Delicious Apple Coffee Cake Recipe to Try Today
Welcome coffee and apple lovers! Today, I present to you a recipe that will surely delight your taste buds – the Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake recipe. Imagine biting into a perfect marriage of a coffee cake and an apple crisp – the warm, buttery aroma of the cake and the heavenly taste of cinnamon and caramelized apples that blend oh-so-perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. Can’t you just smell it?
This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert on any occasion. It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and looks beautiful with its crumbly topping and bits of chopped apples peeking through the cake’s surface. It’s also versatile enough to be served warm or cold, elevating your entertaining game to the next level.
The key ingredient in this recipe is the tart Granny Smith apples that lend just enough tang and texture to balance out the sweet cinnamon sugar in the cake. The warm spices combined with crunchy walnuts make this dish reminiscent of fall flavors even during summer months. Trust me; you don’t want to miss out on this delectable treat.
So without further ado, let’s gather our ingredients, preheat our ovens, and get started on this delightful Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake journey. Your taste buds will thank you later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee and apple – two flavors that you might not have put together but they make an award-winning combination in this crunchy apple coffee cake recipe. If you love a great cup of coffee and have a sweet tooth, then this recipe is exactly what you need.
One of the standout features of this recipe is its crunchy texture, thanks to the brown sugar crumble topping combined with chopped walnuts. It’s perfect for people who love their breakfast or afternoon snack with a crispy bite. Whether you’re a fan of betty crocker-esque streusel toppings or crumb cakes, this recipe offers both in one baked good.
In terms of flavor, the tartness from the freshly grated granny smith apples matches perfectly with the cinnamon and nutmeg spices. This sweetness isn’t overpowering, it just adds the right amount of flavor to break through the richness of the dough.
This crumb cake is also relatively easy to make with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, flour, and sugar that are likely already in your pantry. You can upgrade your coffee experience to another level by mixing caramel apple flavors at home without needing complicated barista-ing skills.
So, if you’re looking for a classic and cozy autumn/winter dessert that would be enjoyable from morning until evening on any day of the year, you’ll absolutely love this crunchy apple coffee cake recipe.
Ingredient List
To make this crunchy apple coffee cake, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, room temperature (plus more for greasing), 1 cup
- Brown sugar (packed), 2 cups
- Large eggs (room temperature), 2
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Tart apples (peeled and chopped), 2 large
- Walnuts (chopped), 1/2 cup
For the crumble topping:
- All-purpose flour, 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar (packed), 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter (melted), 2 tablespoons
For the brown sugar glaze:
- Brown sugar (packed), 1/4 cup
- Butter flavor shortening, melted, 3 tablespoons
- Milk, 2 tablespoons
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before we start with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list, it’s time to move onto the fun part – making the Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake! Here are the step-by-step instructions for this delicious recipe:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan. Then, dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts until well combined. Add in 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, using a fork or pastry cutter to combine until mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until thoroughly combined.
In another mixing bowl, soften 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and add 1 1/2 cups of sugar. Beat using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add in 2 large eggs, one by one, and mix until fully incorporated. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add half of your flour mixture into your butter-sugar-egg mixture before mixing in 3/4 cup of sour cream. Mix in the remaining half of flour mixture until just incorporated.
Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients
Next, pour half of your batter into your prepared pan. Top with half of crumble topping before adding a layer of thinly sliced or chopped apples. Repeat this layering process, ensuring that you end with a layer of crumble topping.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake your Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake in your preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool down for 10-15 minutes in the pan before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
You can serve this delicious cake while it is still warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee or tea!
That’s it, folks! These simple steps will allow you to make the perfect Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake in no time. Don’t forget to share your baking photos and experience with us!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put your own spin on this apple coffee cake recipe? Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can try out to make it unique and tailored to your taste preferences.
Instead of walnuts, feel free to incorporate a different type of nut such as pecans, almonds or pistachios. You could even try using a seed like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different texture.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using coconut oil instead of butter flavor shortening. Coconut oil will also give the cake a distinct coconut flavor that pairs well with the apple and cinnamon.
Don’t have any sour cream on hand? No worries. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for an equally creamy and tangy taste.
