Introduction
This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon. With juicy apples and a delightful crumb topping, it’s a treat that’s hard to resist. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee and savor every bite.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
300g all-purpose flour
200g granulated sugar
120g unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
100ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
300g apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Crumb Topping:
125g all-purpose flour
100g brown sugar
90g unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Yield: 9 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 300g flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the diced apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping by combining 125g flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
9. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking pan by greasing and lightly flouring a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the two large eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 4: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, measure out 300g of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are evenly mixed; this will ensure that the leavening agent is well distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 100ml milk. Start with a third of the dry mixture, then add half of the milk, followed by another third of the dry, the remaining milk, and finally the last of the dry mixture. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Using a spatula, gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Pour and Spread the Batter
Pour the apple batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter evenly across the pan.
Step 8: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 125g of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is crumbly. This should have a sandy consistency with some larger clumps.
Step 9: Add the Crumb Topping
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in the baking pan, ensuring it covers the surface for a delightful crunch.
Step 10: Baking the Cake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 11: Cooling
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage Tips
Store the apple coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is best served warm, paired perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter or crumb topping. You can also substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or berries for a different flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
This technique involves beating softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light texture in the cake.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients
When adding flour and milk to a batter, alternate between the two to maintain a stable consistency. Start with the dry ingredients, then add some milk, and repeat. This prevents overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
Folding in Ingredients
Gently incorporate diced apples into the batter using a folding motion. This technique helps to avoid deflating the batter while ensuring the apples are evenly distributed.
Preparing Crumb Topping
Combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until you achieve a crumbly texture. This mixture adds a sweet and crunchy layer on top of your cake.
Testing for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries, but the baking time may vary.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this apple coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What type of apples are best for baking?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great for baking as they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers to make the cake without eggs. Adjust the amount according to the substitute’s instructions.
Conclusion
This Apple Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet moments at home. The combination of juicy apples and a crunchy crumb topping creates a comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone. Serve it warm alongside your favorite brew, and enjoy a slice of happiness with each bite.
Apple and Walnut Coffee Cake
Add some chopped walnuts to the original recipe for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. The nuttiness pairs beautifully with the apples.
Spiced Apple and Pear Coffee Cake
Mix in diced pears along with the apples for a unique twist. Add a touch of nutmeg to the batter for an autumn-inspired flavor profile.
Cranberry-Apple Coffee Cake
Incorporate fresh or dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the apples. This combination adds a burst of color and flavor to the cake.
Pumpkin Apple Coffee Cake
For a seasonal treat, blend in pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and allspice. The pumpkin adds moisture and depth to the cake.
Chocolate Chip Apple Coffee Cake
Sprinkle chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent touch. The richness of the chocolate enhances the sweet apple flavor.
Maple Glazed Apple Coffee Cake
Drizzle a homemade maple glaze over the cooled coffee cake for an added sweetness. This maple infusion will elevate the cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
Almond Flavored Apple Coffee Cake
Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract to give the cake a warm, nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
