Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is the ultimate shortcut dessert that tastes like you baked it from scratch. With buttery cake mix crumbs, warm cinnamon apples, and a sweet glaze drizzle, it delivers cozy bakery flavor with almost no effort. It’s soft, gooey, golden, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Here’s exactly how to make apple coffee cake with apple pie filling in the easiest way possible.

The Story & Intro

Some mornings call for complicated recipes. Others call for something warm, sweet, and ready in under an hour. This Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is my go-to when I want big comfort without a long ingredient list. It reminds me of fall bake sales, quick Sunday brunches, and the smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen while kids hover nearby waiting for the first slice.

I love that this recipe uses simple pantry staples. A box of yellow cake mix becomes buttery crumbs. A can of apple pie filling turns into gooey layers of spiced fruit. And just like that, you have a coffee cake that feels homemade and special.

If your family loves apple desserts, you’ll also want to try our gooey caramel apple pie bombs or the indulgent layers in our cinnamon roll apple lasagna. But today, we’re keeping it quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious.

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What Is Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake?

Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake is a layered crumb-style cake made using yellow cake mix as the base and canned apple pie filling as the center layer. Instead of a traditional yeast dough, this version uses melted butter mixed with dry cake mix to create a soft crumb topping and sturdy bottom crust.

Why It Works So Well

The cake mix and butter combine to form a sweet, tender crumb that bakes beautifully. Meanwhile, the apple pie filling adds moisture, spice, and texture without extra prep work. The result is a dessert that tastes like apple coffee cake with pie filling from a bakery, but comes together in minutes.

Because the apples are already cooked and seasoned, you skip peeling, slicing, and spicing fresh fruit. That’s why this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

If you love cake mix hacks, you might also enjoy our ultra-rich gooey brownie pie, which transforms simple ingredients into something decadent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are dozens of reasons this apple pie filling cake mix coffee cake stands out, but here are the big ones:

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• Only 3 base ingredients
• No mixer required
• Ready in under 45 minutes
• Kid-friendly and beginner-friendly
• Perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Easily customizable

Plus, the buttery crumb texture pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

For more comforting baked treats, our bright and tangy lemon crumb bars offer another easy crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

Quick Overview

This recipe comes together in four simple layers: crumb base, apple filling, crumb topping, and glaze. Everything bakes in one 9×13 dish, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

Coffee Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can apple pie filling
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon (highly recommended for extra apple pie flavor)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (or a splash of vanilla)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish thoroughly. This ensures easy slicing later.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and sandy. If you’re adding cinnamon, mix it in now for that warm apple pie aroma.

Press about two-thirds of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms your base layer.

Step 3: Add the Apple Layer

Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the crust. If you prefer smaller apple pieces, chop them slightly before spreading.

This layer is what transforms this into true apple coffee cake with apple pie filling. The soft apples melt into the crumb base as it bakes.

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Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cake mix crumbs evenly over the apples. Do not press down leave them loose so they bake into a golden, slightly crisp topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. The edges should look lightly crisp, and the middle should no longer jiggle.

Step 6: Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cake while warm for a soft glaze, or wait until fully cooled for a thicker drizzle.

Expert Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake

Use Room Temperature Butter

Warm melted butter blends more evenly into the cake mix.

Don’t Over-Press the Base

Press firmly, but not too tightly. A slightly loose crust keeps it tender.

Add Cinnamon

A teaspoon of cinnamon makes this taste even more like classic apple pie.

Let It Rest

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing so layers set properly.

If you enjoy experimenting with layered desserts, you may also love the creamy structure of our blueberry cream cheese loaf.

Variations

Apple Coffee Cake with Pie Filling and Nuts

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.

Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake with Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumb topping.

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Apple Pie Filling Cake Mix Coffee Cake with Cream Cheese

Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the base before adding apples.

For another layered apple treat, explore the bold flavors of our cinnamon roll apple lasagna.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

• Hot coffee
• Chai latte
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Salted caramel drizzle

Because this cake balances sweet and spiced notes, it works beautifully at brunch tables or as an after-dinner dessert.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Warm slices briefly before serving.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat in microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked softness.

FAQs

Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake proves that simple ingredients can create serious comfort. With buttery crumbs, tender apples, and sweet glaze, it delivers everything you love about apple coffee cake with pie filling in one easy pan.

Brunch or a weekend breakfast -- always a hit. And if you’re craving even more apple-inspired goodness, don’t miss our gooey caramel apple pie bombs or the layered indulgence of cinnamon roll apple lasagna.

Bake it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Follow us for more easy desserts on Facebook and Pinterest.

The Cooking Twins Recipe

Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake

By Emma & Ella

Easy apple pie filling coffee cake made with yellow cake mix, buttery crumb topping, and sweet glaze.

Print RecipeCook Mode

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

35 min

Total Time

45 min

Servings

12 servings

Category

Baked Desserts

Cuisine

American

Method

Oven

Diet

Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix 1 can apple pie filling 1/2 cup melted butter 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)   Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 2-3 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 dish.
2. Base: Mix cake mix and melted butter until crumbly; press 2/3 into pan.
3. Filling: Spread apple pie filling evenly over base.
4. Top: Sprinkle remaining crumbs over apples.
5. Bake: Bake 30-40 minutes until golden and set.
6. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk; drizzle over cake.

Notes

Add cinnamon for extra apple pie flavor. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Serving size

1 square

Calories

320

Protein

3g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

14g

Fiber

1g

Sugar

28g

Sodium

260mg

Saturated fat

8g

Unsaturated fat

5g

Trans fat

0g

Cholesterol

25mg