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Applesauce Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Coffee Cake Recipes

Imagine waking up on a crisp morning, the smell of warm spices and baked apples filling the air, inviting you to the kitchen. You slice into a soft, moist coffee cake that’s perfectly sweetened with applesauce and topped with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping that crackles under your fork. That, my friend, is the magic of Applesauce Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping.

This cake isn’t just dessert – it’s a warm hug in cake form, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack paired with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, meaning the cake stays tender for days. And the crumb topping? It adds texture and a delightful contrast that takes every bite to the next level.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just love to whip up something special at home, this recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and utterly rewarding.

Applesauce Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping Recipe

Let’s get real – the beauty of this recipe is in the balance of flavors and textures:

Moist, tender crumb thanks to applesauce, which adds sweetness and reduces the need for excess sugar and fat.
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that perfectly complement the applesauce.
Buttery crumb topping that adds a crunchy, sweet, slightly salty contrast.
A simple, approachable method that doesn’t require fancy equipment or complicated techniques.

The result? A golden-brown cake with a fragrant, crunchy top and a soft, flavorful interior.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For The Cake

All-purpose flour – The structure base of your cake.
Baking powder & baking soda – Leavening agents that make your cake light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and aroma.
Ground nutmeg – A subtle, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Unsweetened applesauce – The star ingredient for moisture and natural sweetness.
Granulated sugar – Just enough to balance the applesauce.
Eggs – For binding and richness.
Vegetable oil or melted butter – Adds fat for tenderness.
Vanilla extract – For depth of flavor.
Milk or buttermilk – Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening.

For The Crumb Topping

All-purpose flour
Brown sugar – Adds a richer sweetness and slight molasses flavor.
Cold butter – Cut into small pieces for that crumbly texture.
Ground cinnamon – Adds spice to the topping.
A pinch of salt – Balances sweetness.

How To Make Applesauce Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping

Alright, time to roll up those sleeves! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown that even the most novice baker can follow:

Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make The Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Set aside in the fridge to keep it cold and crumbly.

Step 3: Prepare The Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, whisk applesauce, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with milk/buttermilk, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!

Step 4: Assemble And Bake

Pour batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the cake batter.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown and crunchy.

Step 5: Cool And Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a hot beverage!

Ingredient Science Spotlight

This section is where baking meets a little kitchen chemistry:

Applesauce acts as a fat substitute – it retains moisture and tenderness while cutting down on butter or oil. It also contains natural sugars and pectin, helping the cake stay soft and moist without extra calories.
Baking soda and baking powder combo: Baking soda reacts with the acidic applesauce (and buttermilk if used) to create bubbles that lift and lighten the cake. Baking powder gives an additional rise, ensuring a tender crumb.
Cold butter in the crumb topping: When baked, the cold butter melts and creates steam pockets, resulting in that perfect crumbly, flaky texture.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg: Beyond flavor, these contain compounds that can enhance the aroma and perception of sweetness, making the cake taste richer without extra sugar.

Expert Tips

Let me share some nuggets of wisdom that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overworking flour develops gluten and can make the cake dense.
Use room temperature eggs: They mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
Keep the crumb topping cold: This helps create those beautiful clumps of buttery crumbs during baking.
Check your applesauce: Use unsweetened to control sugar levels, or try homemade applesauce for extra flavor.
Test for doneness early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative twists to try:

Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries into the batter for bursts of tart sweetness.
Swap applesauce for pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired coffee cake.
Use whole wheat flour (half or full) to add nuttiness and fiber – expect a denser texture.
Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top after baking for extra sweetness.
Add fresh diced apples or pears inside the batter for chunks of fruit.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a rich, earthy sweetness.

Final Words

This Applesauce Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious way to bring warmth and comfort to your day. Whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or enjoying it solo with a steaming cup of coffee, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. The balance of moist, tender cake with a crunchy, sweet topping is truly irresistible.

If you’ve never baked coffee cake before, don’t be intimidated – this recipe is friendly and forgiving. And if you’re a seasoned baker, the ingredient science and tips here can help you fine-tune your creation.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Applesauce Coffee Cake With Crumb Topping?

The main ingredients typically include all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, applesauce, sour cream or yogurt, and for the crumb topping: brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter.

Can I Use Homemade Applesauce Or Should I Use Store-bought?

You can use either homemade or store-bought applesauce. Homemade applesauce can provide a fresher, more natural flavor, while store-bought is convenient and works just as well for the recipe.

Is It Possible To Make This Coffee Cake Gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain texture. However, baking times and texture may vary slightly.

How Do I Ensure The Crumb Topping Stays Crunchy And Doesn’t Get Soggy?

Use cold butter cut into the dry crumb topping ingredients and sprinkle it evenly over the batter before baking. Avoid mixing the topping into the batter, and bake immediately to maintain the crumb’s texture.

Can I Make The Batter Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Be sure to cover it well. Add the crumb topping just before baking to keep it fresh and crumbly.

What Is The Best Baking Temperature And Time For This Coffee Cake?

Typically, bake the applesauce coffee cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is golden brown.

Can I Substitute Applesauce With Another Fruit Puree?

Yes, you can substitute applesauce with pear or pumpkin puree. These substitutions will alter the flavor slightly but work well in maintaining moisture and texture.

Is Sour Cream Necessary In The Recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, enhancing texture and flavor. If unavailable, Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as substitutes.

How Should I Store Leftovers And How Long Will The Coffee Cake Stay Fresh?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain crumb topping crunch, reheat briefly in the oven before serving.

Can This Coffee Cake Be Frozen?

Yes, the coffee cake can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.