This Easy Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a warm, comforting treat bursting with juicy apple pieces and a crispy crumble topping. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack!
I love how the sweet apples and crunchy topping make every bite a delight. Pair it with a cup of coffee, and it feels just like a hug on a plate. Who can resist that? ☕️🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the cake beautifully. If those aren’t available, Fuji or Honeycrisp work too!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have any, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute, keeping that creamy texture intact.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness. However, if you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
Granulated Sugar: You can replace up to half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. This will also enhance the cake’s moisture!
How Do I Make the Crumble Topping Just Right?
The crumble topping is what really makes this cake shine! To get it perfectly crunchy, ensure that your melted butter is well combined with the dry ingredients. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl first.
- Drizzle in the melted butter, and use a fork or your hands to combine it until crumbly. You want it to resemble wet sand.
- Don’t worry if there are some larger crumbs – those will bake into delicious crunchy bits!
Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cake batter before baking for maximum impact!
Easy Apple Crumble Coffee Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For The Crumble Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple crumble coffee cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for a bit, making it ready in under an hour—perfect for a snack or a quick dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9-inch square baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. You can also sprinkle a little flour inside to ensure it doesn’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to incorporate air for a fluffy cake. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This is where the cake gets its texture, so take your time!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and stir until combined.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Carefully alternate adding the dry mix and the sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the chopped apples. This adds sweetness and moisture to your cake. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. It should look nice and smooth on top.
8. Make the Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then drizzle in the melted butter. Stir until you get a crumbly texture—this adds that delicious crunchy topping!
9. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the cake batter. Don’t be shy; more crumbs mean more goodness!
10. Bake the Cake:
Pop it in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool Before Serving:
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the layers together nicely!
Enjoy your warm apple crumble coffee cake with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may change the baking time, especially if they’re juicier, so monitor closely!
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
To make the cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum for binding. It should work beautifully!
Can I Freeze Leftover Cake?
Yes! You can freeze the apple crumble coffee cake after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months! Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving or microwave individual slices for quick enjoyment.
How to Store the Cake for Maximum Freshness?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s particularly warm or humid, consider refrigerating it to maintain freshness. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!
