Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house-especially when that treat involves apples and cinnamon. Today, I’m beyond excited to share with you an absolute classic with a twist: Apple Crumble Coffee Cake. This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a fluffy, moist cake bursting with tender chunks of apple and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s perfectly sweet and cinnamon-spiced.

Imagine sinking your fork into that golden crust, breaking through the crumbly top layer into soft, warm cake with juicy apples nestled inside. Paired with your favorite cup of coffee or tea, this cake becomes the ultimate cozy companion for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack. So, grab your apron and let’s get into this delightful recipe!

Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s the broad overview: a tender vanilla-scented cake studded with cinnamon-spiced apple pieces and crowned with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s simple but decadent-perfect for sharing or sneaking bites all to yourself (no judgment here).

The trick is balancing the moist cake with the crunchy topping, making sure the apples are tender but not mushy, and layering in just the right amount of spice to complement-not overpower-the sweetness.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down what you’ll need, because every ingredient plays a starring role in this show:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – the structure builder; creates that tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup) – sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) – the rising agent that makes it light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp) – balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – warms the cake with that classic apple spice flavor.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, softened) – richness and moisture.
• Eggs (2 large) – bind everything together, add moisture, and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – that subtle aromatic magic.
• Whole milk (3/4 cup) – adds moisture and tenderness.
• Apples (2 medium, peeled and chopped) – the star ingredient! Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.

For The Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour (1 cup) – creates the crumbly texture.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup) – adds deep caramel notes.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp) – pairs beautifully with apples.
• Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, cold and cut into cubes) – makes the topping buttery and crisp.
• A pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.

How To Make Apple Crumble Coffee Cake

Alright, here comes the fun part! Step-by-step, with plenty of little tips tucked in:

1. Prep your oven and pan: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside in the fridge to keep it cold.
3. Mix dry ingredients for the cake: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Cream butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy-about 3-4 minutes. This aerates the batter, giving you that soft crumb.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides to keep things even.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined-don’t overmix or the cake will be dense.
7. Fold in apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not overworked.
8. Assemble: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.
9. Bake: Place in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s nerd out for a second and talk about why this cake works so well:

• Butter & Sugar Creaming: When you beat butter and sugar together, tiny air pockets form. These pockets expand during baking, making your cake lighter and fluffier.
• Baking Powder: It’s a chemical leavener that produces carbon dioxide gas when combined with moisture and heat, causing the batter to rise.
• Apples: The moisture in apples contributes to a soft, juicy crumb, but their natural pectin also helps hold the cake’s structure. Choosing firmer apple varieties keeps the chunks intact during baking instead of turning into mush.
• Cinnamon: Not just a flavor superstar, cinnamon also has antimicrobial properties and antioxidants, which is a nice bonus!
• Cold Butter in Crumble: Using cold butter for the topping keeps the fat solid until it hits the oven, creating that beautifully crisp and crumbly texture.

Expert Tips

Here are some pro-level nuggets to take your Apple Crumble Coffee Cake from great to unforgettable:

• Don’t overmix your batter! This activates gluten and can toughen your cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps everything blend seamlessly for a smooth batter.
• Chop apples uniformly. Smaller pieces ensure even distribution and no giant apple chunks that overpower the texture.
• Chill your crumble topping. This keeps the butter from melting too early, ensuring a crispy topping.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider or lemon juice to your batter. It adds subtle tang and enhances the apple flavor.
• Test your cake with a toothpick toward the end. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfect. Too wet? Bake a bit longer.

Recipe Variations

Feel like mixing things up? Here are some delicious ways to tweak this recipe:

• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra nutty crunch.
• Spice it up: Throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Fruit Swap: Replace apples with pears or a mix of berries for a different fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain structure.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), and use a plant-based milk.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked cake for a decadent finishing touch.

Final Words

I hope you’re feeling inspired to bake this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake pronto. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a cinnamon-scented blanket. Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday brunch, a potluck, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, it’s bound to delight.

Remember: baking is as much about the experience as it is the result. Enjoy the smells, the textures, and yes-those inevitable taste tests along the way. Once you try it, this cake will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe box.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In An Apple Crumble Coffee Cake?

The main ingredients for an apple crumble coffee cake typically include apples, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, and milk. The crumble topping is usually made with butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.

Can I Use Any Type Of Apple For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple, but tart apples like Granny Smith are popular choices because they balance the sweetness of the cake. Other apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work well depending on your taste preference.

How Do I Make The Crumble Topping For The Apple Crumble Coffee Cake?

To make the crumble topping, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it over the cake batter before baking.

Can I Make The Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake and reheat it when needed.

What Can I Substitute For The Eggs In This Recipe?

You can substitute eggs with a variety of options. Common substitutes include applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), mashed bananas, or flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). These will provide moisture and help bind the ingredients.

Is There A Gluten-free Version Of This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake?

Yes, to make the cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that includes xanthan gum, which helps give structure to the cake. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

How Do I Make The Cake Moist?

To ensure a moist cake, make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can make it dense. Adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the batter can also help retain moisture. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the cake, as this can dry it out.

Can I Add Other Fruits To The Apple Crumble Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can experiment by adding other fruits such as pears, blueberries, or raspberries along with or instead of apples. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the added fruit, as it may affect the texture of the cake.

How Do I Know When The Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Is Done?

To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. The top should also be golden brown and firm to the touch.

Can I Serve This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake Warm?

Yes, apple crumble coffee cake is delicious served warm. You can heat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.