Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful baked treat that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apples, all topped off with a crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, this cake is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year. It’s easy to make and brings a touch of homemade goodness that makes everyone feel at home. The moist cake, enriched with sour cream and spiced apples, creates a comforting experience, while the streusel topping adds that extra crunch that makes each bite irresistible.

Enjoy this cake with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ll have the perfect cozy moment. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also fills your kitchen with an enchanting aroma as it bakes. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients about Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

List of ingredients with measurements

To make the delicious Apple Streusel Coffee Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• For the Streusel Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you need to make substitutions, here are some options:

• For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• If you want to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the cake.
• You can swap out the apples for pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
• Instead of sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice tang.

How to Make Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake has a perfect baking temperature when you are ready to put it in. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking pan. Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to serve.

Step 2: Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisking makes sure that the ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the right texture in your cake.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or a spatula until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely flavor. Once the mixture is smooth, gradually mix in the sour cream until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Now, it’s time to slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir it in gradually with a spatula or a wooden spoon, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake. Finally, gently fold in the diced apples, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Prepare the streusel topping

In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The bits of butter should be small, allowing the streusel to become crumbly when baked.

Step 6: Assemble and bake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter to create that wonderful crunchy layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy your delicious Apple Streusel Coffee Cake.

How to Serve Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Best ways to serve Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

There are many delightful ways to serve Apple Streusel Coffee Cake. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Pairing it with a dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a touch of sweetness and elegance to the presentation. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can elevate the experience, especially if served warm.

Serving suggestions or pairings

This cake is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the warm spices in the cake, creating a perfect balance. It also pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or some yogurt for a complete brunch. For special occasions, consider serving it on a dessert platter topped with fresh apple slices for added visual appeal.

How to Store Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Proper storage methods

To keep your Apple Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you live in a particularly warm or humid environment, consider refrigerating it to prolong its shelf life. Under ideal conditions, it can last for up to 3 days at room temperature, and about a week in the fridge.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you wish to enjoy the cake warm after a few days, simply place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you want to freeze it, make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This way, it can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat as needed.

Tips to Make Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. This can lead to a tough cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Another mistake is not properly measuring the flour. It’s important to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy. Lastly, make sure your leavening agents, like baking powder and baking soda, are fresh for the best rise.

Helpful tips for better results

For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of different apples in the cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith mixed with sweeter types like Honeycrisp can enhance the taste. To add moisture, avoid skimping on the butter, as it brings richness to the cake. When making the streusel topping, ensure the butter is cold for a perfect crumbly texture.

Variation of Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

There are endless ways to customize this Apple Streusel Coffee Cake. You could add nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter or streusel topping for extra crunch. Spicing it up with some ginger or cloves can introduce new dimensions of flavor. If you prefer, you could add raisins or dried cranberries for a fruity twist that pairs wonderfully with apples.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those watching their sugar intake, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar could be a suitable alternative. If you need to make it gluten-free, you could substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. And for a vegan option, you could replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and sour cream alternatives.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your cake isn’t turning out as expected, consider the ingredients and measurements you used. Make sure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and that you measured your flour accurately. If you find your cake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing from when you added the dry ingredients.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Apple Streusel Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time. It’s a great option for meal prep or for special gatherings. You can bake it a day or two in advance, keeping it covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Just reheat individual slices for a few seconds in the microwave or serve it cold.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you run out of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or even regular yogurt as substitutes. For a dairy-free option, consider almond yogurt or coconut yogurt for a similar texture. If you don’t have apples, peaches or berries can be used, keeping in mind that the flavor will change.

In conclusion, Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is a classic dessert that brings joy and warmth to any gathering. It’s filled with delicious flavors, easy to make, and versatile for serving. The added streusel topping elevates it further, making it a delightful treat to savor with your favorite beverage. Enjoy this comforting cake any time of the day!

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