Homestyle Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Why This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t merely a coffee cake; it’s an experience. We believe this is genuinely one of the best apple coffee cake recipes you’ll ever bake, and here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. While it shines brightly during peak apple season in autumn, its comforting flavors make it a perfect year-round delight. If you’re looking for other seasonal favorites, don’t miss our Pumpkin Sour Cream Coffee Cake, ideal for those crisp fall mornings.

Unforgettable Flavor Profile

Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors. The fresh, tart apples are generously coated in warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, creating a delightful contrast to the rich vanilla-infused cake. The brown sugar streusel adds another layer of sweet, caramel-like notes, making every bite a harmonious balance of buttery, sweet, and tangy sensations. It’s a truly delicious apple streusel coffee cake that satisfies all cravings.

Perfectly Balanced Texture

Texture is paramount in baking, and this apple coffee cake excels. The cake itself boasts a wonderfully delicate, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. This tender base is beautifully complemented by the slight, satisfying bite from the tender apple pieces. And let’s not forget the streusel topping – a marvel of contrasting textures, offering a delightful crunch from the coarse crumbs that gives way to a soft, buttery crumble.

Incredible Aroma

Beyond taste and texture, this coffee cake fills your home with the most inviting aromas. As it bakes, the fragrant spices mingle with the sweet scent of apples and vanilla, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of scent that instantly conjures feelings of warmth, comfort, and homemade goodness, making any day feel a little more special.

Effortless Make-Ahead Option

One of the greatest advantages of this apple streusel coffee cake is its make-ahead convenience. Coffee cake recipes are ideal for preparing in advance, perfect for serving a crowd of weekend guests, gifting to neighbors, or simply ensuring a quick and delicious breakfast is at hand during a busy week. This apple coffee cake stores beautifully at room temperature for several days, retaining its moistness and delightful flavors, making it a stress-free baking project.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a leisurely Sunday brunch, a holiday breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a simple weeknight dessert, this apple streusel coffee cake fits seamlessly into any occasion. Its comforting nature makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and its elegant presentation (despite its rustic charm) makes it suitable for entertaining.

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Crafting the perfect apple streusel coffee cake begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the irresistible flavor and texture of this beloved dessert. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Dry Ingredients: A precise combination of all-purpose flour provides the cake’s structure, while baking powder ensures a light and airy rise. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Dairy Essentials: We use unsalted butter in two forms – softened, room temperature butter for creaming into the cake batter, and melted butter for binding the streusel topping. Eggs, also at room temperature, add richness and bind the cake. Sour cream contributes essential moisture and a subtle tang, creating a beautifully tender crumb. Whole milk helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
• Sweetener: Light brown sugar is the star sweetener here. Its molasses content adds depth of flavor and contributes to the cake’s moistness and the streusel’s caramel notes. It’s the only type of sugar used in this recipe, simplifying the process.
• Rolled Oats: For the streusel topping, old-fashioned rolled oats add a wonderful chewiness and rustic texture. While highly recommended for their contribution to the crumble, they can be omitted if you prefer a simpler streusel.
• Tart Apples: The choice of apples is crucial for a great apple coffee cake. We recommend tart, firm baking apples that hold their shape and flavor well when cooked. Pink Lady apples were used in this recipe for their excellent balance of sweetness and tartness. Other superb options include Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp apples.
• Cornstarch: Just one tablespoon of cornstarch is incorporated into the apple filling to thicken it slightly, preventing it from making the cake soggy while ensuring a lush, fruit-filled layer.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is added to the apples. It brightens their flavor, prevents browning, and enhances their natural tartness, creating a more dynamic apple layer.
• Warm Spices: A fragrant blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg infuses both the apples and the overall cake with classic, comforting flavors that are synonymous with delicious apple desserts.

For the complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

This apple streusel coffee cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to personalize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious substitutions and variations:

• Dairy Alternatives: If sour cream isn’t available, high-fat Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, offering similar richness and tang. For a different texture and flavor, you can replace both the sour cream and milk with 120ml (½ cup) of buttermilk, which adds a lovely tenderizing effect to the cake.
• Oat-Free Streusel: If you’re not a fan of oats or prefer a finer crumb, simply omit the rolled oats from the streusel topping. The topping will still be delightfully buttery and crumbly.
• Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: Introduce a delightful nutty flavor and crunch by adding up to ⅓ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel topping. To prevent them from burning, sprinkle them over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Cinnamon Streusel Boost: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon directly to the streusel mixture. This simple addition will infuse the crumb topping with an extra layer of fragrant cinnamon goodness.
• Seasonal Pear Coffee Cake: For a seasonal twist, especially in late summer or early fall, replace the apples with slightly firm, ripe pears. Varieties like Bosc or Anjou work beautifully, offering a different yet equally comforting fruit flavor.
• Springform Pan Option: If you prefer baking in a round pan, this recipe can easily be adapted for a 9-inch springform pan. Keep in mind that baking time may be slightly reduced, typically by about 10 minutes, so keep a close eye on it.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with additional spices in the apple layer, such as a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness and moisture, drizzle a simple vanilla or maple glaze over the cooled coffee cake. Combine powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract until a pourable consistency is reached.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Coffee Cake

Baking this apple streusel coffee cake is a rewarding process, and following these steps will ensure a perfect result every time. We’ve broken down the creation of each delicious layer:

Hot Tip! For the cleanest, most beautiful slices of apple streusel coffee cake, use a large, sharp knife. Clean the blade with a damp cloth in between each cut to prevent crumbs and apple filling from sticking and ensure neat portions.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Achieving a truly exceptional coffee cake is all about the details. Follow these expert tips to ensure your apple streusel coffee cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and irresistible every time:

• Apple Size Matters: When dicing your apples, aim for roughly 1cm (½ inch) pieces. This ensures they soften evenly during cooking and are easy to eat in each slice of cake. Overly large chunks can make the cake difficult to cut and might not cook through properly.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Always line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to easily lift the cooled cake out of the pan. Removing the cake from the pan before slicing helps prevent scratching the bottom of your pan and makes for much cleaner cuts.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a crucial step for any tender cake. Once you add the flour, mix on low speed only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry cake instead of the desired moist and delicate crumb. A few streaks of flour are better than an overmixed batter; you can gently fold in any remaining dry spots with a rubber spatula by hand.
• Cooling is Key: After baking, place the hot cake pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This allows air to circulate underneath the pan, preventing the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy and ensuring it cools more quickly and evenly. Resist the urge to slice into the warm cake immediately, as it needs time to set and firm up.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your dairy ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream, milk) are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter, finer-textured cake.
• Doneness Test: To check if your coffee cake is fully baked, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake portion (avoiding large apple chunks if possible). It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel set and not jiggly.

What are the best apples for baking in a cake?

For any baked goods, including this coffee cake, it’s best to use tart, firm apples that can withstand the heat of baking without turning mushy. Excellent choices include Granny Smith (for pronounced tartness), Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape beautifully and their vibrant flavor shines through in the finished cake.

What is streusel or crumb topping made of?

Traditionally, streusel (also known as crumble or crumb topping) is a simple mixture of flour, sugar (often brown sugar), and butter. It’s rubbed together until a crumbly texture forms. For added depth and texture, we often include old-fashioned rolled oats. You can also incorporate a variety of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra flavor and crunch.

Can I make this apple coffee cake gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can often substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for blends that specifically state they are suitable for baking and contain xanthan gum. The texture might vary slightly, but it generally works well for coffee cakes.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and regular cake?

Coffee cake typically refers to a single-layer cake meant to be enjoyed with coffee or tea, often for breakfast or brunch. It usually features a streusel or crumb topping, and sometimes a fruit filling or swirl, but rarely has frosting. Regular cakes are often multi-layered, frosted, and generally considered a dessert for more formal occasions.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Ensuring your delicious apple streusel coffee cake stays fresh and enjoyable is simple with these storage tips:

Room Temperature Storage

Store the apple streusel coffee cake lightly covered at room temperature for up to five days. To prevent the streusel topping from turning mushy, avoid sealing the container completely airtight. Allowing a tiny bit of air circulation helps maintain its crispness. The natural moisture from the apples also helps keep the cake incredibly moist and fresh using this method.

Refrigeration

For slightly longer storage, you can keep the coffee cake in the fridge for up to a week. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Before serving, allow slices to come to room temperature or gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to restore their soft texture and warm flavors.

Freezing Instructions

This coffee cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or saving for later. To freeze the entire cake or individual slices, first wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake or slices into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to three months.

Thawing and Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply unwrap the frozen cake or individual slices completely. Thaw them at room temperature for about one to two hours. If you prefer a warm slice, you can gently reheat thawed pieces in a microwave for 15-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

By Callan Wenner

This classic apple streusel coffee cake features a moist, tender cake base topped with sweet-tart cinnamon apple chunks and a delightful, crunchy crumb topping. It’s a comforting bake, perfect for a special breakfast or entertaining guests.

Rating: 4.80 from 5 votes

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Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, German

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Rest Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins

Servings: 12

Calories: 360 kcal

Equipment

• 8×8 inch pan
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment, or handheld mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Vegetable peeler

Ingredients

Apple Layer

• 2 large tart baking apples (peeled, cored, and diced into 1cm pieces – see notes for varieties)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (25g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract

Streusel Layer

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, 57g)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed, 150g)
• ½ cup rolled oats (50g)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Cake Layer

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, 85g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed, 200g)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
• ¼ cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature, 57g)
• ¼ cup whole milk (room temperature, 60ml)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350℉ (180℃). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

Apple Pie Filling

• Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1cm pieces.
• Add the diced apples, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and light brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften slightly.
• In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the apples in the saucepan. Cook for thirty seconds, stirring continuously, until the filling thickens.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla paste or extract. Set the apple filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the streusel and cake batter.

Streusel Topping

• Melt the unsalted butter. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, rolled oats, and kosher salt. Use a fork to mix the ingredients until medium and small crumbles form. Set aside.

Cake Batter

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1½ cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the 6 tablespoons room temperature unsalted butter and 1 cup light brown sugar on medium-high speed for about five minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• Add the 2 large room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed for one minute after each addition. Stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract. Scrape down the sides again.
• In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup full-fat sour cream and ¼ cup whole milk. With the mixer running on low speed, add half of the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, then add half of the milk mixture. Mix until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk mixtures.
• Mix only until the flour is barely combined, avoiding overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in any remaining flour on the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Assembly

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared 8×8 inch pan and spread it evenly to meet the edges and corners of the pan.
• Carefully spoon and spread the cooked apple pie filling evenly over the cake batter.
• Sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture generously and evenly over the apples, making sure it covers the entire top surface.
• Bake the coffee cake in the center rack of the pre-heated oven for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when it’s no longer jiggly in the center, the topping is golden brown, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the cake layer (avoiding large apple chunks) comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, for at least one hour, before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly.

Notes

• Recommended apple varieties for this recipe include Granny Smith, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp.
• Store the cooled cake lightly covered at room temperature for up to five days, or in the fridge for one week.
• To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place into an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. To serve, unwrap completely and thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Estimated based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0.4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 208mg
• Potassium: 155mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 38g
• Vitamin A: 398 IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 78mg
• Iron: 2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.