Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is the perfect fall treat with tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a cozy dessert, this easy coffee cake recipe is sure to impress! 🍎🍏🍰
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There’s nothing better than the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple streusel coffee cake wafting through your kitchen. This easy-to-make cake has all the cozy flavors of fall in one bite—juicy apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery streusel topping. 🍎🍏
Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing for a holiday breakfast, or just want a treat to pair with your afternoon coffee, this apple streusel coffee cake is sure to become a favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake!
Packed with Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, apples, and nutmeg come together to create a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness in every bite. The streusel topping, featuring brown sugar and optional walnuts or pecans, adds a delightful crunch and buttery texture.
Easy to Make: While this coffee cake looks impressive, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this treat in no time, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
Versatile Recipe: This coffee cake can be customized to suit your taste buds. Whether you want to add some nuts or oats to the streusel, swap out ingredients, or even make it gluten-free, you can easily tailor the recipe to fit your needs.
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How to Make This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment Needed:
Parchment paper (optional, for lining)
Mixing bowls (small, medium, and large)
Pastry cutter (for the streusel)
Paring knife (to chop & peel the apples)
Wire rack (for cooling)
Step-by-Step-Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Streusel:
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in 1/4 cup of toasted walnut or pecan pieces, if using.
Set it aside.
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Make the Cake Batter:
Peel, core, and finely chop 2 medium apples.
Optional: For an extra touch, sauté the apples in a little butter and sugar until soft and slightly caramelized before adding them to the batter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric hand-mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes on medium-high).
Add the egg and vanilla extract on low, mixing until combined.
Mixing on low, add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by the sour cream. Add the remaining dry ingredients.
Fold in the chopped apples with a silicone spatula.
For Even More Apple Flavor: Replace ¼ cup of the sour cream with unsweetened applesauce.
Top: After creaming the butter & sugar. Bottom: After adding the egg and vanilla extract.
Top: After combining the wet & dry ingredients. Bottom: Adding the apples.
After folding in the apples.
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Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Bake:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Serve:
Slice the cake and serve with your favorite coffee or tea!
Enjoy this tender, flavorful coffee cake with a buttery streusel on top!
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How to Store Your Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
To keep your coffee cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Can You Freeze This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake?
Yes! This coffee cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in the oven or microwave for that just-baked taste.
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Ingredient Substitutions & Variations:
Apples: You can use any variety you like! Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the sweet streusel, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples bring a naturally sweet flavor.
Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both options will keep the cake moist and tender.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe gluten-free. The cake will still be soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Nuts or No Nuts?: The streusel topping includes optional chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them, and the cake will still be delicious.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! This coffee cake is great for making ahead. You can bake it the night before and store it at room temperature, covered, until you’re ready to serve. The flavors tend to develop even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Q: Can I add other spices to the cake?
A: Definitely! While this recipe uses cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, feel free to add a pinch of allspice, cardamom, or even pumpkin pie spice for an extra layer of warmth.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the cake in a 9x13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A: The best way to check if the coffee cake is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. The streusel should also be golden brown on top.
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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Use Cold Butter for the Streusel: To achieve that irresistible crumbly texture, make sure your butter is cold when you mix it into the streusel topping. If the butter is too soft, the streusel may melt into the cake rather than forming those delicious crumbs on top.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the cake batter, be gentle and fold in the dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a tender, fluffy texture.
Caramelize the Apples for Extra Flavor: If you want to take your cake to the next level, lightly sauté the apples in a little butter and sugar before adding them to the batter. This step isn’t necessary, but it adds a caramelized depth of flavor to the apples that complements the streusel perfectly.
Drizzle the Glaze Right Before Serving: If you’re making the optional vanilla glaze, drizzle it over the cake once it’s fully cooled. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the presentation even more beautiful.
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Join the Conversation!
There’s something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade apple streusel coffee cake, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. With its tender crumb, flavorful apples, and buttery streusel topping, this cake is perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or holiday gatherings.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any substitutions or variations.
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Happy Baking, Xoxo Chyna B! 🍎🍏🍰
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See how it’s made live on YouTube!
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