Easy Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delicious treat that blends the cozy flavors of autumn with the perfect crumbly texture, look no further than this Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel. This delightful recipe features moist, tender cake layers packed with fresh apple chunks, topped generously with a cinnamon-spiced streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying a slow morning breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a charming dessert, this cake feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: Fresh apples and cinnamon create a classic taste that’s both nostalgic and inviting.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The cake stays soft and flavorful, making every slice a joy to eat.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip this up without stress.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an anytime snack.
• Beautiful Presentation: The crunchy cinnamon streusel topping adds a lovely texture and eye-catching finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel are refreshingly easy but play a vital role in building perfect flavor and texture. Each element contributes to the moist crumb, the sweet and spicy notes, or the crispy topping you’ll love.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise fluffy and light.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice both in the batter and the streusel topping.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Brown sugar brings moisture and depth, granulated sugar adds sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with the cake’s texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a sweet aroma.
• Fresh apples: Crisp apples add bursts of juicy flavor and moisture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies overall flavor.
• Sour cream or yogurt: Provides extra moisture and a slight tang to keep the cake tender.

Variations for Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

This Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel recipe invites creativity. Swap a few ingredients or add complementary flavors to make it your own based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch and earthiness.
• Spice it up: Mix in ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves along with cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Apple variety swap: Try tart Granny Smith for bite or sweeter Honeycrisp for a milder apple flavor.
• Fruit fusion: Add fresh or dried berries, like blueberries or cranberries, for bursts of color and taste.

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This combination sets the base for a perfectly balanced cake crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cake stays tender and moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth batter that captures every flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream (or yogurt) into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Fold in Chopped Apples

Gently fold in peeled, cored, and chopped apples to spread juicy bites throughout the cake.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour half the batter into a greased baking pan. Sprinkle half the streusel topping evenly. Add the remaining batter and top with remaining streusel to create that signature crunch.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before slicing to set the crumb and streusel topping perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t overmix: Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Chill the butter for streusel: Cold butter creates that crumbly and crispy topping everyone loves.
• Use tart apples: Balance the sweetness with apples that have a little tang to contrast the sugary streusel.
• Check for doneness early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested time.

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation flair.

Side Dishes

Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte to complement the cinnamon in the streusel and enhance the apple flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. Alternatively, present in individual ramekins for a charming single-serving treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Rewarm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly in a 350°F oven to revive that warm, freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use thawed frozen apples—just drain excess moisture before adding them to prevent a soggy cake.

Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour, but be sure to check your baking powder’s gluten status and adjust moisture as needed.

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes, by replacing butter with plant-based margarine, using flax or chia eggs, and a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream substitute, you can craft a vegan version.

How long will the cake stay moist?

Properly stored, this cake stays moist for up to 5 days refrigerated. Freezing is the best way to extend freshness beyond that.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly by checking doneness early.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel is truly a winner for any time you want a slice of warmth and comfort. Moist, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible cinnamon crunch, it’s a recipe that’s both simple and special. So gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful cake that feels like a hug in dessert form.

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