Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe
This Moist Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delightful baked treat featuring tender cake layers infused with cinnamon and studded with juicy chopped apples. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apple topping and a soft, buttery crumb makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Apple Cinnamon Topping
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter helping the cake rise.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to maintain batter consistency. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the gluten.
- Prepare apple cinnamon mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and the additional 1/4 cup flour. Add chopped pecans if using to add crunch and flavor.
- Assemble the cake layers: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Then, sprinkle half of the apple cinnamon mixture over the batter. Spread the remaining cake batter over the apples, followed by topping with the remaining apple cinnamon mixture.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool before serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
- Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture and proper creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- You can use any type of apple that holds its shape when baked, like Honeycrisp or Gala, for best texture.
- For an extra cinnamon kick, dust the cooled cake with a little additional cinnamon sugar.
- Chopped pecans add a nice crunch but are optional based on preference or nut allergies.
Keywords: apple cinnamon coffee cake, moist apple cake, cinnamon coffee cake, breakfast cake, fall desserts, apple cake recipe
