Delicious Apple Ginger Streusel Cake Recipe
Greetings coffee lovers! Do you love the sweet smell of cinnamon and apples wafting through your home? Trust me, there’s nothing like a hot cup of coffee with a slice of warm and scrumptious apple ginger streusel coffee cake, fresh out of the oven.
As a barista, I know how important it is to start your day right, and having a delicious breakfast paired with a cup of coffee is a perfect way to do it. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe for apple ginger streusel coffee cake – it’s guaranteed to become one of your new favorites.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a sweet treat and coffee in the morning, or for those who just want to indulge in something delicious during their afternoon coffee break. The crunchy streusel topping with crystallized ginger combined with the soft chunks of apple make every bite heavenly. Trust me when I say that this scrumptious cake will fill your mouth with flavors that will make you fall in love with it at first bite!
So let’s grab our ingredients, put on some good tunes, and start baking! Get ready to create memories around the table with friends and family as we indulge in this incredible Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake recipe – it’s truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Welcome to my recipe for Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake, a mouthwatering dessert that will satisfy all your cravings! Here are some reasons why you’re bound to fall in love with this delectable treat:
First and foremost, this coffee cake has an irresistible combination of flavors. With the earthy taste of two different kinds of apples – Granny Smith and Golden Delicious – mixed in with ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, every bite is a unique experience of sweet and spicy goodness. And let’s not forget the streusel topping, which consists of brown sugar, walnuts, ginger, and butter – it adds a delightful crunchy texture to the soft cake.
Secondly, the recipe is fairly easy to follow even for novice bakers. It only requires basic ingredients like flour, eggs, butter, sugar, baking powder/soda, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. You will also need to prepare the apples by peeling and dicing them into small pieces or thin slices.
Furthermore, this coffee cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed on any occasion – breakfast or brunch or as a dessert. Imagine how perfect it would be on a cozy autumn day when you want something warm and comforting? Or for when you have guests coming over and want to show off your baking skills? The aroma of freshly baked Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake filling your home will make everyone feel welcome.
Lastly, this recipe allows you to exercise creative license by making substitutions or variations. For instance, if you don’t have access to fresh apples, you can use canned apple pie filling instead. Alternatively, try swapping out the walnuts with pecans for an extra crunch factor.
In summary, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake recipe – from its unique flavor combination to its versatility and ease-of-preparation. Why not give it a try today? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
They say that every great cake starts with great ingredients, and this recipe for delicious Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake is no exception. So let’s dive into the list of items we need to create a masterpiece coffee cake filled with grated Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples, spiced up with crystallized ginger, and finished off with a generous dose of streusel topping.
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 granny smith apple, peeled and grated
- 1 golden delicious apple, peeled and grated
- ¼ cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
For the streusel topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Don’t miss these tips:
When it comes to measurements, accuracy is key! That’s why I always recommend using measuring cups and spoons for dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cups gently and then level it off with a knife or any straight-edged tool. For liquid ingredients like buttermilk and vanilla extract, use a liquid measuring cup for the best results.
Choose the apples that are firm, fresh, and juicy. I prefer to use Granny Smith and Golden Delicious because they are known for their tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake. Be sure to peel and grate them as fine as possible so that they blend well with the cake batter. Finally, to enhance the ginger flavor in this recipe, I recommend using finely chopped crystallized ginger instead of ground ginger powder. It works magic!
To save time, you can always toast the walnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Toasting nuts brings out their natural oils which intensify their flavor and adds a delightful crunch throughout the cake.
Now that we have gone through the essentials let’s move on to the recipe-how-to section!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all of the necessary ingredients measured and laid out on your counter, we can start making the delicious Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake! Follow these steps for a sweet and spicy dessert or breakfast treat that will impress all of your guests.
1. Preheat the Oven
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking this type of coffee cake since it ensures even cooking without burning the edges or top.
2. Prepare The Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet butter mixture. While adding them gradually make sure to stir them well so that both mixtures combine perfectly.
