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Apple Coffee Cake

Apple Coffee Cake
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Apple Coffee Cake is a comforting and delicious baked treat featuring tender cake layers studded with juicy apple pieces and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumb that provides a perfect crunchy contrast. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make cake uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples to deliver warm, nostalgic flavors with versatility to customize for any dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably tart variety like Granny Smith)

Crumb Topping Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice your fresh apples into small, even pieces. Toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning while you prepare the batter.
  2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside for topping later.
  3. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the prepared apples carefully to distribute evenly.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface of the batter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden and crisp.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes to set before slicing. This resting time helps the crumb topping stay intact and makes it easier to serve. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
  • Mix batter just until ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
  • Use cold butter for crumb topping to achieve a flaky and crunchy texture.
  • Start checking the cake 5 minutes before the minimum baking time to prevent overbaking and dryness.
  • Use fresh ground spices for the most pronounced flavor.
  • Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
  • Warm slices briefly in microwave or toaster oven before serving to revive softness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple coffee cake, cinnamon crumb topping, breakfast cake, fall dessert, easy apple dessert, tender apple cake

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/apple-coffee-cake/