Apple Coffee Cake

by
Delicious slice of Apple Coffee Cake garnished with apples and cinnamon

Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that makes any occasion feel special. With warm spices and juicy apples, this cake delivers comforting flavors that remind you of home. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon, a family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself with a cup of coffee. Let’s dive into how to create this scrumptious dessert that’s sure to be a hit!

Gather Your Apple Coffee Cake Ingredients

To create this delicious dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • For the Apple Filling:

    • 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1/2 packed cup dark brown sugar

  • For the Crumb Topping:

    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 packed cup dark brown sugar
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • For the Cake:

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup vegetable oil
    • 1 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
    • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Apple Coffee Cake Recipe

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a bowl, toss together the diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Set this mixture aside so the flavors can meld.

  2. Make the Crumb Topping: In another bowl, mix together the flour, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with your hands until large crumbs form.

  3. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly.

  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt.

  5. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract until combined.

  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

  7. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the apple filling over this layer, then scoop the remaining batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake.

  8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

  9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan. When ready to serve, dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if you like.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

This cake is wonderful served warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature. Slice it into generous squares and place them on a pretty serving platter. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert lovers. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra indulgence!

Helpful Tricks for Apple Coffee Cake

  • Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart and maintain their shape when baked, making them perfect for this cake. You can mix them with sweeter apples for a more complex flavor.

  • Prevent Soggy Cake: Make sure to toss the diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar well and let them sit before adding them to the batter. This helps to draw out some moisture.

  • Store it Right: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just wrap it well!

Apple Coffee Cake: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture.

2. What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt or buttermilk work well as a substitute.

3. Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, gives the topping an extra crunch and flavor. Just toss them in with the flour mixture before adding the melted butter.

Give this Apple Coffee Cake a try today, and enjoy the delicious combination of soft cake, spiced apples, and crunchy topping! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!