This Apple Butter Coffee Cake is a moist, tender treat bursting with warm cinnamon and rich apple butter flavors. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup apple butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the sour cream, apple butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is 35-40 minutes, making it a great option for a quick yet comforting homemade dessert or breakfast.
Variations
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To make it vegan, replace butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra texture.
Incorporate diced apples into the batter for more apple flavor and a bit of fruity bite.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist and the streusel topping crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce any added salt slightly to avoid making the cake too salty.
Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is thicker, richer, and more concentrated in flavor compared to applesauce, which is thinner and less sweet.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the batter and keep it refrigerated overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I like it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the cozy flavors.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
Conclusion
This Apple Butter Coffee Cake is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something cozy, flavorful, and easy to make. The balance of tender cake and crumbly streusel makes every bite a delight, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine.
Recipe:

Apple Butter Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Butter Coffee Cake is a moist, tender treat bursting with warm cinnamon and rich apple butter flavors, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup apple butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, apple butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
To make it vegan, replace butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra texture.
Incorporate diced apples into the batter for more apple flavor and a bit of fruity bite.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to keep moistness and streusel crisp.
You can prepare the batter and refrigerate overnight; add a few extra minutes to baking time.
Freeze wrapped cake for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before warming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg