Apple coffee cake is one of my all-time favorite breakfast treats. It has the perfect combination of sweetness, moistness, and a touch of tanginess. Starting my morning with a slice of this delicious cake makes me feel energized and ready to take on the day. Today, I am going to share with you my tried and tested recipe for making the perfect apple coffee cake. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Gathering the Ingredients
Apples
The star ingredient of this recipe is, of course, the apples. Make sure to choose firm and crisp apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape well during baking. You will need around four medium-sized apples for this recipe. Peel, core, and chop them into small cubes before using.
Coffee
Yes, you read that right! Coffee is another important component of this apple coffee cake. It adds a lovely depth of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples. You will need half a cup of strong brewed coffee, preferably dark roast.
Dry Ingredients
To make the cake batter, you will need the following dry ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix all these dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside for later use.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients play a crucial role in giving the cake its moistness. Here’s what you’ll need for the wet ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sour cream
Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Finally, add the sour cream and mix well.
Crumb Topping
One of the best parts of this apple coffee cake is the crumb topping that adds a delightful crunch to every bite. To make the crumb topping, combine the following ingredients in a separate bowl:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture. Set it aside for later.
Mixing and Baking the Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray, and lightly dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture in three parts, alternating with the brewed coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined after each addition. The batter will be thick and luscious.
Step 3: Adding the Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apple chunks will provide bursts of sweetness and moisture in every bite.
Step 4: Layering the Cake
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the batter—this will create delightful layers of flavor and texture. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and crumb topping.
Step 5: Baking the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of the baking apple coffee cake will fill your kitchen and heighten your anticipation!
Step 6: Enjoying Your Creation
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
There are endless possibilities to customize your apple coffee cake recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Add Nuts
If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping or folding them into the batter. The crunch and earthiness of the nuts will complement the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
Drizzle with Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle your cooled apple coffee cake with a simple vanilla or caramel glaze. It will add a glossy finish and make it even more irresistible.
Serve it with a Scoop of Ice Cream
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve a warm slice of apple coffee cake with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold, along with the creamy texture of the ice cream, will take this breakfast delight to another level.
Enjoy Anytime
While apple coffee cake is traditionally a breakfast treat, there’s no hard and fast rule about when you can enjoy it. It makes for a perfect dessert or a special teatime treat. Pair it with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
In conclusion, making apple coffee cake is a wonderful way to start your morning or enjoy a delicious treat any time of the day. With its moist cake, sweet apples, and flavorful crumb topping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to showcase your baking skills with this irresistible apple coffee cake recipe. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!