Fall in Love with Our Sweet Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

Whipping up a delectable apple coffee cake can turn an ordinary morning into a magical culinary experience.

Sweet aromas will soon drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort.

Fragrant cinnamon and tender apple chunks create a harmonious blend that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp fall mornings or lazy weekend brunches become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dessert.

Buttery crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible.

Home bakers of all skill levels can effortlessly master this classic treat.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure, homemade happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips for Apple Coffee Cake

• Store the coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at 300F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, ideal for short-term enjoyment within 24 hours of baking.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor in the cake.

• Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream helps create a moist and tender cake. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for similar results.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and moist.

Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Highlights

• Craft a Comforting Dessert: This apple coffee cake offers a delightful homemade experience that brings warmth to any gathering.
• Customize with Seasonal Apples: Select your favorite apple varieties to personalize the cake's flavor profile, making each bake unique and exciting.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: The recipe teaches basic mixing and layering skills, perfect for bakers wanting to improve their culinary confidence without complex steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this coffee cake satisfies sweet cravings and impresses family and friends with its delicious crumb topping.

Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender cake texture.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a delicious, warm crumb topping with a rich flavor.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping ingredients together.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

Step 1: Create Delectable Crumb Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until delightful crumbly clusters form.

Set the topping aside while preparing the cake batter.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Fresh apples

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Gently fold sour cream into the butter mixture.

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Carefully fold diced apples into the batter.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 7: Assemble and Top Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Generously sprinkle the reserved crumb topping across the entire surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove cake from oven and let cool on a wire rack for complete setting.

Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips for Apple Coffee Cake

• Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your coffee cake.
• Mix butter with dry ingredients until it forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs for a crunchy, delectable topping that doesn't sink into the batter.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration before adding to the cake batter.
• Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Flavor Variations for Apple Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and crumb topping consistency. Use gluten-free baking powder to maintain rise and structure.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with plant-based yogurt. Use maple syrup or coconut sugar for sweetness and maintain the cake's moist texture.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories. Add extra cinnamon for enhanced flavor without additional sugar.
• Dairy-Free Apple Comfort: Swap butter with olive oil, sour cream with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar. Use coconut cream for richness and maintain the cake's tender crumb.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm apple coffee cake with a steaming mug of fresh coffee or herbal tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Present on a beautiful cake stand as a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunches, garnished with fresh apple slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will absolutely adore.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic apple coffee cake with crumb topping brings warmth from homemade baking traditions. Sweet cinnamon streusel and tender apples create delightful comfort for weekend breakfast gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Craft the crumbly topping by blending flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, creating a sandy texture with melted butter until small, irregular clusters form.
2. Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat to 350°F, thoroughly coating a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
4. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale, creating a smooth foundation for the cake.
5. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent, silky batter texture.
6. Introduce vanilla extract, blending it seamlessly into the mixture to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Gently fold in sour cream, creating a rich, moist consistency, then gradually integrate the dry ingredients until just combined.
8. Delicately fold diced apples throughout the batter, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
9. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
10. Generously scatter the prepared crumb topping across the surface, creating a textured, golden-brown layer.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote even browning, until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
12. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack, permitting the flavors to settle and the texture to stabilize before slicing.

Notes

• Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor and texture that holds up during baking.
• Allow ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream to reach room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing and a lighter cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Customize the cake by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg