Save to Pinterest A tender, cinnamon-scented coffee cake studded with juicy apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel — perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
I have always enjoyed baking this coffee cake because it fills the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and fresh apples, making every morning feel special.
Ingredients
- For the Cake: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, 2 medium apples peeled cored and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- For the Streusel Topping: ⅔ cup (80 g) all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter melted
- For the Glaze (optional): ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, 1 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) square baking pan or line with parchment paper
- Prepare Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl mix flour brown sugar cinnamon and salt Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbs form Set aside
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt and cinnamon for the cake base
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In another bowl cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy Beat in eggs one at a time then add vanilla extract
- Add Sour Cream:
- Mix in sour cream to the wet ingredients until smooth
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined Do not overmix
- Add Apples:
- Gently fold in the diced apples
- Assemble Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter
- Bake:
- Bake for 38 42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown
- Cool and Glaze:
- Let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes For the glaze whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth then drizzle over the cooled cake if desired
- Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature
Save to Pinterest This cake always brings our family together Sunday mornings with coffee and lots of smiles.
Required Tools
9-inch square baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk and spatula Electric mixer (optional) Measuring cups and spoons Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) milk (dairy) and eggs Check labels if using store-bought glaze ingredients
Nutritional Information
Calories 340 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this cake fresh for the best flavor and texture It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and offer a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- → Can I prepare the streusel topping in advance?
Yes, mixing the streusel a few hours ahead and refrigerating keeps it ready to sprinkle when assembling the cake.
- → Is sour cream necessary in the batter?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb and richness.
- → How can I tell when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with few moist crumbs indicating it is fully baked.
- → What are good beverage pairings?
The cake pairs beautifully with coffee or spiced chai, enhancing its cinnamon and apple notes.
- → Can I swap apples for other fruits?
Yes, pears can be used as a mild, sweet alternative providing a similar texture and flavor profile.