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Apple Coffee Cake

Apple Coffee Cake

Apple Coffee Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful treat combining fresh apples with a cinnamon-spiced crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this easy-to-make recipe uses common pantry ingredients to deliver a cozy and comforting dessert that can be customized with nuts, raisins, or alternative fruits.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh apples, peeled and diced or grated
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt

Crumb Topping

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/3 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel and dice your apples into small chunks or grate them to release more moisture; set aside while you prepare the batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a tender crumb and rich flavor.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract and sour cream or yogurt for moisture and a slight tang.
  5. Combine Apples and Dry Mix: Gently fold chopped or grated apples (and optional nuts or raisins if using) into the dry ingredients, then carefully mix the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Prepare Crumb Topping: Mix brown sugar, oats, a pinch of cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly, then evenly sprinkle over the cake batter in the pan.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to preserve its moist texture and enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even blending and better texture.
  • If adding nuts, lightly toast them to amplify their flavor and crunch.
  • Start checking the cake at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures vary.
  • Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven to refresh moisture and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple coffee cake, cinnamon crumb cake, breakfast cake, apple dessert, coffee cake, moist cake