Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a perfect treat for any time of day. It combines tender cake layers with a sweet and spiced apple topping, delivering warm flavors and a comforting texture. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

A slice of crumb cake on a white plate shows three distinct layers: the bottom and top layers are light golden brown with a soft, crumbly texture, and between them is a creamy off-white filling with a smooth texture. The top has a thick crumb topping that is darker brown and coarsely textured, covering the entire surface. The cake sits on a wooden table with a blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the additional 1/4 cup flour. Add pecans if using.
  7. Step 7: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter.
  9. Step 9: Spread the remaining cake batter over the apple mixture.
  10. Step 10: Top with the remaining apple cinnamon mixture.
  11. Step 11: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Step 12: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

  • Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
  • Use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Honeycrisp or Gala.
  • For extra cinnamon flavor, dust the cooled cake with cinnamon sugar before serving.
  • Omit pecans if you prefer a nut-free version or substitute with walnuts.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat a slice gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy it warm.

How to Serve

A close-up of a slice of crumb cake placed on a white plate with a subtle pattern. The cake has two thick layers of light golden crumbly cake with a middle layer of creamy filling mixed with a darker cinnamon swirl. The top of the cake is covered with a generous thick layer of crumb topping that is brown and craggy with sugar crystals visible. The background shows a blurred setting with warm tones and soft light. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.

What type of apples work best for this coffee cake?

Apples that hold their shape when baked, like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith, are best. They give texture without turning to mush in the cake.

Print
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Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of tender cake and spiced apple topping, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Featuring a buttery batter layered with cinnamon-sugar coated apples, it creates a tender yet flavorful cake that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Apple Cinnamon Topping

  • 2 cups chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
  5. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Prepare Apple Topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, additional 1/4 cup flour, and pecans if using. This mixture adds a sweet, spiced layer to the cake.
  7. Layer Batter and Apple Mixture: Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter. Spread the remaining cake batter on top, followed by the remaining apple mixture to create layered flavors.
  8. Bake: Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
  9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it sets properly.

Notes

  • Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
  • Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
  • You can use any apple variety that holds shape when baked, like Honeycrisp or Gala.
  • For an extra cinnamon flavor, dust the cooled cake with cinnamon sugar before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple coffee cake, apple cinnamon cake, coffee cake recipe, moist coffee cake, breakfast cake, cinnamon apple dessert

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