Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

Sweet Apple Coffee Cake with Cozy Crumb Topping Recipe

Crafting the perfect apple coffee cake with crumb topping brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Warm cinnamon aromas will drift through your home, promising delightful moments ahead.

Soft, tender cake layers mingle with crisp apple chunks, creating a symphony of textures.

Buttery crumb topping adds irresistible crunch and sweet complexity to each delectable bite.

Seasonal ingredients combine effortlessly in this simple yet impressive dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Weekend baking becomes an adventure with this delightful recipe that transforms ordinary mornings into something extraordinary.

Let’s dive into making a coffee cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Explained

  • Crush Craveworthy Flavor Combo: Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and salty pretzel crunch that creates an irresistible taste sensation.
  • Craft Simple Sweet Treats: Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or anyone wanting a quick dessert without complicated techniques.
  • No-Bake Delightful Dessert: Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free candy-making experience that's perfect for satisfying sudden sweet tooth cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Candy: Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different chocolate types, adding nuts, or creating unique size variations to match your personal taste preferences.

Ingredients For Apple Coffee Cake Perfection

For the Cake Batter:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the coffee cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and aromatic flavor to the cake.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, tangy flavor in the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, complex taste.
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
For the Crumb Topping:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy crispy layer on top of the cake.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crumb topping ingredients and adds richness.
For the Baking Preparation:
  • Baking Pan: The vessel that shapes and supports the cake during baking.

Baking Guide For Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and give your 9-inch baking pan a friendly coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Dry Magic

In a mixing bowl, dance together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Set this fragrant mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like, fluffy dream.

Gently invite eggs, sour cream, and vanilla to join the party, blending until smooth and luxurious.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodness

Softly incorporate the dry ingredients into your creamy mixture, stirring just until they become friends.

Tenderly fold in the diced apples, giving them a gentle welcome.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Pour the batter into your waiting pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, even landscape.

Step 6: Craft the Crumbly Crown

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Drizzle melted butter over the ingredients and stir until delightful crumbs form.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Topping

Scatter the crumbly mixture evenly across the top of your cake batter, creating a delectable crown.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick emerges clean from its center.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool and relax before slicing into this heavenly treat. Enjoy each delicious bite!

Apple Coffee Cake Expert Recommendations

  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist on the classic recipe.
  • Prevent apple chunks from sinking by tossing them in a little flour before folding into the batter.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a one-to-one gluten-free baking blend.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Flavor Variations For Apple Coffee Cake

  • Pear Paradise: Replace apples with ripe, juicy pears for a softer, more delicate fruit flavor that melts in your mouth.
  • Pecan Power: Add chopped pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty richness that elevates the cake's texture.
  • Berry Blissful: Swap apples with mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries to create a vibrant, tangy version of the classic coffee cake.
  • Caramel Comfort: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a decadent, sweet finish that complements the spicy cinnamon notes.

Best Matches For Apple Coffee Cake

  • Breakfast Bliss: Serve warm slices with a dollop of vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a luxurious morning treat.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Pair each slice with a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee or chai tea, creating a cozy weekend gathering moment.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle a light cream cheese glaze over cooled cake slices and garnish with thin apple chips for an elegant after-dinner indulgence.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a rustic twine bow for a charming homemade present that spreads sweet autumn comfort.

Storing Apple Coffee Cake Properly

  • Store the apple coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, where it can be stored for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature in a covered cake stand or container for 2-3 days, perfect for enjoying quick slices during the week without compromising taste.
  • Cut the cake into individual portions before storing, making it easier to grab a quick slice and helping prevent moisture buildup that could make the crumb topping soggy.

FAQs

  • What makes the crumb topping so delicious?

The combination of brown sugar, flour, and melted butter creates a sweet, buttery, and slightly crunchy texture that adds incredible flavor and richness to the cake.

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

Yes, you can use any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • Is sour cream necessary for this recipe?

Sour cream helps create a moist, tender cake by adding richness and helping to tenderize the batter. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for similar results.

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Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

Description

Homemade apple coffee cake with crumb topping delivers comfort and warmth in one delightful dessert. Rich cinnamon notes and tender apple pieces invite home bakers to savor classic fall flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a 9-inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, developing a fluffy texture that provides a rich base for the cake.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, then blend in sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and consistent wet mixture.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
  6. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout to ensure apple flavor in every bite.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
  8. Prepare the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, then drizzle melted butter and mix until small, crumbly clusters form.
  9. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping across the entire surface of the cake batter, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
  10. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
  11. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, which helps set the structure and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are incorporated.
  • Dust the diced apples with a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 293 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 88 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 56 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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