Delicious Apple Coffee Cake: A Moist and Easy Breakfast Cake Recipe

 

If you're looking for a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of apples, and the comfort of a homemade cake, this Apple Coffee Cake is the perfect choice. Whether you're serving it as a breakfast cake or a decadent apple dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. With its moist texture, rich streusel topping, and simple preparation, it’s an easy apple cake that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe

This coffee cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Moist apple cake: The addition of fresh apples ensures a tender and flavorful crumb.
• Apple streusel cake: A buttery, cinnamon-infused streusel topping adds the perfect crunch.
• Homemade apple cake: Made from scratch with simple ingredients, this cake feels special yet approachable.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results every time.

 Ingredients for Apple Coffee Cake

To create this moist apple cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan. For easier removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to a fluffy cake.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Press it down lightly to help it adhere to the cake.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Add the Glaze (Optional)

Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

 Tips for the Perfect Apple Coffee Cake

• Choose the right apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for baking. They hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined.
• Serve warm: This homemade apple cake tastes best when served slightly warmly with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

 Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to customize this apple streusel cake, here are some easy swaps:

• Sour cream: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor and moist texture.
• All-purpose flour: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Butter: If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
• Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended, you can use any firm, tart apple variety.

 Personal Anecdote

This Apple Coffee Cake holds a special place in my heart. It’s a recipe I inherited from my grandmother, who used to bake it every Sunday for family brunch. The smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house always signaled the start of a cozy, relaxing day. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly, adding a streusel topping for extra crunch and a glaze for a touch of sweetness. It’s become a staple in my own home, and I love sharing it with friends and family during the fall and winter months.

 Why This Recipe Stands Out

This apple streusel cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Its moist apple cake texture and rich streusel topping make it a standout among other coffee cake recipes. Plus, it’s an easy apple cake that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

 

This Apple Coffee Cake is the ultimate breakfast cake or apple dessert for any occasion. With its moist apple cake base, crunchy streusel topping, and optional glaze, it’s a recipe that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special brunch or simply craving a sweet treat, this easy apple cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Try this homemade apple cake today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite!

 

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