Cozy Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

Crafting a delightful apple coffee cake with crumb topping brings pure morning magic right to your kitchen.

Crisp autumn apples nestle perfectly within a tender, buttery backdrop.

Warm spices dance through each moist bite, creating an irresistible aroma.

Sweet cinnamon crumbles blanket the surface, promising delectable texture in every slice.

Homemade comfort emerges from this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Baking becomes an adventure when you transform humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Let this recipe inspire your weekend baking dreams and fill your home with incredible warmth.

How To Store Apple Coffee Cake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended freshness, keeping it good for 4-5 days.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until warm and soft.

FAQs

• What makes the crumb topping so special?

The crumb topping combines flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon with melted butter, creating a deliciously crunchy and sweet layer that adds texture and flavor to the cake.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Just make sure to choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Magic

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Packed with fresh diced apples, this coffee cake delivers warm, cozy flavors that celebrate autumn's bounty and make every bite feel like a comforting hug.
• Master Bakery-Style Dessert: Simple techniques and basic ingredients transform into a professional-looking cake with a stunning crumb topping that looks like it came straight from a fancy bakery display.
• Create Family-Friendly Treat: Perfect for weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or dessert, this versatile cake pleases everyone from kids to grandparents with its sweet, tender texture and classic apple cinnamon flavor profile.
• Customize with Ease: Swap apples for pears or add nuts to the crumb topping, making this recipe adaptable to personal tastes and pantry ingredients without compromising its delicious core.

Ingredients For Apple Coffee Cake

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

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, creating a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tangy, tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.

• Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and a soft texture to the cake.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Used in the crumb topping for a crunchy, caramelized layer.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples.

How To Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Create Crumbly Topping

In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly.

Set this tasty topping aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

These ingredients will provide the perfect foundation for your delicious cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix.

Gently fold in diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared dish.

Step 6: Add Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumbly topping evenly over the cake batter, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat that captures the essence of comfort baking.

Tips To Improve Apple Coffee Cake

• Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your coffee cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake consistency.
• Dust the diced apples with a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking to the bottom.
• Cool the cake completely before storing to maintain its crisp crumb topping and prevent moisture buildup.

New Twists On Apple Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with coconut yogurt for a plant-based alternative.
• Nutty Upgrade: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping and sprinkle additional nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor complexity.
• Spiced Seasonal Variation: Add ground nutmeg and cardamom to the cake batter and crumb topping for a warm, aromatic winter-inspired version.

What Complements Apple Coffee Cake

• Autumn Afternoon Delight: Pair this warm apple coffee cake with a steaming mug of cinnamon tea for a cozy fall treat that hugs your soul.
• Brunch Showstopper: Slice into elegant squares and serve alongside crispy bacon and fresh fruit for a weekend breakfast that will impress family and friends.
• Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle with caramel sauce or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to transform this cake into a decadent after-dinner indulgence that melts in your mouth.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and love to neighbors or colleagues.

Moist Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade apple coffee cake with crumb topping delivers classic comfort and warmth from scratch. Cinnamon-spiced layers and buttery streusel create a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat you can easily enjoy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Fruit Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Crumb Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 0.25 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the crumb topping by blending flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl. Incorporate melted butter until the mixture achieves a delicate, crumbly consistency. Set the topping aside for later use.
2. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 350F (175C). Thoroughly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl, combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly mixed.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Introduce eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition.
5. Integrate sour cream and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, ensuring smooth incorporation.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain cake’s tenderness. Carefully fold diced apples throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth surface.
8. Distribute the reserved crumb topping uniformly across the cake’s surface, covering entirely.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the top turns golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling it to set properly before slicing.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, offering a delightful autumn-inspired treat.

Notes

• Swap apples for seasonal fruits like pears or peaches to create delightful variations that keep the cake exciting throughout the year.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the tender cake texture.
• Enhance the crumb topping’s crunchiness by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra depth and protein.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum moisture retention and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 281 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg