Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines tender cake, sweet apples, and a crunchy crumble topping. This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The richness of this recipe comes from the flavors of toasted walnuts and warm cinnamon, creating a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
What You’ll Need for Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
To make this delicious coffee cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.75 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1.5 cups finely chopped toasted walnuts (150g)
- 0.33 cup packed light brown sugar (70g)
- 0.33 cup white sugar (70g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (for the crumble)
- 1 cup white sugar (200g)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (115g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt (240ml)
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 Honeycrisp apples
How to Make Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
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Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients to ensure you have everything ready.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the oven rack in the center. Generously butter a 9×12-inch baking dish using 2 teaspoons of butter.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon of sea salt. Set this mixture aside.
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Prepare Crumble Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, 0.33 cup of brown sugar, 0.33 cup of white sugar, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon salt. Mix until the walnuts and sugars are coated with butter, then set the crumb mixture aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of white sugar and 0.5 cup of room temperature butter until well blended.
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Add Eggs: Whisk in the first egg and mix until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the second egg, mixing until thoroughly combined.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the yogurt and vanilla extract; whisk until incorporated.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to your yogurt mixture. Whisk until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
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Prepare the Apples: Remove the cores from the Honeycrisp apples and cut them into 0.25- to 0.5-inch slices. Stack a few slices, cut them lengthwise down the center, and then dice them into cubes.
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Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter using a spatula until just combined.
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Layer the Batter: Spread half of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Evenly scatter half of the crumble mixture on top.
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Add Remaining Batter: Dollop the rest of the cake batter on top of the crumble; spread it carefully without disturbing the crumble too much.
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Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the rest of the crumble mixture over the top and gently press the crumbs into the batter.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve & Enjoy Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Once your Apple Crumble Coffee Cake has cooled, it’s time to serve! Cut it into squares or rectangles and place them on a lovely serving plate. This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat!
Helpful Tricks for Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
- Apple Varieties: While Honeycrisp apples are great for this recipe due to their sweetness and crispness, feel free to substitute with other varieties like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Fuji for sweetness.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, you can mix some oats into the crumble topping.
Apple Crumble Coffee Cake FAQs
1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds would work wonderfully in this recipe as well!
2. How can I store any leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends, give this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake a try! With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking!