Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake brings together the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon in a moist, tender cake. The crumbly topping adds an irresistible crunch, and the glaze perfectly balances the sweetness of the dish. It’s the ideal treat for gatherings, brunches, or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups apples, peeled and finely diced

For the crumble topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan, then lightly flour it.
2. Mix Cake Batter: Cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the sour cream, then sift in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt), and fold in the diced apples.
3. Assemble in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
4. Make Crumble Topping: Mix the crumble ingredients (flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it over the batter.
5. Bake: Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
7. Finish and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the batter or topping.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free butter and sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

To prevent the apples from sinking, make sure they are evenly diced and lightly dusted with flour before adding them to the batter.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to use your preferred variety of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith work particularly well for balance.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day ahead and store it covered. The flavor may even improve as it sits.

Is this cake freezer-friendly?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a gluten-free flour substitute?

Yes, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for the regular flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.

What other fruits can I use in this cake?

You can use pears, peaches, or berries in place of apples for a different fruity twist.

Can I make the crumble topping without butter?

You can use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter in the crumble topping.

Do I have to use sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture, but you can replace it with yogurt or buttermilk if you don’t have it on hand.

What size baking pan should I use?

A 9-inch round or square pan works well. If using a different size, adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I skip the glaze?

The glaze adds a sweet finish, but the cake is delicious on its own. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet option.

Conclusion

This Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a true crowd-pleaser with its delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether served for brunch or enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, it’s sure to be a hit. Its combination of soft cake, sweet apples, and crunchy crumble topping makes it a comforting treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

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