Then, add in grated Granny Smith apples and Golden Delicious apple into the mixing bowl along with buttermilk and crystallized ginger. Fold them in until fully combined.
3. Make The Streusel Topping
For the streusel topping combine all-purpose flour, walnuts, demerara sugar or dark brown sugar, softened unsalted butter, ground cinnamon and ginger in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork or food processor to create crumbles that are about pea-sized.
4. Pour The Batter & Add The Topping
Grease or line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Pour in half of the batter dough then sprinkle with half of the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter dough. Then pour remaining dough from above onto streusel topping.
Add remaining streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
5. Bake The Coffee Cake
Place the coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick to check it is clean when inserted in the middle of your apple ginger streusel coffee cake. Once baked, take it out slowly from oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes.
Bonus Tip: Serve as Warm
For best results, serve them warm and dust with confectioners’ sugar before slicing and serving to make them look fruity and more delicious. Enjoy!
Now that you have followed all the steps above, you could make yourself “Betty Crocker” of your family and friends. Your homemade Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake is now ready to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake is already deliciously perfect, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, here are some substitutions and variations that you can try.
– Apples: Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are the stars of this coffee cake, but you can use any apple variety that you like. Just make sure to choose apples that are firm and tart for the best results.
– Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it.
– Crystallized ginger: If you don’t have crystallized ginger, you can leave it out or substitute it with chopped dried apricots or raisins. You’ll still get a sweet and chewy texture in every bite.
– Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to use pecans or almonds instead. You can also omit nuts altogether if you have allergies.
– Streusel topping: The streusel topping is what makes this coffee cake extra special. You can customize it by adding different spices like cardamom, cloves, or allspice. You can also add rolled oats, shredded coconut, or chopped chocolate for extra texture.
– Gluten-free version: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the packaging for ratios and other instructions on how to use the flour blend.
Remember that this recipe is very forgiving and versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared this mouth-watering apple ginger streusel coffee cake, it’s time to serve and pair it. The fluffy coffee cake is sure to delight your taste buds with its crunchy streusel topping and tender apple bits.
This cake pairs exceptionally well with a steaming hot mug of coffee, tea or even a frothy latte. I recommend serving it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack or as a sweet ending to any dinner party.
For added indulgence, dust the cake with some confectioners’ sugar before serving it. You can also accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special touch.
If you want to make this coffee cake even more impressive, consider topping it with glazed apples as the perfect complement. The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs particularly well with the sweetness of the streusel.
If you’re looking for a match made in heaven, try pairing this cake with betty crocker cider donuts or pumpkin apple crumble for an all-around autumnal experience.
Overall, this apple ginger streusel coffee cake will be the highlight of any gathering, and its flavor profile makes it an ideal dish for sharing with loved ones over warm drinks and laughter.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake is a perfect dessert to make ahead and store for later. In fact, the cake actually tastes even better after a day or two when the flavors have had time to meld together.
To prepare the cake ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and let the cake cool completely before storing it. You can choose to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil or an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before reheating.
To reheat the cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the wrapping and place the whole cake on a baking sheet in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This way, you will be able to enjoy a warm slice of freshly heated coffee cake without compromising its tender texture.
When reheating individual slices, wrap them loosely in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for around 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe plate and heat each slice for around 20 seconds on high heat.
If you want your Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake to last longer than 3 days, store it in the freezer instead. To do so, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, making sure it’s sealed tight with as little air as possible. The cake will stay fresh for up to three months when stored properly in the freezer.
In conclusion, The Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake is a delicious dessert that can be easily made ahead of time and stored for later use. Just use our instructions and enjoy your homemade coffee cake’s rich flavors whenever you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making an Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake, it’s important to pay attention to the details to get the best results. Here are some tips to make your coffee cake stand out from the rest and delight your taste buds.
