Apple Crumble Coffee Cake: A Delicious Fall Baking Delight

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting flavors, and what could be more comforting than a combination of apple crumble and coffee cake? This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a moist, tender cake with a sweet and crunchy crumble topping, infused with the subtle warmth of coffee. It’s the ideal treat for a cozy brunch, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple yet impressive dessert. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure and impress your friends and family with this irresistible Apple Crumble Coffee Cake!

Why This Recipe Works

This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake stands out for several reasons:

* **Moist and Tender Cake:** The combination of sour cream and oil in the cake batter ensures a remarkably moist and tender crumb. Sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and crumble.
* **Flavorful Apple Filling:** The apple filling is seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon juice, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and creating a warm, inviting aroma.
* **Irresistible Crumble Topping:** The buttery crumble topping, made with flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon, provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
* **Coffee Infusion:** The addition of strong brewed coffee or espresso powder to the batter elevates the flavor profile, adding a subtle depth and complexity that complements the apples and spices perfectly.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the recipe is suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin baking, gather the following ingredients:

### For the Cake:

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or 1 tablespoon espresso powder dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water)

### For the Apple Filling:

* 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice

### For the Crumble Topping:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup rolled oats
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

## Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Paring knife
* Apple peeler (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Apple Crumble Coffee Cake:

### Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. **Peel and dice the apples:** Peel, core, and dice the apples into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl.
2. **Combine the filling ingredients:** Add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the bowl with the apples. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
3. **Set aside:** Set the apple filling aside while you prepare the cake batter and crumble topping.

### Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon.
2. **Cut in the butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be sure to work quickly so the butter stays cold.
3. **Set aside:** Set the crumble topping aside while you prepare the cake batter.

### Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. **Add eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, and cooled coffee (or espresso mixture).
6. **Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

### Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. **Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan:** Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
2. **Add the apple filling:** Sprinkle the apple filling evenly over the batter.
3. **Top with remaining batter:** Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the apple filling. Gently spread the batter to cover the apples as much as possible.
4. **Sprinkle with crumble topping:** Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.

### Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut.

## Tips for Success

* **Use cold butter for the crumble:** Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture. If the butter is too soft, the crumble will be greasy and not as distinct.
* **Don’t overmix the batter:** Overmixing the cake batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.
* **Use a variety of apples:** Using a mix of apple varieties can add complexity to the flavor. Try combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp.
* **Adjust baking time as needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Let the cake cool completely:** Although it’s tempting to slice into the cake while it’s still warm, letting it cool completely will make it easier to cut and prevent it from falling apart.

## Variations and Additions

* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice to customize the flavor of the apple filling and crumble.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal.
* **Caramel:** Swirl a layer of caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a decadent caramel apple coffee cake.
* **Dried Fruits:** Add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for a chewy texture and burst of flavor.
* **Espresso Glaze:** Instead of the coffee in the cake, use it to make a glaze after it’s cooled.

## Serving Suggestions

This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and adds a creamy coolness.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is a simple yet elegant addition.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
* **Hot Coffee or Tea:** Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Crumble Topping:** The crumble topping can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just be sure to keep it cold until ready to use.
* **Apple Filling:** The apple filling can also be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Cake Batter:** While it’s best to bake the cake batter fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature slightly before baking.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

*Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 250-350mg
* Carbohydrates: 55-70g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 5-7g

## Conclusion

This Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake, flavorful apple filling, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a comforting and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a masterpiece!

Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every delicious bite of this Apple Crumble Coffee Cake!