Apple coffee cake stands as the ultimate fall recipe, a delightful culinary creation perfect for kickstarting your day, enhancing a leisurely brunch, or concluding an evening meal with a sweet flourish. Imagine hosting a gathering, the air filled with warmth and hospitality, and presenting a treat that perfectly complements mulled cider, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of fine teas. This very scenario led to the creation of an apple coffee cake that truly captivated every palate.
This particular Apple Coffee Cake with a Streusel Topping proved to be an overwhelming success. Each bite unveils a symphony of flavors, with tender chunks of chopped apples nestled within a moist, buttery crumb, all harmoniously blended with warm, inviting autumn spices. The crowning glory, a generous streusel topping, adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of sweetness and spice that makes this cake simply irresistible.
Irresistible Apple Coffee Cake: A Seasonal Delight
There’s a unique comfort in a sweet, tender slice of coffee cake, especially when savored alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea, while sharing conversations with cherished friends. This apple-infused cake, with its signature streusel topping, is particularly enchanting on a crisp autumn morning. The mere thought of the delightful aroma of apples, cinnamon, and ginger wafting from the oven is enough to brighten any day. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience, a fabulous multi-purpose treat that transitions effortlessly from a hearty breakfast to a delightful snack or even a simple yet elegant dessert. As an added bonus, it’s remarkably easy to prepare and retains its incredible flavor and moist texture beautifully, making it just as delicious the very next day.
The Quintessential Fall Indulgence: Why This Apple Coffee Cake Shines
This Apple Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty and the joy of home baking. The combination of sweet apples and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger creates a comforting flavor profile that evokes images of cozy evenings and festive gatherings. Its tender crumb, achieved through careful ingredient selection, provides the perfect canvas for the juicy apple pieces. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch, seeking a comforting breakfast on a lazy weekend, or simply craving a sweet treat to accompany your afternoon tea, this cake rises to every occasion. It’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when combined with a touch of passion, can produce extraordinary results. The ease of preparation further enhances its appeal, making it accessible even for novice bakers looking to impress.
Crafting Perfection: The Delectable Streusel Topping
A coffee cake is often defined by its topping, and this recipe’s streusel is nothing short of spectacular. Made with a blend of brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, and enriched with butter, it creates a crumbly, golden-brown crown that adds both texture and an explosion of flavor. The streusel isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral component that introduces a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, moist cake below. Its rich, spiced sweetness complements the apples and spices within the cake, creating a harmonious and balanced bite. The secret to a perfect streusel lies in achieving that ideal crumbly texture – not too fine, not too chunky – ensuring every slice offers a satisfying mix of cake and topping.
A Unique Twist on Emeril’s Classic Coffee Cake
The inspiration for this exquisite apple coffee cake recipe originated from the renowned Food Network, specifically from a version by Chef Emeril Lagasse. Emeril’s original recipe cleverly incorporated sour cream, an ingredient almost always guaranteeing a wonderfully moist and tender cake. The addition of fresh fruit, as seen here with apples, also contributes immensely to the cake’s overall moisture and flavor complexity. Building upon this solid foundation, I introduced a personal touch by adding a hint of ground ginger, which pairs exquisitely with apples and cinnamon, elevating the spice profile without overpowering it. Furthermore, I opted to omit Emeril’s brown sugar glaze, allowing the natural sweetness and texture of the streusel topping to take center stage. The results of these small adaptations were truly spectacular, yielding a cake that is both deeply comforting and sophisticated. This Apple Coffee Cake with a Streusel Topping is undeniably perfect for any festive holiday gathering, a family brunch, or simply as a special treat to brighten an ordinary day.
Choosing Your Apples: The Secret to Baking Success
The type of apple you choose can significantly impact the final texture and flavor of your coffee cake. For baking, you want apples that hold their shape well and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Varieties like Granny Smith provide a pleasant tartness that cuts through the cake’s sweetness, while Honeycrisp offers a lovely crisp texture and a sweeter profile. Fuji, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious are also excellent choices, known for their ability to maintain structure when baked. A mix of two or three different apple varieties can add depth and complexity to the cake, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Ensure your apples are peeled, cored, and chopped into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the cake.
A Symphony of Spices: Cinnamon and Ginger
The spices in this apple coffee cake are not just fillers; they are carefully selected to complement and enhance the natural sweetness of the apples. Cinnamon, a classic pairing with apples, brings a warm, woody, and slightly sweet aroma that is instantly comforting. It’s a staple in fall baking for a reason, creating a foundational flavor that is both familiar and beloved. The addition of ginger introduces a subtle, zesty warmth with a hint of peppery kick, providing a delightful contrast and preventing the cake from being overly sweet. Together, these spices create a harmonious blend that defines the autumn flavor profile, making each bite an aromatic journey. Ensure your spices are fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
Baking Fundamentals: Tips for a Flawless Apple Coffee Cake
Achieving a perfect apple coffee cake starts with careful preparation. First, preheating your oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even baking and proper rising. Always grease your baking dish thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. When mixing the cake batter, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this incorporates air, contributing to a tender crumb. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a stable emulsion. The dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt) should be whisked together separately to ensure they are evenly distributed before being added to the wet ingredients. Incorporate the dry mixture alternately with the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in the chopped apples at the end. For the streusel, combine ingredients until they form coarse crumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the batter. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is perfectly cooked through. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving; this allows it to set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Experience
While this Apple Coffee Cake is utterly delicious on its own, a few simple additions can transform it into an even more memorable treat. Serve it warm for breakfast with an extra dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy tang. For brunch, pair it with fresh fruit salad and a savory egg dish. As a dessert, consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans could also add another layer of indulgence. And of course, the quintessential accompaniment is a robust cup of coffee, a steaming mug of apple cider, or a comforting herbal tea, making the experience complete.
Storage and Enjoying Leftovers
One of the many charms of this Apple Coffee Cake is how well it keeps. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked taste. The cake’s moistness and rich flavors actually deepen slightly over time, making leftovers a highly anticipated treat.
Customizing Your Apple Coffee Cake: Personal Touches
Feel free to experiment with this recipe to make it your own. You could incorporate other fall fruits like pears or cranberries alongside the apples. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans in the streusel topping would add a delightful nutty crunch. For an extra layer of spice, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom could be added to the cake batter. A light citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, could also brighten the overall flavor profile. These small adjustments allow for endless variations, ensuring this apple coffee cake remains a staple in your autumn baking repertoire for years to come.
Apple Coffee Cake
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
12 servings
A marvelous coffee cake filled with apples and topped with streusel.
Ingredients
For cake:
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored and chopped apples
For topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º. Grease a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream together the remaining stick of butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating after the addition of each. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and vanilla. Fold in the apples. Pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with an offset spatula.
- To make the topping, in a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter, and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cake and bake until lightly browned and set, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool a bit before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 374Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 311mgCarbohydrates: 54gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 4g
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