Name: Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounce box white cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; ¼ cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste; 21 ounce can Lucky Leaf apple fruit filling; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe with friends and family because it combines the comforting warmth of apple pie with the tender crumb of a delicate coffee cake. I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend morning, and the way the spiced cake mixes with the sweet, fruity apple topping was instant magic. It’s just the right balance of cozy and sweet, making it perfect for any time you want a little moment of homemade happiness with your cup of coffee or tea.

Why You'll Love This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

What really makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible flavor profile. The apple pie spice effortlessly brings those classic autumnal notes that dance beautifully with the moist, fluffy cake base. I love how the apple pie filling layered on top adds bursts of juicy sweetness without being overwhelming. Every bite feels like a warm hug from a freshly baked apple pie but in a way that's so approachable and easy to enjoy right out of the pan.

Besides tasting fantastic, it’s also wonderfully simple to prepare. I appreciate that it uses a boxed white cake mix, which honestly cuts down on fuss and time but still produces a rich, tender crumb. Mixing in real ingredients like sour cream and the vanilla bean paste enriches the flavor and texture without complicating the process. Whether I’m hosting a casual brunch or just craving a treat, this coffee cake comes together quickly and bakes perfectly in less than an hour. It’s truly one of those recipes I keep coming back to, especially when I want something crowd-pleasing without the stress.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several white bowls and a can arranged on it. On the left, there is a white bowl filled with white flour. Above it, a white bowl with a creamy white mixture is visible. To the right, a small white bowl holds three brown eggs. Next to it, a small white plate contains brown cinnamon powder, and beside that is a small bowl with dark vanilla extract. Below, a white bowl is filled with white milk. In the center, a can labeled

Each ingredient in this recipe plays such an essential role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake mix forms the light, airy base, while the apple pie spice infuses a warm, familiar flavor. The sour cream keeps the cake tender and moist, and the apple pie filling adds that fruity sweetness that makes this cake feel special and festive.

White cake mix: The foundation that gives this coffee cake its super moist and tender crumb.
Large eggs: Help bind everything together, adding structure and richness.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra moisture, making the cake irresistibly soft.
Whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and ensures a nice texture.
Apple pie spice: The secret to capturing that classic apple pie flavor with cinnamon and spices.
Vanilla bean paste: Offers a rich, deep vanilla essence that’s more complex than extract.
Apple pie filling: Sweet, spiced apple pieces spread over the top, making every bite fruit-filled.
Powdered sugar: The base for a simple, luscious glaze to finish the cake.
Milk (for glaze): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect consistency.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This sets the stage for the cake to bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the white cake mix, eggs, sour cream, whole milk, apple pie spice, and vanilla bean paste. Use medium speed to mix everything together for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and evenly blended. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for a level surface. This helps the cake bake uniformly and look inviting once done.

Step 4: Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the top of the batter. Don’t be shy—make sure every corner gets topped so you have that lovely fruit in every slice.

Step 5: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 6: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding a bit more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes, so the glaze doesn’t melt completely when drizzled. Once slightly cooled, drizzle your glaze over the top in pretty lines or a gentle, casual pattern. Let it set before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe makes about 12 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is quick, only around 10 minutes since the batter comes together easily. Baking takes approximately 35 minutes, and I recommend letting it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before glazing to get the best texture. Overall, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total, making it a fantastic choice for when you want a homemade dessert without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe

Three images show different stages of making a dessert. The first image has a white bowl with a blue rim on a white marbled surface, filled with ingredients: two eggs with yellow yolks, white flour, brown cinnamon, white yogurt, and a white powder. The second image shows the same bowl and surface, but now all ingredients are mixed into a smooth, creamy pale batter, with a pale pink spoon inside. The third image shows a white rectangular baking dish on the same surface, filled with a pale creamy batter topped with scattered orange peach slices evenly spread out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it’s time to serve, I like to present this cake warm or at room temperature to really let those lovely apple and spice flavors shine. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea — hence the “coffee cake” name — but it can also be a delightful treat alongside a glass of crisp apple cider or even just a splash of cold milk for the kids. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes it to another level.

For a simple yet charming presentation, I slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve on a sturdy, rustic plate or wooden board. Garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices adds a lovely touch and hints at what’s inside. This cake is truly versatile, working for casual weekend breakfasts, brunch with friends, holiday gatherings, or even as a sweet after-dinner treat.

I also love that it holds up well for potlucks or office parties because it’s easy to slice and share. Just imagine your guests’ smiles when you bring out this comforting, apple-spiced coffee cake — it’s always a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for the recipe!

Variations

If you want to mix things up, I’ve found that swapping the white cake mix for a yellow cake or even a spice cake mix adds an extra dimension of flavor that works beautifully with the apple filling. For those avoiding dairy, substituting the sour cream with a vegan alternative like coconut cream makes it just as moist and tasty. You can also swap whole milk for almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free and add a slight nutty undertone.

One of my favorite twists is adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans either into the batter or sprinkled on top of the apple filling before baking, giving the cake a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness. You could also stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to add a touch of tartness and texture.

For a gluten-free version, there are excellent gluten-free vanilla or white cake mixes available that work perfectly with this recipe — just be sure to check the apple pie filling as well, since brands can vary. While this recipe is designed for the oven, I’ve even tried making it in a well-greased slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, which yields a wonderfully tender dessert when I want to save oven space or avoid heating up the kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within 1-2 days. For longer storage, it goes in the fridge, tightly covered, where it stays fresh for about 4-5 days. Using a glass or plastic container with a sealing lid helps keep the moisture in and prevents the cake from drying out. If you want to keep the glaze intact, be gentle when stacking slices.

Freezing

This coffee cake freezes wonderfully! I wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it inside a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to life after storing or freezing, I warm slices gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, which helps restore softness without making the cake soggy. Alternatively, reheating in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes wrapped loosely in foil refreshes the crust and warms the apples. I avoid overheating to keep the delicate crumb from drying out or the glaze melting too much.

FAQs

Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling works beautifully and lets you control the sweetness and spice levels. Just make sure your filling is well-cooked and thick enough to stay on top of the cake without making it soggy.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice? Can I make my own?

Definitely! You can mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of ground cloves to mimic apple pie spice. I usually use about 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a small dash of each allspice and cloves for a balanced flavor.

Is it possible to make this coffee cake vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, use a dairy-free cake mix if available, swap sour cream for coconut or cashew cream, and substitute plant-based milk for the whole milk. Just make sure your apple pie filling is vegan-friendly too.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can! Use two 9x13 baking dishes or one large roasting pan if you have it. Just keep an eye on baking time since thicker cakes may take a little longer. Start checking around 35-40 minutes and adjust as needed.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Use a good non-stick cooking spray or grease the pan generously with butter or oil, then lightly dust it with flour. This helps create a barrier that prevents sticking and also makes cleanup a breeze.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Recipe soon—it really is one of my favorite baking discoveries for bringing a bit of warmth and sweetness to any day. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this cake is pure comfort and joy in every bite. Happy baking!