Applesauce Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake (Moist & Easy Homemade Recipe)

This applesauce cinnamon crumb coffee cake is ultra-moist, lightly sweet, and topped with a buttery crumb—perfect for breakfast or brunch.

There’s something timeless about a good coffee cake—the kind that feels just as right on a quiet weekday morning as it does on a brunch table surrounded by friends. This applesauce cinnamon crumb coffee cake checks every box: soft, tender crumb, a cozy cinnamon swirl, and a buttery streusel topping that melts into the cake as it bakes.

What makes this recipe extra special is the use of applesauce. Not only does it add subtle sweetness, but it also keeps the cake incredibly moist without feeling heavy. Paired with warm cinnamon and a classic crumb topping, this coffee cake is comforting, simple, and just sweet enough. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-moist texture: Thanks to applesauce and whole milk, this cake stays soft for days.
• Classic coffee cake flavor: Cinnamon swirl + crumb topping = perfection.
• No complicated steps: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing.
• Perfect anytime treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, snack time, or dessert.
• Crowd-friendly: A 9×9 pan makes enough to share (or not!).

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A Breakdown of the Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake

• Butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and flavor to the base of the cake.
• Applesauce (¾ cup): Keeps the cake moist while adding natural sweetness.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor.
• Eggs (2): Provide structure and help bind the batter together.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the cake lift without making it dense.
• Whole milk (¾ cup): Adds moisture and softness.

Note: This recipe intentionally skips added salt to keep the flavors mellow and balanced.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• Butter: Helps the swirl stay rich and soft while baking.
• Cinnamon: Warm, cozy flavor that runs through the middle of the cake.
• Flour: Thickens the swirl so it doesn’t melt into the batter completely.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness.

For the Crumb Topping

• Butter: The key to that classic crumb texture.
• Flour: Creates structure in the streusel.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens and helps the topping caramelize.
• Cinnamon: Ties the topping to the swirl inside the cake.

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How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
   In a bowl, combine butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
   In another bowl, mix softened butter, cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar until fully combined. Set aside.
4. Mix the Cake Batter
   In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla until well blended.
5. Add Eggs
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Add Dry Ingredients & Milk
   Stir in the flour and baking powder alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Assemble the Cake
   Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Top with remaining batter and gently spread.
8. Add Crumb Topping
   Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the entire surface.
9. Bake
   Bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
10. Cool & Serve
    Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

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How to Store This Coffee Cake

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or warm gently before serving.

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Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.
• Check early: Ovens vary; start checking at 40 minutes.
• Let it rest: Cooling slightly helps the crumb set and improves slicing.
• Serve warm: A quick reheat brings out the cinnamon flavor beautifully.

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FAQs

• Can I use sweetened or unsweetened applesauce?
• Either works, but unsweetened applesauce keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
• Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle.
• Can I add nuts?
• Absolutely—chopped pecans or walnuts work well in the crumb topping.
• Why is there no salt in this recipe?
• The brown sugar and cinnamon provide enough depth, keeping the flavor soft and mellow.
• Can I double the recipe?
• Yes—use a 9×13 pan and extend baking time slightly.