Best apple coffee cake recipe to try
Imagine starting your day with a warm, crumbly slice of coffee cake, the sweetness of apples and the richness of cinnamon filling the air.
Coffee cake, originating from Germany, has become a staple in American homes, particularly during breakfast and brunch gatherings.
This apple coffee cake recipe stands out with its perfect balance of sweet and spice, topped with a buttery streusel topping.
Using simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to create a moist and flavorful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.
What Makes This Apple Coffee Cake Special
With its combination of soft cake, cinnamon apples, and buttery streusel, this Apple Coffee Cake is truly exceptional. The perfect balance of textures is a key factor that sets it apart—a moist, tender cake base complemented by chunks of soft, cinnamon-infused apples.
The generous layer of buttery streusel topping creates a delightful contrast to the soft cake beneath, adding a satisfying crunch with every bite. Unlike many coffee cakes that can be dry, this recipe incorporates ingredients like yogurt or buttermilk that ensure a perfectly moist result every time.
- The double apple flavor comes from both fresh apple pieces throughout the cake and optional apple extract that intensifies the fruity notes.
- This versatile treat works equally well as a special breakfast, brunch centerpiece, afternoon snack with coffee, or even as a comforting dessert.
- The recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweetness—not too sugary but satisfying enough to feel like a true indulgence.
Overall, the combination of flavors and textures, along with its versatility, makes this Apple Coffee Cake a standout recipe that’s sure to please.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of a great apple coffee cake lies in the quality and combination of its ingredients. To make this delicious treat, you’ll need to gather a mix of basic pantry staples and a few special ingredients.
For the Cake Batter
For the cake batter, you’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Your wet ingredients will include butter at room temperature, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk or yogurt for moisture. Ensure all these ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best texture.
For the Apple Filling
The apple filling requires 1½-2 cups of peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best), brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of flour to absorb excess moisture. The quality of your apples will significantly impact the flavor of your coffee cake.
For the Streusel Topping
Creating the perfect streusel topping is simple with a mixture of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter—this creates those irresistible sweet, buttery crumbs that make coffee cake so special.
Optional Glaze
For an optional but recommended finishing touch, prepare a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk or cream to drizzle over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Best Apples for Your Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
For a moist and flavorful apple coffee cake, selecting the best apples is key. The right variety can enhance the overall taste and texture of your cake. We prefer using Honeycrisp apples for any apple recipe because they pair well with the sweet cake and streusel topping. Their firm texture holds up nicely to baking, resulting in tender but not mushy apples.
Other excellent options for your apple coffee cake recipe include Fuji, Granny Smith apples, Braeburn, and Pink Lady. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice due to their tartness and firm texture. Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Braeburn apples remain firm when baked and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
When preparing apples, cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can choose to leave the peels on for added texture and nutrition. For the best flavor, consider combining two apple varieties to create a complex flavor profile in your coffee cake.
- Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a tart and sweet combination.
- Fuji and Braeburn for a sweeter and firmer texture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To get started with your apple coffee cake recipe, gather these necessary kitchen tools. Having the right equipment is crucial for a smooth baking process.
First, you’ll need an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan for baking your coffee cake. While a 9-inch round cake pan can be used as a substitute, a square pan is ideal.
- A stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer simplifies creaming butter and sugar.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- A large bowl is necessary for mixing the cake batter, while a medium bowl is used for the streusel topping.
- A rubber spatula is essential for folding apple pieces into the batter.
- A wire cooling rack helps prevent condensation from making the cake bottom soggy.
Additionally, parchment paper can be used to line your pan, making cleanup easier. A sharp knife or apple corer is necessary for preparing apple pieces, and a whisk helps combine dry ingredients.
Step-by-Step Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making a scrumptious apple coffee cake from scratch. To achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures, follow these detailed steps carefully.
Preparing the Apples
Begin by preparing your apples—peel, core, and dice them into small, uniform pieces, about ¼-inch cubes, to ensure they cook evenly throughout the cake. This step is crucial for the overall texture and flavor distribution in your apple coffee cake.
Making the Streusel Topping
For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Then, cut in softened butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed. This topping adds a delightful crunch to your coffee cake.
Mixing the Cake Batter
When mixing the cake batter, start by whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a medium bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening agents. Then, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well between additions and scraping down the sides of the bowl. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Assembling and Baking
To assemble, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Spread slightly more than half the batter in the prepared pan, layer the apple mixture evenly over the batter, then carefully spread the remaining batter on top. Sprinkle with the streusel topping, pressing it into the batter gently. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Apple Coffee Cake
Elevate your baking game with these pro tips for a flawless apple coffee cake. To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, it’s crucial to follow the recipe and use the exact ingredients listed.
Correct measuring is also vital. Whisk the flour, then spoon it into a dry measuring cup, and level off the top with a straight edge. You don’t need to peel the apples before adding them to the batter.
- Use the spoon and level method for flour to ensure accurate measurements.
- Keep butter, eggs, and dairy at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate streusel topping if butter is too soft | Maintains crumbly texture |
| Test with a toothpick | Ensures cake is done |
| Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes | Prevents breaking |
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious apple coffee cake with a tender cake and crunchy streusel topping.
Variations to Try
The versatility of this apple coffee cake recipe allows for numerous delicious variations. You can modify it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a great base for experimentation.
Add-ins and Flavor Enhancements
To add some extra flavor and texture to your apple coffee cake, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or streusel topping. You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice, instead of using just cinnamon.
- Enhance the flavor with chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
- Try using different types of sugar or adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
| Add-in | Flavor Profile | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped Nuts | Rich, nutty | Crunchy |
| Dried Cranberries | Sweet, fruity | Chewy |
| Caramel Sauce | Sweet, indulgent | Smooth |
Dietary Adaptations
If you have specific dietary needs, you can easily adapt this recipe. For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy yogurt or milk.
Storing and Serving Your Apple Coffee Cake
Proper storage techniques will help you enjoy your apple coffee cake for days. To maintain its freshness and moisture, it’s crucial to store it correctly.
Storage Tips
Store your apple coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your apple coffee cake warm or cooled, paired with a cup of coffee or a frozen fruit cup. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a special treat.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea
- Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a dessert
Conclusion
Our apple coffee cake recipe brings together the best elements of traditional coffee cake, with a moist texture, sweet streusel topping, and warm spices, combined with the beloved flavor of fresh apples for a truly exceptional treat.
Whether you’re serving it for a special breakfast, weekend brunch, or casual dessert, this versatile cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With basic ingredients and simple instructions, you can create a delicious coffee cake that’s perfect for any time of day.
By following this apple coffee cake recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy a scrumptious homemade treat that’s sure to impress, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Happy baking!