Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

There's something magical about the smell of freshly baked Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping filling your kitchen. The combination of tender spiced apples, soft cake, and buttery crumb topping is the ultimate comfort treat for any time of day.

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I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to use up a surplus of apples from a local orchard trip. It quickly became a family favorite, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or as a sweet addition to a holiday brunch. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why You'll Love This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

This Apple Coffee Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to win you over. It’s the kind of bake that makes everyone ask for seconds.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Despite its bakery-quality appearance, this cake requires only simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps.

The crumb topping is the real star of the show. Made with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, it adds a crunchy, sweet layer that perfectly complements the soft apple-studded cake.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, enjoy it plain with your morning coffee, or even dress it up with a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert.

Lastly, it’s a great way to use up seasonal apples. Whether you have Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, they all work beautifully in this recipe.

Now that you're tempted, let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Apple Coffee Cake lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece.

Apples are the centerpiece of this recipe. Opt for firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness. Be sure to peel and dice them into even pieces to ensure they bake evenly.

All-purpose flour forms the base of both the cake and crumb topping. For extra flavor, you can substitute a small portion with whole wheat flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.

Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth to the cake and crumb topping. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a touch of molasses as a substitute.

Cinnamon is the warming spice that ties everything together. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra depth.

Unsalted butter gives the crumb topping its signature richness. Make sure it's cold and cut into small cubes for the perfect crumbly texture.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples like baking powder, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. No special equipment is required—just a mixing bowl, whisk, and a standard 9-inch baking dish.

How To Make This Apple Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Creating this coffee cake is as enjoyable as eating it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, fragrant treat in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish. While the oven heats up, prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and dicing them into small pieces.

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside as you prepare the wet mixture.

Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture, alternating with milk, until a smooth batter forms.

Gently fold in the diced apples. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cake to stay light and airy. Pour the batter into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

For the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this generously over the batter.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, as this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this cake stores wonderfully.

To keep it fresh for up to three days, cover it tightly and leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.

You can also freeze individual slices for a quick grab-and-go treat. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or let it thaw at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

This coffee cake is incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping. The crunch adds another layer of texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cake.

If you’re out of apples, pears are a fantastic substitute. Their delicate sweetness complements the cinnamon-spiced cake just as well.

Want to make it healthier? Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, and use Greek yogurt instead of milk for added protein.

For a touch of indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

No matter how you make it, this Apple Coffee Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Now it’s your turn—gather your ingredients and get baking!

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