Firstly, use cold butter when making the streusel topping. This will help the streusel retain its crumby texture and not melt into the cake while baking. It’s also important to chop the walnuts finely so that they don’t overpower the other flavors in the coffee cake.
Secondly, do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can activate too much gluten, which can cause your cake to be tough instead of fluffy. Mix just until everything is combined and then stop!
Thirdly, make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to verify that it has reached the correct temperature. This ensures even baking of your cake and helps it rise properly.
Fourthly, let your coffee cake cool down before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. If you sprinkle sugar on a hot cake, it will melt and disappear quickly. Wait until your cake is completely cool before dusting it.
Lastly, store your Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. Warm up individual slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving for that freshly baked taste.
By following these tips, you’ll make a flavorful, tender yet crispy coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding variations or substitutions to create a unique twist on this classic recipe!
FAQ
As a barista and recipe aficionado, I’ve found that people often have questions about cooking and baking. Some of the most common queries I get are about substitutions for certain ingredients or how to modify a recipe to make it more personal. In this section, I’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about this apple ginger streusel coffee cake recipe.
What makes coffee cake different?
Coffee cake, also known as kaffekuchen, is a delectable baked good that is made of a single layer of cake infused with a sweet cinnamon flavor and topped off with a streusel made from flour, sugar, and butter. Some variations of this cake may also contain a layer of streusel inside the cake. Fruit flavors such as blueberry are often used to add even more taste to the cake.
How do you make a Mary Berry ginger cake?
For the preparation of a scrumptious gingerbread cake, you will need the following ingredients: dark muscovado sugar weighing about 250g or 8oz, black treacle taken from half of a 225g tin, plain flour of about 375g or 12oz, 5 teaspoons of ground ginger and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Additionally, you will require 2 beaten eggs, unsweetened milk measuring 300ml or half a pt, and 3 pieces of optional crystallised stem ginger from a jar.
Why is crumb cake called coffee cake?
A delicious pastry that pairs well with coffee is called a crumb cake, also known as a coffee cake. However, it is important to note that just any coffee cake cannot be referred to as a crumb cake, as the latter requires a specific amount of crumb topping to be classified as such. It’s helpful to keep this distinction in mind when you’re ordering at a bakery.
Why does my apple cake fall apart?
To ensure that your apple cake stays in one piece, there are two factors to consider: the cake’s temperature at serving time and the type and amount of apples used in the recipe. Before cutting and serving, make sure your cake has cooled down sufficiently. Additionally, pick the right type of apple and use them in moderation to prevent the cake from falling apart.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is a delightful and unique addition to any coffee cake recipe collection. It has a moist and tender crumb with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors from the apple and ginger streusel. This cake is perfect for your autumn brunch or as a sweet treat with your favorite cup of coffee.
As a barista, I highly recommend this recipe to all coffee lovers out there. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that will surely impress anyone who tries it. So, next time you’re searching for a cozy fall dessert to make with your loved ones, give this Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe a try!
Apple Ginger Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Streusel
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
For the Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 medium granny smith apples or 1 medium golden delicious apple, cored and chopped coarse
- confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F Butter and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan and set aside.
- For the streusel: Blend the brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, flour, and butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles large breadcrumbs.
- Mix in the walnuts and refrigerate until ready to use.
- For the cake: Sift together the flour, ground ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Stir in the ginger and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugars, continuing to beat until very light.
- Add the vanilla and then the eggs one at a time, beating each one in well before adding the next.
- Alternately stir in the flour mixture and the buttermilk, until he batter is just mixed. Don't overeat or your cake will be tough.
- Gently stir in the chopped apple.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with a third of the streusel.
- Pour in the remaining batter and top with the remaining streusel. The streusel will sink in a little during baking to make a swirl.
- Bake until the top of the cake is firm (a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean), about 40 to 45 minutes.
- Cool for 15 minutes in the pan on a wire rack. Invert the cake onto a serving platter, dust with confectioners' sugar, and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.