Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
A wonderfully moist and tender cake with a ribbon of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples running through the middle. Topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel, it's the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
For 9 servings
10 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Grease and flour a 9-inch square or round baking pan. Set aside.
- 2
Prepare the streusel topping
- a.In a medium bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the cake.
- 3
Prepare the apple filling
- a.Peel, core, and dice the 2 medium apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
- 4
Make the cake batter
- a.In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1.5 tsp baking powder, 0.5 tsp baking soda, and 0.5 tsp salt.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Beat in the 2 room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
- 7
Reduce the mixer speed to low
- a.Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 cup of sour cream in two parts (Dry, Sour Cream, Dry, Sour Cream, Dry). Mix until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
- 8
Assemble the cake
- a.Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the apple layer. Remove the streusel from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the top.
- 9
Bake for 45-55 minutes
- a.The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, and the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly for cleaner slices.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, as they hold their shape well during baking.
- 2Ensure your butter for the streusel is very cold. This is key to achieving a crumbly texture rather than a paste.
- 3Room temperature eggs and sour cream are crucial for a smooth, emulsified batter, which results in a more tender cake.
- 4Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Mix only until the streaks of flour disappear to prevent a tough, dense cake.
- 5If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- 6For an extra decadent touch, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Nuts
Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Different FruitDifferent Fruit
Substitute the apples with firm pears or a mix of apples and cranberries for a seasonal twist.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and a pinch of ground cardamom to the cake batter for a warmer, more complex spice profile.
Add a GlazeAdd a Glaze
Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drizzle over the completely cooled cake.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Fiber
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which can aid in digestion and help promote a feeling of fullness.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying treat to start your day or overcome an afternoon slump.
Warming Spices
Cinnamon is known for its warm, comforting aroma and flavor. It also contains antioxidants and has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
A single slice of this Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake (1/9th of the cake) contains approximately 420-450 calories, depending on the exact size of the apples and other ingredients used.