Want to add extra sweetness to the crumb topping? Try mixing in some caramel bits or drizzle some caramel sauce over the top once the cake is baked. This will give it that classic caramel apple flavor that’s perfect for fall.
For a more seasonal twist, use diced pumpkin or sweet potato instead of apples in the recipe. This will give it a richer, more earthy taste that’s perfect for autumnal gatherings.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices as well! Instead of cinnamon, try using nutmeg, ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile. But remember not to go overboard with the herbs to avoid overpowering the delicious taste of this classic apple coffee cake.
With these substitution suggestions, you can take this crunchy apple coffee cake to another level and create a truly unique dessert experience. Have fun and let your creativity run wild!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your crunchy apple coffee cake is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. This cake recipe makes for a versatile dessert that pairs well with various beverages and toppings.
When it comes to serving, I recommend cutting the cake into 12 square pieces. The cake has just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to make you want a second slice.
To enhance the flavors of the cake, you can pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. You can either go for strong coffee or something more delicate depending on your preference. I personally love enjoying my slice with a cup of hot earl grey tea with a splash of milk.
As for toppings, you can dust some powdered sugar on top of the cake or drizzle some caramel sauce over it for an extra hint of sweetness. Another great option is to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance out the tanginess of the apples.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try serving this cake as part of a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair it with scrambled eggs and bacon for a savory twist or add some fresh fruit and yogurt for a refreshing start to your day.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this crunchy apple coffee cake is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know that the best part of a delicious cake recipe is being able to enjoy it for more than a day. That’s why I’m excited to share with you some tips for making the most out of your Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake recipe. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare, store and reheat your apple coffee cake so that it stays fresh and delicious:
Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, especially if you’re entertaining guests or planning to have a busy morning. You can make the cake up to two days before serving and store it in the refrigerator until needed. To ensure freshness, I recommend covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Storing: If you have any leftover apple coffee cake, don’t worry! You can store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, just pop it into the refrigerator for another two days. Make sure to slice only what you need and keep the remaining cake whole as this will help preserve its moistness.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave on high for about 10-15 seconds or until it’s warm. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Don’t forget that reheating may dry out your cake, so sprinkle some water on top of the piece of cake or add fresh whipped cream on top once reheated!
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake anytime – freshly baked or as leftovers. The best thing about this recipe is that it stays moist and delicious even when reheated – perfect for those on-the-go mornings or lazy Sunday brunches!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making a delicious Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake, there are some tips that can take it from good to great. Here are some tips and techniques to consider as you embark on this delightful recipe:
First of all, it’s essential to use the right size pan. A 9-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe, and using a smaller or larger one could affect both the consistency and baking time of your cake.
When measuring ingredients such as flour, be sure not to pack it down into the measuring cup. Scoop up the flour with a spoon and gently level off the top with a knife.
Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing your cake inside. Variation in temperature can alter the final result of your cake.
Another essential tip is to let your eggs come to room temperature before adding them to your batter. This will help with even mixing and ensure that you get a consistently fluffy texture.
The sour cream present in this recipe provides moisture and tanginess that complement the other flavors perfectly. Do not substitute it with Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, as it may negatively impact the texture of the cake.
When baking, rotate your pan halfway through cooking to ensure that the cake browns evenly on all sides – this way, you will end up with a luscious golden brown finish that looks great.
Finally, as tempting as it might be, avoid opening the oven door frequently while cooking. Doing so can release heat and disturb your oven’s internal environment resulting in uneven baking.
By following these tips, you can create an excellent Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake every time – one that’s scrumptious and pleases everyone who tries it!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert or breakfast for anyone who loves the taste of apples with a touch of cinnamon and sugar. Its easy-to-follow steps and the possibility of customizing it according to personal preferences make it an all-time favorite. Whether you enjoy making the crumbly topping or the delicious apple streusel as an addition to your coffee cake, you will not be disappointed.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try and enjoy its warm, comforting flavors that will keep you coming back for more. With its versatile variations and make-ahead options, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, perfect for any occasion. Trust me; you won’t regret indulging in this tasty treat.
Crunchy Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chopped peeled tart apples
topping
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream.
- Stir in apples.
- Transfer to two greased 8-inch square baking pans.
- For the topping, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Stir in nuts; sprinkle over batter.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Cover and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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