Apple Coffee Cake
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
16 servings
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Course
Cake
Apple Coffee Cake
Description
The Apple Coffee Cake combines creamy butter and packed brown sugar creamed with eggs, then folded with flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, salt, sour cream, and vanilla extract to yield a tender, flavorful base. Fresh chopped Granny Smith apples contribute tartness and moisture, contrasting with the sweet batter and spice profile. The apple pie spice infuses warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice notes throughout.
The crumble topping, prepared with brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and softened butter, adds a crisp, nutty layer on top as it bakes to a golden brown. This texture contrasts well with the soft crumb of the cake underneath. Baking in a 13x9-inch dish allows even cooking and easy serving.
After cooling, the cake is topped with a brown sugar glaze blended with apple pie spice, vanilla, and warm water, enhancing sweetness and spice aroma while adding moisture and shine. This cake suits brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert occasions where a familiar, comforting apple spice flavor is desired.
The recipe is slightly adapted from Emeril Lagasse, with detailed preparation ensuring tender results and pleasing texture balance. Letting the cake cool before glazing ensures the topping does not melt or slide off.
Ingredients
FOR THE CAKE:
- 1 unsalted butter room temperature, stick plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar packed
- 2 egg room temperature, large
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
- 2 cups peeled cored and chopped Granny Smith apples
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING:
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 4 tablespoons butter softened, unsalted
FOR THE BROWN SUGAR GLAZE:
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water warm
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
FOR THE CAKE
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; about 3 minutes. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after the addition of each.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Stir in the vanilla and fold in the apples until evenly incorporated into the batter.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and butter, and combine with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the cake and bake until golden brown and set, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
FOR THE GLAZE
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, apple pie spice, vanilla, and water and mix until smooth. Drizzle the cake with the glaze and let harden slightly. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- This cake serves as a great breakfast or dessert with its balance of spicy sweetness and tart apples.
- Ensure the crumble topping is distributed evenly over the batter for uniform texture.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before applying the brown sugar glaze to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer freshness.