Country Apple Coffee Cake

Hey y'all! If you're craving a cozy, soul-warming dessert, this Country Apple Coffee Cake is just what you need. Picture juicy apples, a tender crumb, and a swirl of cinnamon sugar all in a single, delightful bite—it's like a hug from grandma in cake form. This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, potlucks, or simply snuggling up with a warm slice and your favorite coffee. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This

• Moist, tender crumb thanks to fresh apples and sour cream.
• A buttery cinnamon-sugar streusel both inside and on top for extra flavor.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, celebrations, or cozy afternoons.
• Delicious warm, at room temp, or even reheated!

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled, diced tart apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions

Prep the Pan & Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Peel and dice the apples into small cubes; set aside.

Make the Streusel

3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Set aside.

Mix the Batter

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
7. Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8. Fold in the diced apples gently.

Layer & Bake

9. Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
10. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer, then top with remaining streusel.
11. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Serve

12. Allow the coffee cake to cool for at least 20 minutes in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best tart-sweet balance.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts from the streusel.
• This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Variations

• Apple-Pear Coffee Cake: Substitute half the apples with diced ripe pears.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
• Maple Glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup and drizzle over cooled cake.

Required Equipment

• 9-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (small, medium, large)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Peeler and apple corer

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days—just bring to room temp before enjoying or lightly warm individual slices.
• To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Pair with freshly brewed coffee or chai for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions.

Pro Tips

• Don't overmix the batter—mix just until the ingredients are combined for the lightest crumb.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not raw batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean slices and optimal flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes! Try pears, peaches, or even blueberries for delicious variations.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeled apples give the cake a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for a rustic feel.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; the texture may vary slightly, but it will still be tasty!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9-12 slices

★★★★★ 4.10 from 5 ratings

Country Apple Coffee Cake

yield: 9 servings

prep: 25 mins

cook: 45 mins

total: 50 mins

A moist, tender coffee cake filled with tart apples and topped with a cinnamon-nut streusel—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled, diced tart apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. 2
   Peel and dice the apples into small cubes; set aside.
3. 3
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Set aside.
4. 4
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. 5
   In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
6. 6
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
7. 7
   Alternately add the flour mixture and sour cream to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
8. 8
   Fold in the diced apples gently.
9. 9
   Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter.
10. 10
    Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer, then top with remaining streusel.
11. 11
    Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. 12
    Allow the coffee cake to cool for at least 20 minutes in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 310 caloriescal

Protein: 5 gg

Fat: 14 gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 43 gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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