Print

Apple Coffee Cake

Print Recipe

A warm and comforting Apple Coffee Cake bursting with tender moist cake, sweet spiced apple pieces, and a crunchy buttery streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, this easy-to-make cake blends balanced flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Streusel Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • Optional: Additional nuts for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and distribute throughout the cake for bursts of fruity flavor.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars (granulated and brown sugar) until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base that will add a tender crumb and sweetness.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and sour cream or yogurt, mixing just until combined for a moist yet structured batter.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can become tough.
  6. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold the diced apples and optional nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
  7. Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter pieces with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly but not overly fine.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan, sprinkle the streusel topping liberally on top, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor balance.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • Use cold butter for the streusel topping to maintain its crumbly texture and prevent it from melting into the batter.
  • Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for easier handling and better flavor development.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple Coffee Cake, Moist Apple Cake, Streusel Topping, Breakfast Cake, Brunch Dessert, Spiced Apple Cake, Cozy Dessert

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/apple-coffee-cake/