Apple Pie Coffee Cake

If you’re a fan of cozy, comforting desserts that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee (or tea), then this Apple Pie Coffee Cake is about to become your new best friend. Picture this: a buttery, spiced cake with chunks of tender apples, topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that gives every bite a satisfying crunch. It’s the ultimate mash-up of apple pie and coffee cake, bringing the best of both worlds into one delicious treat. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a sweet snack, or simply wanting a homemade dessert to warm up your kitchen, this cake is the answer. Trust me, this will quickly become a family favorite that disappears in no time!

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Coffee Cake

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery cake is just the right balance of cozy and indulgent. It tastes just like apple pie but with the moist texture of a coffee cake!
• Perfectly Sweet: Not too sweet, just enough to satisfy your cravings without feeling overly sugary. Plus, that streusel topping? Pure heaven.
• Warm and Comforting: The apples are soft and juicy, and the cake is tender with a bit of spice, making it the perfect dessert to enjoy when you want something comforting.
• Versatile: Serve it at brunch, as a dessert after dinner, or even as a sweet snack. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress everyone who tries it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Apple Pie Coffee Cake:

For the Cake:

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a moist texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft texture.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely hint of vanilla flavor to complement the apples.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Ground Cinnamon: For that warm, comforting apple pie flavor.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
• Fresh Apples: Choose a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These hold their shape well during baking and add the perfect tart-sweet balance.

For the Streusel Topping:

• Brown Sugar: For sweetness and a rich, molasses flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create the crumble texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a bit of spice to the topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the streusel ingredients together and gives it a buttery crunch.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s make this delicious Apple Pie Coffee Cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will give the cake its tender texture.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
6. Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon.
2. Cut in the unsalted butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, covering it generously.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and the cake should feel firm to the touch.
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Slice up the cake and serve it warm. This cake is perfect as-is, but you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 330-360
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 1mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Apple Pie Coffee Cake

This cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a light, creamy finish.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side would make it feel extra indulgent.
• For Brunch: Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy brunch spread.
• With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
• As a Snack: It’s the perfect thing to nibble on during an afternoon break with a cup of coffee or tea.

Additional Tips

• Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold up well during baking and don’t turn mushy.
• Storage: Keep any leftover coffee cake wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Make Ahead: You can bake this cake ahead of time, and it will taste just as delicious the next day. In fact, the flavors may even deepen after sitting for a few hours!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-made apple pie filling for this cake?
A1: While you could use apple pie filling in a pinch, fresh diced apples will provide a better texture and flavor. Apple pie filling tends to be a bit too sweet and syrupy for this cake.

Q2: Can I make this coffee cake without the streusel topping?
A2: Yes, you can skip the streusel topping if you prefer a simpler version, but it definitely adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Q3: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the cake before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: What kind of apples should I use?
A4: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold up well during baking and provide the perfect sweet-tart flavor.

Q5: Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delicious crunch and flavor to the streusel topping.

Q6: How do I make the cake more moist?
A6: If you find the cake a little dry, add an extra tablespoon or two of milk or sour cream to the batter. This will add moisture and richness.

Q7: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A7: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just be aware that the texture may be a little denser.

Q8: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
A8: While apples are ideal for this cake, you could try pears or berries as an alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and baking time may vary.

Q9: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this cake.

Q10: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A10: Yes! You can bake the cake the day before and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will deepen, and it will still taste amazing the next day.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake is a dessert that has it all—comfort, flavor, and a bit of nostalgia, all in one delicious slice. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family at brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a warm cup of tea, this cake is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, bake up a batch, and enjoy every crumb of this cozy, spiced treat!

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