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apple coffee cake with fresh apples

apple coffee cake with fresh apples

This cozy, cinnamon-scented Apple Coffee Cake is layered with tender apples and topped with a buttery pecan streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert — it’s comforting, simple, and full of homemade charm.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American, German
Servings 8 slices
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch Springform Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour soft crumb foundation
  • 1 cup sugar adds sweetness
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup butter at room temperature
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 2 1/2 tbsp sour cream for egg yolk mixture
  • 2/3 cup sour cream divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for batter
  • 1 large apple peeled, cored, thinly sliced

For the Streusel

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts/almonds
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup flour for streusel
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract for streusel

Instructions
 

  • Make the streusel: In a food processor, pulse brown sugar, sugar, nuts, and cinnamon until coarsely chopped. Set aside ¾ cup for the filling. Add flour, butter, and vanilla to the remaining mix and pulse until crumbly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and grease the sides.
  • In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, 2½ tbsp sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and remaining sour cream, and mix until moistened.
  • Increase speed and beat for 1½ minutes until batter is creamy. Add yolk mixture in thirds, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  • Pour two-thirds of batter into pan. Sprinkle with half the reserved streusel filling, layer sliced apples, then top with remaining batter and streusel topping.
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.

Notes

Try using tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast, and toast the nuts for more flavor. This cake freezes well and makes a perfect brunch or dessert option.
Keyword Apple, Coffee Cake, Fall Baking, Streusel