Introduction to Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to whipping up something delicious. That’s why I adore this Apple Streusel Coffee Cake! It’s not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in cake form. Imagine a moist, fluffy cake layered with sweet apples and topped with a crunchy streusel. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe is a quick solution for those hectic mornings or a delightful way to impress your loved ones at gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is a game-changer for busy days. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand. The delightful combination of sweet apples and crunchy streusel creates a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy dessert. You’ll love how quickly it disappears!
Ingredients for Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Apple Streusel Coffee Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that lovely golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for that perfect lift.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Peeled and diced apples: The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety for sweetness and texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the streusel topping.
- Rolled oats: These give the streusel a delightful crunch and heartiness.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding nuts to the streusel for extra crunch or swapping in whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing! 
How to Make Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for a perfectly baked Apple Streusel Coffee Cake. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use butter or cooking spray to ensure the cake slides out easily later. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness to the pan!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffiness is key, as it helps to create a tender cake. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and airy, almost like a cloud!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the wet ingredients! Crack in the large eggs, then add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The sour cream is a game-changer, keeping the cake moist and adding a lovely tang. Don’t rush this step; you want a smooth, creamy mixture that’s ready to embrace the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. It’s like giving your cake a little boost! Make sure there are no lumps, as we want a smooth batter. This mixture will help our Apple Streusel Coffee Cake rise beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts to happen, and you can almost taste the deliciousness already!
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Next, gently fold in the peeled and diced apples. I love using a variety of apples for added flavor and texture. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the apples into the batter without breaking them apart. This step is crucial, as those sweet apple chunks will be the stars of our cake. You want them evenly distributed for that perfect bite every time!
Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, rolled oats, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. This mixture will add a delightful crunch to your cake. Use your fingers to break up any clumps, ensuring it’s well combined. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter. It’s like giving your cake a cozy blanket! Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a bit before serving, and enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through your home!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t skip the greasing step; it ensures easy removal from the pan.
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh for days.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: A standard size for this recipe; you can use a similar-sized dish if needed.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a medium bowl for dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk: For creaming butter and sugar; a whisk works just fine if you prefer a workout!
- Spatula: Essential for folding in apples and spreading the batter evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for an extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for a warm, cozy twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or cranberries for a delightful burst of flavor.
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream for a vegan-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast experience.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Enjoy with fresh fruit on the side for a balanced meal.
FAQs about Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! I love mixing different apple varieties for added flavor. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully, while tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast. Feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftover Apple Streusel Coffee Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but I recommend enjoying it at room temperature for the best taste.
Can I freeze Apple Streusel Coffee Cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I serve with Apple Streusel Coffee Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s a delightful way to elevate your dessert experience!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the streusel topping right before baking for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is pure magic, inviting everyone to gather around. Each slice is a delightful blend of sweet apples and crunchy streusel, making it a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as a cozy dessert, this cake brings joy to busy days. I hope you find as much happiness in baking and sharing this recipe as I do. Trust me, it’s a slice of love that everyone will cherish!
Print
Apple Streusel Coffee Cake: Discover its Irresistible Taste!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist coffee cake layered with sweet apples and topped with a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon for the streusel topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding nuts to the streusel topping.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
