The Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake is a tender vanilla coffee cake swirled with a generous, gooey cinnamon filling and studded with spiced apple bits. Finished with a thick cream cheese glaze, it delivers the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy coffee cake format—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
This cake combines the soft, moist crumb of a vanilla coffee cake with the sticky brown-sugar-cinnamon swirl of a cinnamon roll and bright, tart apple pieces. It warms up beautifully and tastes amazing straight from the oven or reheated for a few seconds in the microwave. It’s a crowd-pleaser when you want to impress family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Apple Mixture
- 1 medium to large Granny Smith apple, chopped small
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or milk of choice
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (add more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon almond milk or milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Cinnamon Filling
- Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, flour and cinnamon until smooth and paste-like. Set aside.
Cinnamon Apple Mixture
- Combine the chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Vanilla Cake Batter
- Measure the Greek yogurt or milk and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla (or maple syrup) and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the yogurt or milk. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Spoon the cinnamon paste over the batter, spread slightly, then sprinkle the cinnamon apple mixture on top. Use a butter knife to swirl the cinnamon paste and apples through the batter.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cream Cheese Glaze
- While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth. If needed, soften the cream cheese briefly in the microwave before mixing.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. For best results, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave (about 15 seconds) before serving.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan to serve more people.
- Prepare the components in the order listed: filling, apple mixture, then batter. Assemble and bake immediately for the best texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang; sour cream or milk may be substituted.
Variations
- Omit the apples for a simple cinnamon swirl coffee cake.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Try diced peaches, cranberries or berries as an alternative fruit addition.
Serving & Storage
Serve slices warm with a cup of coffee or tea. Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for the best texture.
Enjoy this cozy Apple Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake any time you want a flavor-packed, comforting baked good that’s quick enough for a weekend morning and special enough for guests.
