Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

$To make a tasty Apple Streusel Coffee Cake, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup sour cream - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients work together to create a soft cake with a crunchy topping. You can add these optional ingredients to make your cake even better: - Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch - A splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor - Extra spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, for depth These options can give your cake a personal touch. When selecting apples for your coffee cake, here are some helpful tips: - Choose firm apples: Granny Smith apples work great. They add tartness and hold their shape well. - Look for freshness: Fresh apples taste better and have better texture. - Avoid bruises: Bruised apples can affect the cake's taste and texture. Using the right apples makes a big difference in the final flavor of your coffee cake. Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms your oven and helps the cake bake evenly. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cake later. In a large bowl, grab your whisk. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these together until they blend well. This mix forms the base of your cake. In a separate bowl, take 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer to cream it. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each one. Next, add 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and combined. Now, it’s time to fold in the apples. Take 2 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples and gently mix them into your batter. Ensure the apples are spread evenly. For the streusel, in a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Add an extra tablespoon of softened butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture. You’re ready to assemble the cake. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Pour the rest of the batter over this layer. Finally, top with the remaining streusel. Bake the cake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it’s ready, slice it into squares. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this delightful treat with a cup of coffee! To get the best texture in your coffee cake, avoid overmixing. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. The apples also add moisture, so choose Granny Smith for a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. A common mistake is using cold ingredients. Always let your butter and eggs come to room temperature. This helps them mix well and trap air for a lighter cake. Also, be careful not to skip the streusel topping. It adds crunch and flavor, making your cake stand out. Accurate measuring is key. Use a scale for flour and sugar if you can. If using cups, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t pack it down. For sticky ingredients like brown sugar, press it firmly into the cup for the right amount. This ensures your cake turns out perfect every time. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for your coffee cake. Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness. They balance the sweetness well. Other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a nice flavor too. Honeycrisp adds a sweet crunch, while Fuji is juicy and sweet. Try mixing different apples for a fun taste. You can even use some softer apples like McIntosh for a more tender bite. Each type of apple will change the flavor. Experiment and find your favorite combo! Making a gluten-free version is easy. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour mix. Many stores sell these blends. They work well in most recipes. Make sure the mix has a good binder, like xanthan gum. This helps keep your cake together. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour. Adjust the liquid in the recipe as needed. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Your gluten-free coffee cake will still taste great! For some extra crunch, think about adding nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. They give a nice texture and flavor. You can fold them into the batter before baking. If you like dried fruits, try raisins or cranberries. They add sweetness and chewiness. Make sure to chop larger fruits like apricots. This helps them mix better into the batter. Add just a handful to keep the balance right. Your apple streusel coffee cake will have more layers of flavor! To keep your leftover apple streusel coffee cake fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge is a good choice. Just make sure it's sealed well to prevent it from drying out. You can freeze the coffee cake for up to three months. To freeze, cut the cake into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat it, take out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. For the best taste, reheat your coffee cake in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the cake moist and makes the streusel topping nice and crunchy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm, but this might make the cake a bit soft. To make your coffee cake more moist, use fresh apples. Granny Smith apples work great. You can also add a bit more sour cream. This will add richness to the batter. Another tip is to avoid overbaking. Check the cake a few minutes before the time is up. If a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready! Yes, you can. If you don’t have sour cream, use plain yogurt instead. Greek yogurt is a good choice, too. This swap keeps the cake creamy and adds a slight tang. You can also use buttermilk if you have that on hand. Just use the same amount as the sour cream. When stored in an airtight container, your coffee cake lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrapped well, it can last for up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can make this cake a day ahead. Just bake it and let it cool completely. Then, cover it and store it at room temperature. If you want to prepare it even earlier, you can mix the dry ingredients. Keep them in a sealed bag until you are ready to bake. This cake pairs well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, drizzle some caramel sauce on top. Fresh fruit like berries adds a bright touch too. Enjoy the cake with your favorite drink or snack! We explored the key ingredients and steps needed to make a delicious Apple Streusel Coffee Cake. You learned about mixing, baking, and sharing tips to enhance flavor and texture. Remember to choose fresh apples for the best taste and enjoy the cake warm or cold. It’s easy to customize with various apples, nuts, or gluten-free options. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Now, get baking and enjoy this tasty treat!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Streusel Coffee Cake! This easy recipe combines tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a crunchy streusel topping, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Cream Butter: In another bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Combine Eggs and Sour Cream: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix in an additional tablespoon of softened butter until crumbly.

Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the streusel.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12