The sweet aroma of freshly baked apple crumb coffee cake wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in its warm, buttery embrace. Each bite brings together tender apple pieces, a crunchy crumb topping, and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Remember that time when you gathered with friends over coffee, and someone brought a cake so good it made you consider becoming best friends? That’s the magic of apple crumb coffee cake! This recipe not only tastes like a hug but also makes every gathering feel extra special. Whether it’s brunch on a lazy Sunday or an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake is your new go-to.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple crumb coffee cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers
- The flavor profile balances sweet apples with spicy cinnamon for an irresistible taste
- It’s visually appealing with its golden crust and crumb topping, making it an attractive addition to any table
- Versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or dessert, this cake suits any occasion
I still remember my friend Sarah’s face when she took her first bite of this cake at my birthday party. She was speechless – which is rare for her!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for better texture; it helps create that fluffy yet sturdy base.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness; feel free to adjust depending on how sweet your apples are.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon introduces warmth and depth; consider using freshly ground for more flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your cake; let it soften at room temperature.
Eggs: Large eggs work best here; they contribute moisture and structure to your cake batter.
Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the sweetness; peel and chop them into small pieces.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances moisture and adds a caramel-like richness to the crumb topping.
Oats: Rolled oats in the topping add texture and a wholesome crunch; choose old-fashioned oats for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates flavors; avoid imitation vanilla for optimal taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make apple crumb coffee cake
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Create the Cake Batter Base: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This mixture will form the heart of your delicious cake.
Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients : In another bowl, beat together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined—over-mixing can lead to a tough texture.
Add Chopped Apples : Gently fold in chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will provide moisture and sweetness in every bite.
Make the Crumb Topping : Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a separate bowl until crumbly. This topping will create that irresistible crunch we all love.
Assemble and Bake : Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping on top before adding remaining batter and finishing with more crumbs. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top—insert a toothpick into the center to check doneness.
Let this delightful apple crumb coffee cake cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm alongside your favorite hot beverage while savoring every morsel!
Enjoying each slice will leave you wondering how something so simple could be so utterly divine! So grab those ingredients because this delightful treat awaits!
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect apple crumb coffee cake is all about balance; ensure your apples are tart for the best flavor
- Remember to keep a close eye on the crumb topping, as it can go from golden to burnt in seconds
- This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a moist apple crumb coffee cake, start by preparing your crumb topping first. While it chills, mix your batter and fold in the apples. This sequence ensures even distribution of flavors and textures.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a delightful twist. You can also switch up the spices; a pinch of nutmeg could elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This apple crumb coffee cake recipe shines when you use freshly grated cinnamon; it amplifies the warmth and aroma
- Don’t skimp on letting it cool before cutting; this helps maintain its structure
- Always taste your batter before baking—adjust sweetness if needed!
Baking this apple crumb coffee cake has become my go-to for family gatherings. The smiles on my loved ones’ faces when they take that first bite make it all worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before using.
What type of apples are best for baking?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet cake.
How do I prevent my crumb topping from becoming too dry?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this gives it the right texture.
Apple Crumb Coffee Cake
Apple crumb coffee cake is a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy crumb topping. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a moist and tender cake that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. With its inviting aroma and appealing golden crust, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether served warm with coffee or enjoyed as a dessert, this cake will quickly become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Gently fold in chopped apples.
- For the crumb topping, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan; sprinkle half of the crumb topping on top. Add remaining batter and finish with the rest of the crumbs.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast. Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for an extra twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
