Apple Coffee Cake

A delightful Apple Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its warm cinnamon flavor and a hidden cream cheese filling, this cake will impress your family and friends. The crunchy streusel topping adds a lovely texture, making it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet morning, this cake pairs wonderfully with coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Apple Coffee Cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and warm cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack—this cake fits any meal.
• Surprise Cream Cheese Layer: The creamy filling adds richness and depth to the cake, making each bite special.
• Streusel Topping Texture: The crumbly topping gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready helps you focus on creating your delicious Apple Coffee Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Fork or pastry cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, ensuring a light texture in your cake.
• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes allows you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect results, especially in baking.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• dash of salt
• 1 1/2 cups diced, peeled Granny Smith apples

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, optional

How to Make Apple Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

• In a small bowl, combine all streusel topping ingredients.
• Use a fork or your fingers to mix until it resembles crumbs. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
* Beat together 1/4 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
* Add 1 large egg, 1/2 cup sour cream (or yogurt), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
* Stir together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a dash of salt.
* Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 5: Add Apples

Fold in the 1 1/2 cups diced Granny Smith apples into the batter. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.

Step 6: Create Cream Cheese Filling

Using an electric mixer:
* Blend together the softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and another teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
* Spread this mixture over the cake batter in the pan.

Step 7: Top with Streusel

Sprinkle the reserved streusel topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Once baked, cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Apple Coffee Cake!

How to Serve Apple Coffee Cake

Apple Coffee Cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these suggestions will enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The classic pairing; a cup of coffee complements the sweet and spicy notes of the cake.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy touch, serve with rich hot chocolate during colder months.

Topped with Extras

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake to enhance sweetness and add richness.

Accompanied by Fruits

• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries adds brightness and freshness to every bite.
• Sliced Bananas: Pairing with bananas offers an additional layer of flavor that compliments the apples.

How to Perfect Apple Coffee Cake

To achieve the best results with your Apple Coffee Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples provide the ideal tartness and texture in the cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when baked thoroughly.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Coffee Cake

Pairing your Apple Coffee Cake with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a hearty breakfast alongside the sweet cake.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: A yogurt parfait can add a creamy texture and healthy balance to your meal.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cake.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a savory crunch that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds sophistication and balances sweetness with savory notes.
6. Oatmeal: Serve warm oatmeal for a wholesome addition that complements the cinnamon flavors in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Coffee Cake, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350ºF before baking. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly baked cake.
• Under-measuring ingredients: Use precise measurements for all ingredients, especially flour and sugar. A kitchen scale can help achieve accuracy.
• Skipping the cream cheese filling: The cream cheese layer is essential for flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step; it adds a delightful surprise!
• Not cooling properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
• Using unpeeled apples: Always peel your apples before dicing. The skin can alter the texture and taste of your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Apple Coffee Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating Apple Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, cover the cake with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Coffee Cake.

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they are firm and slightly tart.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with Apple Coffee Cake?

Apple Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even vanilla ice cream for dessert.

How long does it take to bake Apple Coffee Cake?

Bake your Apple Coffee Cake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture and flavor. Just mix them into the batter or sprinkle them on top.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its creamy filling and crumbly topping, it’s sure to please anyone who tries it. Feel free to customize with different fruits or spices based on your preferences!