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Delicious Apple Coffee Cake with cinnamon sugar and crumb topping

Apple Coffee Cake

A comforting and moist Apple Coffee Cake with a crumbly streusel topping, perfect for brunch or dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 9 pieces
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Use more if needed for sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Use for structure.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add more to taste.
  • a pinch salt Enhances flavor.
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter Cut into small cubes.
  • 1/3 cup chopped nuts Optional, use pecans or walnuts.
Cake Batter
  • 1/2 cup butter Softened for creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar For moisture and caramel flavor.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar Balances sweetness.
  • 2 eggs Add one at a time.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 3/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Keeps the cake moist.
  • 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Base of the cake.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder For leavening.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda To add lift.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon For warm spice flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Add lightly for depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To enhance flavor.
  • 2 medium apples Peeled and diced.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square pan or a 9-inch springform. Line the bottom with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Peel and dice 2 medium apples into small cubes.
  3. Make a quick streusel by mixing 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 4 tablespoons cold butter, mashed until crumbly. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped nuts if using.
Mix and Layer
  1. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until creamy.
  2. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla.
  3. Stir in 3/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 and 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. Combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients just until smooth. Gently fold in diced apples.
  6. Spread half the batter in your pan, sprinkle with half the streusel, layer the rest of the batter, and finish with the remaining streusel on top.
Bake and Finish
  1. Bake for 38 to 45 minutes until the top is golden, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing for best results.
  3. If desired, make a glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk and a few drops of vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

For best results, don't overmix the batter. Cooled cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.