adjust to desired consistency
• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
• Make the batter: In a stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl), combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, apple pie spice, and vanilla bean paste. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
• Pan and fruit layer: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Spoon the apple fruit filling over the top and distribute it evenly for balanced flavor in every slice.
• Bake: Place on the center rack and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool and glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Adjust with more milk for thinner glaze or more sugar for thicker glaze. Drizzle over the cake and let set before slicing.

Notes

Pan size: A 9×13 inch pan yields tidy squares; bake time may vary slightly by oven. Storage: Once cooled, keep airtight at room temperature 3–4 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight and refresh with a light drizzle of glaze. Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts, swap in cherry or blueberry pie filling, or sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the apples before baking.

Keyword apple coffee cake, Apple Pie Coffee Cake, boxed cake mix recipe, easy coffee cake, Vanilla glaze

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Apple Pie Coffee Cake”

• Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to sour cream and apple pie filling, this cake stays tender and rich in taste.
• Quick and Easy: Using a cake mix as the base cuts down on prep time without sacrificing homemade flavor.
• Perfectly Spiced: Apple pie spice adds warmth and depth, complementing the sweet apple filling.
• Bakery-Style Finish: A smooth vanilla bean glaze drizzled on top makes it look elegant and taste even better.
• Family Approved: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Bake it for a holiday spread, serve it at casual gatherings, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee.

What makes this Apple Pie Coffee Cake truly unique is how it blends convenience with indulgence. Many coffee cakes can feel dry or overly dense, but this one delivers a moist crumb with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of apple pie filling ensures every slice has soft, juicy fruit, while the glaze ties it all together with a touch of elegance. It is the kind of recipe that brings comfort to everyday mornings yet feels special enough for festive occasions.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Pie Coffee Cake

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces), the base for quick preparation
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature for better mixing
• 1 cup sour cream, full-fat for maximum moisture and richness
• 1/4 cup whole milk, adds lightness to the batter
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, a warm blend of cinnamon and cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, for depth of flavor and a hint of luxury
• 1 can apple fruit filling (21 ounces, such as Lucky Leaf), juicy and perfectly sweetened

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted for a smooth consistency
• 2 tablespoons milk, adjust slightly for desired thickness
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, adds aromatic flavor and specks of vanilla

Chef’s Note: Using sour cream ensures a moist crumb that does not dry out. If you do not have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works as a substitute, though it will not give the same rich speckled finish.

How to Make Apple Pie Coffee Cake

For the Cake

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the batter
   In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, apple pie spice, and vanilla bean paste. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended. The batter should look creamy and slightly thick.
3. Prepare the pan
   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures the cake bakes consistently.
4. Add the fruit layer
   Spoon the apple fruit filling evenly across the top of the batter. Spread it gently to cover the surface, making sure the apples are distributed for balanced flavor in each slice.
5. Bake the cake
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should look golden and feel set in the middle.
6. Cool slightly and glaze
   Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before drizzling with glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting completely into the cake.

For the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Adjust the consistency: add more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Serving and Storage Tips of Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Serving Suggestions

Apple Pie Coffee Cake shines when served slightly warm, allowing the apple filling to stay soft and the glaze to melt just enough. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast treat. For brunch gatherings, cut the cake into neat squares and dust lightly with powdered sugar to add a bakery-style touch. You can also transform it into a dessert by topping slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage Guidelines

Once cooled completely, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. If you prefer longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving to bring back the soft texture.

Freezing Instructions

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place individual slices in freezer-safe bags. Store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drizzle with fresh glaze if desired.

Helpful Notes of Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it looks wet, give the cake a few extra minutes.
• Even Apple Layer: Spread the apple fruit filling gently and evenly over the batter. Clumps in one area can cause uneven baking.
• Glaze Consistency: If your glaze feels too thin, whisk in extra powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If too thick, add a splash more milk until it drizzles smoothly.
• Make Ahead Option: This cake can be baked the day before serving. Simply cover tightly and add the glaze just before serving for a fresh look.
• Flavor Variations: Try swapping the apple pie filling for cherry, blueberry, or peach filling for a seasonal twist. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the fruit layer before baking for extra crunch.
• Extra Spice: If you love bolder flavors, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.
• Muffin Version: Divide the batter and apple filling into a muffin tin for individual servings. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 22–25 minutes.

Conclusion of Apple Pie Coffee Cake

Apple Pie Coffee Cake is the kind of recipe that makes every occasion feel a little more special. With its soft, tender crumb, warm apple spice flavor, and glossy vanilla glaze, this cake brings together the best of comfort baking in one easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you are serving it as a morning pick-me-up with coffee, adding it to a brunch table, or offering it as a cozy dessert, it always manages to impress.

What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Using a cake mix base keeps preparation quick and stress-free, while sour cream and milk ensure the cake stays moist and rich. The apple pie filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spice blend, creating a flavor that is both nostalgic and indulgent. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, every slice looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Another reason this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is a winner is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm, serve it chilled, or prepare it a day ahead to make your gatherings easier. It also freezes beautifully, making it a practical recipe to keep on hand during the busy holiday season. Add a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of nuts, and you can create your own variations that suit any occasion.

If you try this recipe, I would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below and give it a star rating to share your experience. Your feedback not only helps others but also builds a community of bakers who love sharing their kitchen successes. And do not forget to share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends and family can enjoy it too.

Now, I would love to know: would you keep it classic with a vanilla glaze, or would you drizzle it with caramel for an extra indulgent finish? Let us know in the comments—I cannot wait to see your creations.

Frequently Asked Questions of Apple Pie Coffee Cake