Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked apple coffee cake filling your kitchen on a crisp morning. With its moist, spiced cake base, tender apples, and buttery crumb topping, this treat is the perfect companion to your morning coffee or an indulgent afternoon snack.

This recipe became a family favorite after I first made it for a cozy autumn brunch. Now, it’s a staple in our home year-round, offering just the right balance of sweetness and comfort. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this apple coffee cake as much as we do.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Get ready to experience a coffee cake that feels like a warm hug. This apple coffee cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an all-occasion delight.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. No need to worry about complicated techniques – you’ll have a bakery-worthy treat in no time.

The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable. You’ve got the soft, cinnamon-spiced cake, tart-sweet apple chunks, and a crunchy, buttery crumb topping that melts in your mouth with every bite.

This recipe is also versatile and forgiving. You can use any type of apple you have on hand, and it still turns out beautifully. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up extra apples from a fall harvest.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a family gathering, or just as a weekday treat, this coffee cake is guaranteed to disappear fast. Trust me – you’ll be asked for the recipe again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this apple coffee cake lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients, which create layers of flavor and texture.

Apples are the star of the show. Opt for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Their natural juiciness keeps the cake moist and flavorful.

The cake base is a simple, spiced batter made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon. The touch of ground nutmeg enhances the cozy, warm flavors of the apples.

The crumb topping is made with a combination of flour, brown sugar, and butter. The brown sugar gives it a rich, caramelized flavor, while the butter ensures it bakes into crispy, golden perfection.

Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to the batter, resulting in a tender, fluffy cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute it with milk and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

Lastly, you’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake bakes evenly and the topping stays perfectly crisp.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Creating this coffee cake is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish. This ensures the cake releases easily after baking.

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices give the cake its signature warmth and aroma. Set the dry mixture aside.

Next, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and buttermilk. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Fold in your diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Use your fingers to create coarse crumbs, then sprinkle the mixture generously over the batter. The topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust.

Bake the coffee cake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.

Storage Options

This coffee cake stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

At room temperature, you can keep the cake in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want it to stay fresh longer, transfer it to the fridge, where it will last for up to five days.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave before enjoying.

Reheating is a breeze – pop a slice into the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to revive its crumbly topping and moist interior.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a canvas for creativity, so feel free to make it your own.

For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping. They add a delightful crunch and pair beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.

Want to make it a bit healthier? Use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour in the batter. The result is a heartier, more wholesome coffee cake.

If you prefer a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It adds a bakery-style finish that’s hard to resist.

For a flavor variation, try using pears instead of apples. The delicate, sweet flavor of pears works just as well in this recipe, creating a slightly different but equally delicious result.

If you need to make it dairy-free, swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar, and use a vegan butter substitute for the crumb topping.

No matter how you customize it, this apple coffee cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Get ready to savor every crumb!

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