Delicious Apple Coffee Cake Recipe for Brunch!
Welcome to the world of coffee and cakes, where every slice is a delightful bite that can brighten up your day. As a barista, I believe that coffee and cakes create the perfect pairing for those who need an extra boost to start their morning or to get through a mid-afternoon slump. Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Crumbly Apple Coffee Cake, a cake that highlights the flavors of autumn.
This cake is not your ordinary plain Jane coffee cake. It is loaded with chunks of juicy apples and topped with a generous layer of buttery and crumbly streusel topping. The aroma of freshly ground cinnamon emanates throughout your kitchen as you bake this delectable dessert.
But what makes this particular apple coffee cake stand out from others is its moist texture and crumbly top layer that creates the perfect balance between softness and crunchiness. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack or dessert, there’s never a wrong time to enjoy this delicious treat.
So, without further ado, let me take you on a journey through the making of an apple crumble coffee cake that will have you reaching for seconds every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving something sweet to go with your morning coffee or tea? Look no further than this Crumbly Apple Coffee Cake Recipe! With its buttery streusel topping, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and moist cake base, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while starting your day off right.
What sets this recipe apart from other coffee cakes is its crumbly texture. The crumb topping adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cake base and tender, caramelized apples. When you take a bite of this delicious treat, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that will make you close your eyes in delight.
This recipe also allows for some customization based on your personal preferences. You can swap out the apples for pears or blueberries, add more cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth and depth of flavor, or even experiment with different types of flour to create gluten-free or even vegan versions. The possibilities are endless!
In addition, this Crumbly Apple Coffee Cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It’s an excellent choice for brunches and gatherings as it can be made ahead of time and stored easily. The aroma of baking cinnamon-spiced apples will fill your home with tantalizing fragrances, making everyone’s mouths water in anticipation.
In conclusion, this Crumbly Apple Coffee Cake Recipe is one that you don’t want to miss out on. With its delicious crumb topping, warm spiced apple flavor, and customizable options, it’s the perfect breakfast cake for any occasion. So why not give it a try today and experience the difference a good coffee cake can make?
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious crumbly apple coffee cake:
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 apples (peeled, cored and chopped)
The ingredient list is quite simple and most of the ingredients may already be in your pantry. In case you need something a little bit different, feel free to substitute some of the ingredients with what you have on hand.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get started with the crumbly apple coffee cake recipe. In this section, I will guide you through the step-by-step instructions on how to make a perfect crumble coffee cake with fresh apples.
Prepare the Ingredients
First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F. It’s crucial to have the oven ready before preparing the cake batter. Then, gather all your ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream or light sour cream
- 2 peeled and chopped apples
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Make the Crumb Topping
To start making the topping for your delicious crumble coffee cake, you’ll want to combine all of the dry ingredients. Grab a small bowl and whisk together 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Add in 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Mix and rub it gently with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix All the Wet Ingredients Together in a Separate Bowl
In a medium bowl, beat the 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of light brown sugar together on medium speed until creamy and smooth. Add in two large eggs and beat well, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
Next, mix in 1 cup of sour cream or light sour cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once you have both the dry and wet ingredients prepared, it’s time to mix them together. Sift the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a separate bowl.
Then, take half of the flour mixture and fold it gradually into the wet ingredient mix ensuring that it’s well incorporated before folding in the rest. Finally, stir in two peeled and chopped apples.
Layer Your Cake
Use a spatula to pour about half of your cake batter into a lightly greased 9-inch square or round baking dish. Spread it evenly with an offset spatula to create an even layer, then sprinkle with half of your crumb topping.
Pour over the remaining batter gently using your spatula to spread it out
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is being able to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create unique flavor profiles. If you’re looking to add your own twist to this delicious crumbly apple coffee cake recipe, there are many substitutions and variations you can try.
For example, instead of all-purpose flour, you can use gluten-free flour blends such as King Arthur or Betty Crocker for a gluten-free option. You can also swap out the apples for other fruits like blueberries or peaches to make a delightful fruit crumble coffee cake.
Another variation you can try is adding some cinnamon streusel swirls in between the layers of the cake batter for a caramel apple crumb cake. Additionally, adding some caramel sauce on top of the crumble topping would make this apple crumble coffee cake even more decadent.
For those who prefer a lighter version, you may use light sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream. The result will have fewer calories and fat grams, but still maintain its moistness and tenderness.
If you want to skip the homemade crumble topping altogether, you can sprinkle some store-bought apple crisp mix on top of the batter before baking for a shortcut alternative.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions for this versatile coffee cake recipe. So let your creativity run wild and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture!
Serving and Pairing
What’s better than a freshly brewed cup of coffee? A slice of crumbly apple coffee cake to go with it, of course! This recipe is perfect for serving as a breakfast treat, brunch addition or even an afternoon snack to satisfy any sweet cravings.
To serve this coffee cake, gather your loved ones and brew a pot of freshly roasted coffee. Cut the cake into slices and serve it on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream or a pour of caramel sauce – if you’re feeling indulgent. The warm spiced aroma mixed with the sweet apple flavor will awaken your senses and send your taste buds into overdrive.
If you’re entertaining guests, pair this delightful cake with other delectable treats such as fresh fruits, cinnamon rolls, pancakes or chocolate croissants. The cake’s crumbly texture and flavorful crumb topping make it versatile enough to be served in any setting whether for breakfast, dessert or anything in-between.
The sweetness level of this coffee cake is moderate, which makes it a pleasant pairing for different types of coffee blends such as dark roast, medium roast or even light roast. It also pairs well with alternative hot beverages like chai tea or hot cocoa during colder months.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family; they will fall in love with it as much as you will!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this crumbly apple coffee cake recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. You can prepare the cake base and topping up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake the cake, simply assemble the layers and pop it in the oven.
Once baked, this espresso-infused delight will stay fresh for several days. You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
If you have leftover slices of this cake, reheating them is easy! Simply place them in a preheated oven (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes until warm. Another option is to reheat individual slices in the microwave on high power (in 30-second intervals), or even use a toaster oven.
Keep in mind that microwave reheating may cause the streusel topping to become a bit soggy. To avoid that, you can remove the topping before reheating and add it back on once the cake is warmed up.
Overall, this crumbly apple coffee cake recipe is perfect for brunches or as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee. Plus, with its make-ahead nature and easy storing and reheating process, you can enjoy this delicious treat anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a perfect crumbly apple coffee cake can be challenging, especially if you are attempting the recipe for the first time. Several factors could ruin your final product, such as incorrect measurements, overmixing the batter or using a wrong oven temperature. However, implementing some tips and tricks when baking this delightful cake will give you an irresistibly delicious dessert that everyone will be raving about. Here are some tips for perfect results.
Firstly, use room temperature butter when preparing the streusel or crumble topping. Using cold butter will make it difficult to blend with other ingredients, resulting in a lumpy topping. Set out unsalted butter at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you start baking.
Secondly, don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter can cause your coffee cake to be tough and chewy. Mix only until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Thirdly, make sure to use an accurate measuring scale or cups to get precise measurements for every ingredient used in making the cake. Too much or too little of an ingredient can quickly ruin your recipe’s taste and texture.
Fourthly, check on the oven temperature. Choose the right level of temperature set, so neither high nor low; otherwise, it will cause uneven baking and may burn your cake’s sides while keeping its center uncooked.
Fifthly, when storing the cake in containers, add some parchment paper on top to absorb moisture content from the coffee cake during long storage periods.
Lastly, experimenting with substitutions like gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour could bring a unique twist in terms of flavor but always remember that modifying one ingredient will affect others’ behavior.
Implementing these tips and tricks guarantees great results every time you bake this coffee cake recipe. Ingredients have been carefully selected to provide distinct flavors and aroma from apple crispness to vanilla sweetness; following these tips will help unlock its full potential creating an unforgettable delight.
FAQ
As a barista, I understand that making a delicious coffee cake can be challenging. To help make the process smoother for you, I have included a list of frequently asked questions about this recipe. These questions cover areas like substitutions and variations, make-ahead tips, and ingredients. By addressing these concerns, you’ll have all the information you need to make the perfect crumbly apple coffee cake each time you use this recipe.
Why does my coffee cake crumble?
When cakes turn out too crumbly, it’s often due to issues with the cake dough. This may be because the cake flour contains an excessive amount of gluten, which affects the overall cake-making process in a similar way to other types of baking.
What is the difference between coffee cake and crumble cake?
When it comes to cake, the streusel topping plays a significant role in distinguishing between crumb cake and coffee cake. In general, crumb cake is known for having a more generous and thicker layer of streusel topping than coffee cake. Additionally, while coffee cake can be made without the crumbly layer, crumb cake depends on it. Interestingly, there is a variation known as New York-style crumb cake, which features larger chunks of streusel topping.
What is an apple crumb cake?
I’m here to guide you through making a delectable breakfast treat – the ultra soft apple crumb cake. This classic New York-style cake is bursting with warm cinnamon apples and a generous serving of crumb topping. Its moist texture and perfectly spiced flavor make it simply irresistible. To top it all off, we’ll add a sweet maple icing for an extra flavor punch. And if you’re a fan of crumb topping, you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try. Let’s get started!
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
When it comes to cakes, the amount of streusel topping used determines whether it’s a crumb cake or a coffee cake. Generally, crumb cake has a denser layer of streusel compared to coffee cake, which can actually be made without any streusel topping.
Bottom Line
Are you ready to experience the pure joy of this crumbly apple coffee cake recipe? I hope I have convinced you that this recipe is worth your time and effort. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special breakfast treat or a weekend brunch. The combination of apples, cinnamon and streusel is simply irresistible.
By following my detailed instructions, tips and recommendations, you’ll achieve a perfectly baked coffee cake that’s moist and flavorful with a lovely crumbly topping. But don’t stop at just making it once! With the recipe’s versatility, feel free to play around with different variations of apples, toppings and even using sour cream or Greek yogurt.
In conclusion, this apple crumble coffee cake recipe combines the warming flavors of cinnamon, juicy apples and a buttery, crumbly topping to create an indulgently delicious coffee cake that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and can be adapted to dietary restrictions too – gluten-free or subbing out certain ingredients are possible options. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share with your loved ones for an unforgettable treat!
Crumbly Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (can use dark brown sugar, the cake will just be darker)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1 cup light sour cream or 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled cored and chopped apples (use Granny Smith or another tart apple)
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with 2 teaspoons of the butter.
- In a large bowl, cream together the remaining stick of butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after the addition of each. In a separate bowl or on a piece of parchment, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and vanilla. Fold in the apples. Pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading out to the edges.
- To make the topping, in a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter, and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the cake and bake until golden brown and set, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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