Heavenly Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

Nestled in the world of comforting desserts, this apple coffee cake delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, tender crumbs mingle with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a buttery, irresistible topping.

Seasonal orchards inspire this delightful treat, bringing warmth to your kitchen with each slice.

Fragrant spices whisper memories of cozy autumn mornings, inviting you to savor every delectable bite.

Baking becomes an art form when simple ingredients transform into something magical and deeply satisfying.

Crisp apple pieces promise a delightful texture that complements the rich, golden cake beneath.

Ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds?

FAQs

• Are apples the best fruit for this coffee cake?

Yes, apples provide perfect moisture, slight tartness, and warm spice compatibility with cinnamon and nutmeg, making them ideal for this classic coffee cake recipe.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Definitely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji work best because they hold shape during baking and offer balanced sweetness and slight tartness.

• How do I know the crumb topping is correctly mixed?

The crumb topping should look like coarse, sandy texture with small and medium-sized clumps that will create a crumbly, crispy layer when baked.

• Is sour cream necessary for the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and subtle tanginess to the cake, helping create a rich, soft texture that makes this coffee cake extra delicious.

Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping That Shines

Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: This apple coffee cake brings warmth and joy to any kitchen gathering, perfect for connecting with loved ones over a delicious slice.

Create Seasonal Delight: Packed with fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, the recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn baking in every bite.

Master Simple Baking Skills: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, the recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee a delectable homemade dessert without complex techniques.

Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy this cake as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – its adaptable nature makes it suitable for multiple occasions and meal times.

Ingredients in Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and base for the cake batter and crumb topping.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complementary flavor to the apple cake.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its golden brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the dessert.
• Sour Cream: Creates moisture and helps make the cake tender and soft.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the coffee cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in the crumb topping for additional sweetness and texture.

How to Prepare Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Mixing these ingredients thoroughly prevents clumping and distributes spices evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

This process incorporates air, making your cake tender. Add eggs one at a time, then pour in vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps the batter tender.

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

Step 5: Prepare The Cake Base

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it smoothly and evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Craft Irresistible Crumb Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the cake batter.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This helps set the texture and makes slicing easier.

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Tips to Enhance Apple Coffee Cake Flavor

• Select ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your coffee cake.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent cake batter.
• Use fresh spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the cake's aromatic flavor profile and boost overall taste.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to help it set and prevent crumbling, which makes slicing and serving easier.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Flavorful Variations for Apple Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Almond Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free option that maintains a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Coffee Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's classic taste and texture.
• Pear Variation: Swap apples with fresh pears for a different fruity experience, keeping the same spice blend and crumb topping technique.

Enjoying 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.
• Fall Dessert Elegance: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience and add creamy richness.
• Brunch Showstopper: Present the cake as a centerpiece for weekend brunches, cutting into squares and arranging on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Holiday Gift Option: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a ribbon for a homemade gift that captures the warmth of seasonal baking.

Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping: Best Storage Tips

• Store the apple coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended preservation, lasting up to 5-7 days when sealed properly in a container.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious flavor.
• Reheat refrigerated or frozen slices by warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Best Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful apple coffee cake with crumb topping showcases classic autumn flavors from American home baking traditions. Warm spices and buttery streusel create a comforting dessert you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9-inch square baking pan with grease.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate large bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, then incorporate eggs individually, followed by vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream to maintain a consistent texture. Gently fold in diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly across the surface.
6. Create the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture forms small, irregular clusters.
7. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and evenly across the cake batter’s surface.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. The cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in this coffee cake.
• Let butter and eggs come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more even batter and better cake rise.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 264 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 93 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg