Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake
A moist, flavorful coffee cake infused with warm cinnamon and sweet apples, perfect for breakfast or brunch, appealing to fruit lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped, peeled apples ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins or nuts ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease and flour 2 loaf pans and set aside.
- Mix together 1/2 cup softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture and mix.
- Gradually add milk or buttermilk while beating until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in chopped, peeled apples into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, raisins or nuts, and 1/3 cup flour for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture over the batter in each loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from pans and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense apple flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you want to reduce sugar, substitute half of the brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but for a delightful breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Crown Jewel Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake contains roughly 529 calories, with 4g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1865mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just ensure the fruit is firm and not overly juicy to maintain the cake's texture. Adjust the sugar level as needed based on the fruit's sweetness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before baking. The fully baked cake can also be made a day ahead; it will taste even better as the flavors meld together.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will give your cake the desired tenderness and tanginess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).