The Perfect Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping Recipe

Baking an irresistible apple coffee cake with crumb topping always feels like sharing a warm hug from my kitchen.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and butter drift through every corner while mixing ingredients.

Crisp autumn apples add incredible depth to this comforting classic dessert.

Soft, tender cake layers blend perfectly with crunchy, buttery crumbs that dance across the surface.

Seasonal spices create a magical backdrop for this delightful treat that seems to whisper comfort.

Home bakers will adore how simple yet spectacular this recipe becomes with just a few smart techniques.

Slice into this delectable creation and savor each memorable bite.

Ingredients Needed For Apple Coffee Cake

• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the coffee cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and texture to the dessert.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and add depth to the cake's flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, aromatic background note to the dessert.

• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and helps create a tender, soft cake texture.

• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• Cold Butter: Creates a crumbly, streusel-like texture for the cake's surface.

Directions For Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb

Step 1: Create Cake Batter Base

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg until perfectly blended.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture.

Gently add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for extra richness.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a smooth consistency.

Fold in freshly diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 4: Craft Crumb Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

Cut in cold butter until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 5: Assemble and Top the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips For Crunchy Topped Coffee Cake

• Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your coffee cake.
• Toss diced apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Use cold butter and work quickly with your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a sandy, crumbly texture for the topping.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle through the center to ensure the cake is fully baked without disturbing the crumb topping.
• Keep the coffee cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Apple Coffee Cake: Flavorful Twists

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same texture and taste while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and sour cream with coconut yogurt for a plant-based version that maintains the cake's rich flavor.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and add extra spices like ginger or cardamom to enhance the natural apple sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream with unsweetened applesauce or coconut cream, and use dairy-free margarine to create a lighter, allergen-friendly cake.

Serving Apple Coffee Cake For Breakfast

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm apple coffee cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Upgrade: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into small squares and serve alongside a selection of herbal teas for an elegant afternoon snack that's perfect for sharing with friends.
• Breakfast Potluck Star: Bring this coffee cake to brunch gatherings or family breakfasts as a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love and appreciate.

Keeping Apple Coffee Cake Moist

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place cake slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat, as it can make the cake tough and dry.

FAQs

• What are the key spices that make this apple coffee cake unique?

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, comforting flavors that perfectly complement the sweet apples, creating a rich and aromatic taste profile.

• Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Each apple brings a slightly different texture and sweetness to the cake, so choose based on your preference.

• Is this coffee cake suitable for breakfast or dessert?

This versatile cake works wonderfully for both occasions. It’s light enough for a morning treat and sweet enough to serve as a delightful dessert after a meal.

Apple Coffee Cake With A Crunchy Top

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, cozy apple coffee cake that captures the essence of autumn with its rich cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
• Master Simple Baking: Enjoy a straightforward recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, requiring basic mixing and minimal technical techniques.
• Wow Your Crowd: Impress family and friends with a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, yet is incredibly easy to prepare at home.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy this delightful cake for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delectable dessert that suits multiple occasions and mood.

Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful Apple Coffee Cake elevates breakfast with its irresistible layers of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumb topping. Sweet and comforting, this cake will transport you to a morning of pure culinary bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×9-inch baking pan with grease or parchment paper.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
6. Gently fold diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure even baking.
8. Create the crumb topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
9. Cut cold butter into the dry topping ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a sandy texture.
10. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly across the surface of the cake batter.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
12. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor that still maintains moisture in the cake.
• Dice apples into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks from sinking to the bottom.
• Create a gluten-free version by using a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, which helps maintain the cake’s tender texture.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the crumb topping for extra warmth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg