Are you ready to bake a delicious Bakery-Style Apple Streusel Coffee Cake? This cake combines soft, moist cake with a crunchy, sweet topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, I’ll guide you to create this delightful treat. You’ll impress your family and friends with every bite. Let’s dive into the tasty details that make this cake a true standout!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for the Coffee Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
The main ingredients are key to a rich and moist cake. All-purpose flour gives it structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Butter provides flavor and moisture. Sour cream makes it dense and rich. Eggs bind these ingredients together.
Additional Ingredients for Flavor
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For flavor, we use vanilla extract to enhance sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Granny Smith apples add a tart bite, and ground cinnamon brings warmth. Together, they make every bite special.
Streusel Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
The streusel topping gives the cake a crunchy texture. All-purpose flour and brown sugar create a sweet crumb. Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Melted butter brings it all together. If you like, add chopped walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. This topping makes the cake truly delightful.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping and Mixing the Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step helps the cake not stick.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them until the mix is light and fluffy. This adds air and makes your cake soft.
3. Add 3 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This gives your cake a lovely flavor.
Combining Dry Ingredients and Apples
1. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix makes your cake rise well.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate with 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix to keep it light.
3. Gently fold in 2 diced apples and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This gives the cake a tasty apple flavor and spice.
Making the Streusel Topping
1. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mix adds a crunchy layer.
2. Pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter. If you like, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Mix until crumbly. This topping will bring great texture.
Baking the Coffee Cake
1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Make sure it covers well.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture and Flavor
Using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps the butter cream well with sugar. This creates a light and fluffy cake. Take your butter and eggs out of the fridge ahead of time. They should sit for about 30 minutes. This small step can make a big difference.
When you fold in the apples, do it gently. You want to keep the air in the batter. Start by adding a few apple pieces at a time. Use a spatula to lift and turn the batter. This keeps everything mixed evenly without losing fluffiness.
Variations and Additions
Don’t be afraid to play with the apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and great, but you can try others. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweet notes to your cake. Each type brings a new flavor to your dish.
You can also add nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts add crunch and flavor. Dried cranberries bring a nice tang. Experiment with what you love. These changes can make your cake unique.
Presentation Tips
Serving your cake is fun. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look special. Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. This makes each slice a treat.
After baking, let your cake cool for about ten minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your cake fresh and tasty for days.
Variations
Different Types of Cakes
You can make a gluten-free apple streusel coffee cake by using gluten-free flour. Swap the all-purpose flour for a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch. This mix helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
If you want a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to your batter. Replace sour cream with unsweetened applesauce or coconut yogurt.
Seasonal Variations
Cranberries add a festive touch to your coffee cake. Just fold in a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries along with the apples. The tartness of cranberries pairs well with sweet apples, creating a vibrant flavor.
Using pears instead of apples is another great option. Pears bring a soft and juicy texture. Choose ripe yet firm pears, like Bosc or Anjou. Dice them and mix them in just like you would with apples.
Flavor Combinations
You can choose between a cinnamon crumble or a nutty streusel topping. The cinnamon crumble offers a warm, sweet flavor, while the nutty streusel gives a crunchy texture. To make it nutty, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
For an extra treat, mix in chocolate chips or swirl in caramel. Use about a cup of chocolate chips for a rich flavor. If you prefer caramel, drizzle it on top before serving. Both options make your coffee cake even more indulgent.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Coffee Cake
To keep your coffee cake fresh, use an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for the best taste. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Freezing Coffee Cake
If you can’t finish the cake, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or container. When you want to enjoy a piece, take it out and thaw it in the fridge. For best results, eat it within three months.
Shelf Life
Your coffee cake lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage, like mold or a sour smell. If it feels dry or hard, it may be time to toss it. Always trust your senses to decide if it’s still good.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for coffee cake?
I recommend using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Their firm texture holds up well during baking. Other good options are Honeycrisp or Fuji. These apples blend sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before. Store it in the fridge, then bake it in the morning. You can also make the streusel topping ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container. This helps save time on busy mornings.
How can I make my streusel topping crunchy?
To achieve a crunchy streusel, use cold butter and mix it until crumbly. You can also add more flour if it feels too wet. Bake it until golden brown, as this helps create that perfect crunch. Lastly, let it cool completely before serving.
Is it okay to use non-dairy substitutes?
Absolutely! You can replace sour cream with almond or coconut yogurt. For butter, use a dairy-free margarine. These swaps maintain the cake’s moistness and flavor. Just make sure to check the ingredient labels for any added sugars or flavors.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious coffee cake. We covered the main ingredients like flour, sugar, and apples. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the mixing and baking processes. We also discussed tips for perfect texture and exciting variations.
Remember, your coffee cake can be stored or even frozen for later. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings. You can create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Now it’s time to bake and enjoy your delicious creation.
