Moist & Easy Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat

Introduction

Looking for a moist, cozy, not-too-sweet cake that works for breakfast or snack time? Let me introduce you to this applesauce coffee cake recipe. It’s built on a tender batter made with unsweetened applesauce and full-fat sour cream, topped with a buttery cinnamon nut streusel that’ll have you cutting yourself “just one more little piece” all day long.

This isn’t your average coffee cake. Traditional versions rely heavily on butter and sugar. Here, applesauce steps in to lighten things up without sacrificing moisture or flavor. Plus, I’ll show you a few ingredient swaps if you’re aiming for a healthier treat.

What Makes This Cake Special

• Applesauce magic: Using applesauce in this coffee cake replaces some of the fat and sugar. It’s the secret to keeping it incredibly moist without being greasy or heavy. (Bonus: It sneaks in a little fruit.)
• Sour cream for richness: Full-fat sour cream brings a luxurious texture. It’s what keeps the crumb tight and velvety instead of dry or crumbly.
• Everyday pan size: No fancy pans needed. This apple sauce coffee cake bakes up beautifully in your standard 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Small batch option: If you’re baking for a smaller crowd, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan. (Because no one really wants week-old coffee cake.)

Helpful Tips

Want your cinnamon applesauce coffee cake to turn out just right? Here’s what you need to know:

• Bring ingredients to room temp: Cold eggs and sour cream don’t play well with butter. Let them sit out a bit.
• Stick with full-fat: Low-fat sour cream just doesn’t give you that dreamy texture. Trust me on this.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Always. Otherwise, your cake could end up way too sweet.
• Food processor for streusel: Blitz the streusel ingredients if you want fast, uniform crumbles. Otherwise, your fingers or a pastry cutter work fine.
• Scrape your bowl: Ingredients love hiding along the sides. Scrape it down between steps so everything mixes evenly.
• Nut choice is flexible: Pecans are classic, but walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would be awesome in this applesauce crumb cake.

Recipe Card

Recipe Overview

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Stand Mixer (hand mixer works too)
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish
• Food Processor (optional for streusel)

Ingredients

Streusel Topping

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  Acts as the base for the crumb topping, giving it structure and a slightly cakey texture.
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  Provides sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the spices and nuts.
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
  Adds deeper, molasses-rich flavor and helps the streusel caramelize slightly when baked.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  The classic warm spice that gives this cinnamon applesauce coffee cake its signature aroma and cozy taste.
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
  Cut in cold to form a crumbly texture—this is key for a chunky, bakery-style topping. 
• 1 cup chopped pecans
  Adds crunch, richness, and a nutty contrast to the sweet crumb. Toast them beforehand for even more flavor.

Coffee Cake Batter

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  Keeps the cake super moist and light while reducing the need for extra fat or sugar—this is your secret weapon.
• ¾ cup full-fat sour cream
  Adds tang and richness. It also reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and stay tender.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Enhances overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  Gives structure to the cake while staying tender enough to bite through easily.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  Leavens the cake, helping it rise and stay fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  Works with the acidity in the sour cream and applesauce for an even better lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Balances all the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  Creams together with the sugar to build air into the batter. Room temp is key for the right texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  Sweetens the batter and helps the cake brown nicely.
• 2 large eggs
  Bind the ingredients and give the cake richness and structure.

Instructions

Streusel Topping

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the chopped pecans.

(Optional): For ease, pulse all ingredients in a food processor, then stir in pecans by hand.

   Coffee Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine applesauce, sour cream, and vanilla. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Alternate additions of dry ingredients and applesauce mixture to the creamed butter (start and end with dry):

• Dry → Wet → Dry → Wet → Dry

Spread half the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the streusel over the top.

Carefully spread the remaining batter, then top with remaining streusel.

Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing (if you can wait!).

Notes

Baking Dish Alternatives

You can bake this applesauce coffee cake in a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation—just be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. A springform pan works too if you’re aiming for neater slices. If you’re halving the recipe, an 8×8 or 9×9 square pan will do the trick (just reduce the baking time to about 30–35 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

This apple sauce coffee cake is designed to be served straight from the pan, still slightly warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze if you want to dress it up. Perfect for brunch spreads, potlucks, or lazy weekend mornings.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature:
  Store covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ideal for keeping the crumb topping from getting soggy.
• Refrigerator:
  Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or let them come to room temp before serving.
• Freezer:
  Slice the fully cooled cake and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave gently to rewarm.

Nutrition Estimate

Each slice (1/12 of the full recipe) contains approximately 360 calories, depending on your pan size and portioning. That includes the buttery streusel and full-fat ingredients—worth every bite!

Benefits of This Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe

Benefit	Why It Matters
Moist Texture	Applesauce and sour cream keep the crumb soft without being greasy.
Lower in Fat & Sugar	Applesauce replaces some butter and sugar without sacrificing flavor.
Easy to Make	Simple steps and standard ingredients—great for beginner bakers.
Flexible Serving Options	Works as a breakfast cake, snack, or casual dessert.
Freezer-Friendly	Stores well in slices for quick, make-ahead treats.
Customizable	Use any nut, adjust sweetness, or make it in a Bundt or square pan.
Crowd-Pleasing Streusel Topping	Cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans create an irresistible, bakery-style crumble.
Great for All Seasons	Cozy for fall, light enough for spring—no fruit slicing required.

FAQ About Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe

Can I use sweetened applesauce?
You can, but cut back the granulated sugar by about ¼ cup to avoid an overly sweet cake.

How do I freeze applesauce coffee cake?
Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze individual slices for quick breakfasts.

Can I make this as an applesauce coffee cake bundt?
Yes! Grease your Bundt pan generously and bake for 45–50 minutes.

Is there a version for applesauce crumb cake?
Absolutely—this streusel-heavy version doubles as an applesauce crumb cake recipe. Just add an extra ½ batch of streusel if you like a thick crumb topping.

Final Words

This is the applesauce coffee cake recipe you’ll want to bake again and again—easy enough for a weekend morning, impressive enough to bring to brunch.
Grab your mixer, whip up that cinnamon streusel, and treat yourself to a slice (or two).

If you’re looking to balance out your baking with something a little higher in protein, check out my go-to for busy mornings: the best breakfast idea protein muffin recipe. It’s a great make-ahead option that pairs perfectly with your coffee cake for a full spread.

Got questions? Leave a comment—I’m happy to help troubleshoot, swap ingredients, or just hear how much you loved it. Happy baking!