Introduction
Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, sweet apple pieces, and delicious streusel topping make it a favorite among many. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat with coffee, this cake is sure to please. With a balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a cake that is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (226 grams), room temperature (2 sticks)
– ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
– ¾ cup brown sugar (160 grams)
– ¼ cup vegetable oil (50 grams)
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (8 grams)
– 3 large eggs (150 grams), room temperature
– ½ cup sour cream (114 grams), room temperature
– 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 grams)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 medium apples (300 grams), sliced into thin 1-inch pieces
For the Topping and Glaze:
– ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams), melted (1 stick)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
– ¾ cup brown sugar (160 grams)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams)
– ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup powdered sugar (113 grams)
– 2 tablespoons milk (28 grams)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
Serves 12
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the pure vanilla extract, large eggs, and sour cream until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Carefully fold in the sliced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Step 8: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until it forms a crumbly texture.
Step 9: Sprinkle Topping
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake batter in the baking pan.
Step 10: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until the mixture is smooth.
Step 12: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake.
Step 13: Allow Glaze to Set
Allow the glaze to set before serving the cake.
Notes
Storage Recommendations
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Apple Choices
Use your favorite apples for this recipe, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs well with coffee or tea and can be served warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Cook techniques
1. Creaming Butter and Sugars
This technique involves beating room temperature butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. It incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cake rise and achieve a tender texture.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients
Using ingredients such as eggs and sour cream at room temperature ensures better mixing and a smoother batter, resulting in a more uniform texture in the final cake.
3. Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt allows for even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, which helps in achieving a consistent flavor and rise in the cake.
4. Folding in Apples
Gently folding in sliced apples ensures they are evenly distributed without overmixing the batter. This technique maintains the airiness of the mixture while incorporating the fruit.
5. Making Streusel Topping
Combining melted butter with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt creates a crumbly texture. This topping adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the apple coffee cake when baked.
6. Baking the Cake
Baking at 350°F for the right amount of time ensures that the cake rises properly and cooks evenly, helping to avoid a dry or undercooked center. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
7. Glazing the Cake
Mixing powdered sugar with milk results in a smooth glaze that adds sweetness and a decorative flourish to the cooled cake. Drizzling it over the top after cooling enhances the flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any variety of apples you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Fuji work well for baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover apple coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Is there a way to make this cake healthier?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for some of the butter to make it lighter.
Can I add nuts or other spices?
Feel free to add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch or incorporate spices like nutmeg or allspice for added flavor complexity.
Conclusion
The Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apples. Its moist texture and crumbly topping make it a delightful dessert or breakfast option. The added glaze gives it an appealing finish, making it not only delicious but visually attractive as well. This cake is sure to please anyone who enjoys the comforting flavors of baking, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a simple family meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Transform your favorite Apple Coffee Cake into individual muffins for a portable breakfast or snack option.
Caramel-Pecan Apple Coffee Cake
Add a rich caramel swirl and toasted pecans to the batter for a decadent twist on the classic recipe.
Spiced Apple Oatmeal Bars
Use a similar flavor profile with oats to create easy-to-serve apple bars that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Apple Walnut Bread
Incorporate walnuts into an apple bread recipe for added crunch and a nuttier flavor.
Apple Cheesecake
Combine the flavors of apple coffee cake with creamy cheesecake for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Vanilla Glazed Apple Scones
Create scones with apple pieces and drizzle with a vanilla glaze for a delightful pairing with coffee or tea.
Cinnamon Apple Pancakes
Use the same apple and cinnamon flavors to create fluffy pancakes that bring a taste of autumn to your breakfast table.
