Irresistible Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

Sweet mornings call for something special, and this apple coffee cake with crumb topping brings delightful comfort right to your kitchen.

Warm, fragrant spices mingle with tender apple chunks, creating an irresistible breakfast treat.

Buttery crumbs scattered across the top provide a delectable crunch that elevates every single bite.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of soft cake and crisp, golden streusel.

Seasonal apples blend seamlessly with cinnamon and brown sugar, making this recipe a true morning champion.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor this homemade delight.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and enjoying every delectable moment.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping, Why It’s Special

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices and fresh apples, this coffee cake delivers cozy autumn vibes that make your kitchen smell incredible.
• Craft a Stress-Free Dessert: Super simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps mean anyone can create this delicious treat without culinary expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Buddy: Perfect for weekend brunches, potlucks, or casual family gatherings where you want a delightful sweet that everyone will enjoy.
• Master the Crumb Topping Magic: The irresistible crunchy brown sugar and cinnamon crumble adds a delectable texture that elevates this classic coffee cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

What’s in Apple Coffee Cake Crumb

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the coffee cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the overall flavor profile and complement the apple's natural sweetness.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the cake.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the coffee cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor.
• Sour Cream: Introduces moisture and creates a tender, soft texture.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the coffee cake.
• Brown Sugar, Flour, Melted Butter, Cinnamon: Combine to create a delicious crumbly topping that adds texture and extra flavor.

Steps for Perfect Crumb-Topped Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a loving coat of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Blend until perfectly combined with no lumpy surprises.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Gently beat in eggs and vanilla extract, creating a smooth, silky base.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream.

Fold in fresh diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Melted butter
• Cinnamon

Stir until the mixture looks like delicious, crumbly magic.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the surface.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake.

If it comes out clean, your masterpiece is ready!

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve warm, letting the aroma of cinnamon and apples fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Tips for Apple Coffee Cake Success

• Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your coffee cake.
• Toss diced apples with a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation during baking.
• Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs to ensure perfect baking.
• Sprinkle the crumb mixture gently and uniformly to create a delicious, crunchy top layer that covers the entire cake surface.
• Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain its moist texture and flavor.

Fun Variations for Apple Coffee Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs, and sour cream for dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Pear Lover's Swap: Substitute diced apples with ripe pears for a different fruity flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining cake's moistness.

Plating Apple Coffee Cake Beautifully

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm, spiced coffee cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve slices alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to create a hearty weekend brunch spread that will impress family and friends.
• Dessert Upgrade: Elevate the cake by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, turning it into a decadent after-dinner dessert with a touch of indulgence.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads joy.

Storing Apple Coffee Cake for Morning Treats

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-10 seconds if needed to prevent overheating.
• Warm slices at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to maintain moisture and prevent browning too quickly.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness for the best flavor.

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

Sour cream adds moisture and helps create a tender cake. If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk with similar results.

• How do I know when the coffee 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 moist.

• Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm spices and sweet apples dance together in this Classic Apple Coffee Cake, creating a delightful morning treat that whispers comfort. Generous crumb topping adds rich texture, making each bite a perfect companion to your favorite coffee.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating an 8×8-inch baking pan with grease and flour.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly blended.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Gently incorporate diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to create an even surface.
7. Create the crumb topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until it resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly across the top of the cake batter, covering the entire surface.
9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should emerge clean.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that maintains moisture and adds protein.
• Try different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to create unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Enhance the crumb topping by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Make this cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 236 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg