Name: Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-497826H56M34S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup Yellow Cake Mix; 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed (use ½ cup for streusel, remainder in batter); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (half of the 2 teaspoons); ¼ cup Butter, melted; ½ cup Yellow Cake Mix (remaining from 1 box 15.25 ounces); 2 Eggs; ½ cup Sour Cream; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (remaining half); ½ can Apple Pie Filling (10.5 ounces); 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 3 tablespoons Milk (add more if needed for consistency)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

I’m absolutely thrilled to share this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe with you because it’s one of those comforting, delightful desserts that instantly feels like a warm hug. This coffee cake marries the nostalgic sweetness of apple pie filling with the tender crumb of cake, creating the best of both worlds in one treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a midday snack, or looking for a cozy dessert, this recipe is my go-to for its incredible flavor and surprisingly simple preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

From the very first bite, I’m always amazed by the perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling and a soft, moist coffee cake that practically melts in your mouth. The contrast between the buttery streusel topping and the fruit-filled cake base brings so much texture and flavor, making it irresistibly satisfying. I love how the brown sugar and cinnamon swirl throughout the cake to give it that classic cozy fall vibe, but honestly, I enjoy it year-round because it’s that good!

What truly makes this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe stand out for me, besides the taste, is how quick and straightforward it is to throw together. With a boxed cake mix as a starting point, the recipe doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just some well-chosen staples in your pantry and fridge. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or a weekend bake when you want to impress without stress. Plus, it bakes in under an hour, so you can enjoy it fresh and warm without waiting forever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single piece of a crispy, golden brown treat with tiny bubble-like textures all over sits in the middle of a white plate. The treat has a rough and crunchy outer layer with a slightly lighter beige color visible inside, showing a porous, airy texture. There is a drizzle of light cream-colored sauce on top, adding a smooth contrast. A silver fork lies next to the treat on the plate. In the background, there is a stack of white plates and the setting is on a white marbled surface with a beige tiled wall behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing something special to the table—from the chewy apples to the crumbly cinnamon streusel, every component works beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Yellow Cake Mix: Gives the cake a tender base that’s light and fluffy with minimal effort.
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and a caramel-like depth, perfect for the streusel topping.
Cinnamon: Infuses the entire cake with warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
Butter: Melted to create a moist, flavorful crumb and to bind the streusel topping.
Eggs: Help provide structure so the cake bakes up soft but sturdy.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Apple Pie Filling: The star of the show—chunky, sweet apples cooked in spiced syrup bring classic apple pie flavor.
Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the cake with a delicate shine.
Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a bundt or tube pan. This will ensure the cake releases easily after baking, so don’t skimp on the greasing!

Step 2: To make the streusel, combine ¾ cup of the yellow cake mix, the brown sugar, half the cinnamon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir with a spoon until the mixture forms crumbly clumps that will add a beautifully crunchy topping.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining yellow cake mix with the eggs, sour cream, and the rest of the cinnamon. Use an electric hand mixer to combine these ingredients until smooth and creamy, then gently fold in the apple pie filling so that the chunks stay nice and generous.

Step 4: Spread half of the cake batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel. This layering creates delightful pockets of gooey apples and crunchy topping throughout the cake.

Step 5: Bake the coffee cake uncovered on the middle rack for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 6: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Then, carefully invert it onto a large cutting board or serving plate and gently remove the pan.

Step 7: To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve a drizzle consistency that you love, then generously drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet, glossy finish that pulls everything together.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or sharing with friends. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes between 50 and 60 minutes. Once baked, allow about 15 minutes for cooling and glazing, making the total time around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. Trust me, the wait is worth every bite!

How to Serve This Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with one thick layer is shown on a clear glass cake stand on a white marbled surface. The cake has a rough texture with many small crunchy bits, and it is brown in color. White glaze sauce is drizzled unevenly on top, flowing down the sides and pooling slightly on the cake stand. The background is made up of light beige rectangular tiles. A metal cake server with a light wooden handle is placed in front of the cake stand. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this coffee cake, I love presenting it warm or at room temperature because that’s when the apple flavors shine and the streusel topping still has a crisp edge. It pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch dessert. For a cozy afternoon treat, I enjoy it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to add a creamy contrast.

For a festive look, I sometimes sprinkle extra cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices over the top before the glaze sets. This not only makes the coffee cake look stunning but also adds an inviting aroma that draws everyone to the table. This cake is a winner for holiday gatherings, casual weekend breakfasts, or even a simple weeknight dessert that feels like a special occasion.

If I’m serving a crowd, I like to slice it into medium-sized wedges—approximately 12 slices—which are just right for satisfying sweet cravings without overwhelming. I recommend plating it on a simple rustic dish or wooden board for a cozy, homey vibe that complements the apple pie flavors perfectly.

Variations

I’ve had so much fun experimenting with this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe by trying different twists on the original. For instance, swapping the yellow cake mix for a spice cake mix amps up the cinnamon and nutmeg notes, creating an even deeper flavor profile that’s wonderful for fall. You can also add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for an added crunch and richness.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, I’ve found that most gluten-free yellow cake mixes work beautifully as a substitute without sacrificing texture. For a vegan version, replacing the eggs with flax eggs and using a dairy-free sour cream alternative can do the trick, and you won’t lose much of the moist, tender crumb this cake is loved for.

For a fun cooking twist, I’ve even tried baking individual coffee cakes in muffin tins using the same layering technique—just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. These little treats are great for portion control and make delightful grab-and-go snacks that keep all the flavor in smaller bites.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover coffee cake is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moist texture. If you plan on keeping it longer, refrigerating it is an option, though I recommend bringing it back to room temperature before serving to soften the crumb and let the flavors bloom again.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. I like to slice it into individual portions before wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and crisp it slightly in a toaster oven if you want that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or heating in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the cake. A quick warm-up restores the soft texture and releases the lovely apple and cinnamon aromas that make this coffee cake truly special.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh apples, dice 2-3 medium apples and cook them briefly with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of water until tender. Let them cool before folding into the batter for a fresher, less sweet option that still delivers great apple flavor.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the cake’s richness. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed, but I suggest not omitting it entirely as it really helps create the tender crumb you want in this coffee cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This coffee cake actually tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can prepare it the day before and store it covered at room temperature. Just add the glaze right before serving for the freshest look and taste.

What kind of pan works best for baking this coffee cake?

A bundt or tube pan is ideal since it evenly distributes heat and creates a beautiful shape that makes slicing easier. However, if you don’t have one, a regular 9×13-inch pan will work—you’ll just need to adjust the baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness.

Can I add nuts to the cake batter or streusel topping?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping is one of my favorite tweaks. It adds a lovely crunch that contrasts with the soft cake and luscious apples. Just fold about ½ cup of nuts into the streusel mixture before sprinkling on top for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Easy Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those truly comforting, crowd-pleasing treats that always brings a smile. It’s straightforward enough to whip up anytime, yet special enough to impress your guests or satisfy your own apple pie cravings in a fresh new way. From my kitchen to yours, happy baking and happy tasting!