This lovely Apple Crumble Coffee Cake combines fluffy cake with sweet apples and a crunchy crumble topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack!
Trust me, the smell of this cake baking will have everyone in your house wandering into the kitchen! I love to serve it warm with a cup of coffee—pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. It should work just as well!
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted for better control over the flavors. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with coconut oil or even applesauce for part of the butter.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This is great for adding moisture. If you don’t have either, plain milk or buttermilk can also work, though the texture might be a bit different.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but feel free to mix it up with Honeycrisp or even a sweet variety like Fuji for a sweeter cake!
How to Get Your Cake to Rise Perfectly?
The key to a fluffy cake lies in how you combine the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Don’t over-mix once you add the flour and sour cream; mix just until combined to keep it light.
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh for a good rise. If they’ve been sitting a while, you might want to test them first!
Easy Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 40-45 minutes for baking. After that, let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. So, you can expect a total of about 1 hour to make this delicious coffee cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, grease it, and dust with flour to ensure your cake comes out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this part; it makes it easier!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and give it a good mix until everything is combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to combine the dry ingredients and the sour cream. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples to the batter. This adds a lovely texture and flavor to your cake.
7. Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to create a smooth surface for the crumble topping.
8. Make the Crumble Topping:
For the crumble, mix together the remaining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Add the Crumble:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter in the pan. This will create a nice crunchy layer on top.
10. Bake:
Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean, and the topping should be a golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to pair it with a cup of coffee for the perfect treat!
FAQs about Easy Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to use any variety you prefer, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Mixing different types can add interesting flavors and textures!
Can I Make This Coffee Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you’re using contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave or oven.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Toppings?
Definitely! If you like nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to the crumble topping. Just mix them in along with the dry ingredients for extra crunch and flavor!