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To make a tasty apple cinnamon streusel coffee cake, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I suggest Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup rolled oats You can add more flavor with these options: - ½ cup chopped walnuts (for a crunchy texture) - A drizzle of melted butter in the streusel topping (for extra richness) You can mix things up by trying these ideas: - Use different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. - Swap the walnuts for pecans for a unique taste. - Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra fruitiness. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease and flour it well, or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cake later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt Mix them until they are well blended. Set this bowl aside for now. In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer for this. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air, making your cake light. Next, add 2 large eggs to the butter mixture. Mix well after each egg. Then, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Now, take your dry mixture and add it to this bowl. Do this slowly, mixing in 1 cup sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, or your cake will become dense. Gently fold in 2 cups diced apples. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter. For the streusel topping, mix together in a small bowl: - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup rolled oats - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional) If the mixture is too dry, add a small drizzle of melted butter to make it crumbly. Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over this layer. Pour the rest of the batter on top and spread it out. Finally, add the remaining streusel topping to cover the entire surface. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. For a nice touch, dust the top with powdered sugar. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra delight! To keep your apple cinnamon streusel coffee cake moist, use these tips: - Use sour cream: This adds moisture and richness. - Do not overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense. - Add apples: The diced apples will release juice while baking, which helps with moisture. - Check the oven: Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help. Storing your cake properly keeps it fresh and tasty. Here’s what to do: - Cool completely: Let the cake cool before storing. This prevents sogginess. - Wrap it up: Use plastic wrap or foil to cover it tightly. - Use an airtight container: This helps maintain freshness and keeps out air. - Refrigerate: If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your coffee cake shines: - Skipping the greasing: Always grease your pan to prevent sticking. - Using too much flour: Measure flour properly to avoid a dry cake. - Not testing for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. - Rushing the cooling: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before moving it. {{image_4}} You can easily make this cake gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has a good balance of starch and protein. This will keep the cake's texture close to the original. Check for a blend that includes xanthan gum, as it helps bind the ingredients together. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. You won't miss the gluten! Want to add crunch? Chopped walnuts or pecans work great in this cake. Stir in half a cup of nuts into the batter. If you prefer dried fruits, consider raisins or cranberries. They add a nice chewiness. Just use about half a cup, and fold them in with the apples. This gives an extra layer of flavor and texture. While apples are the star, other fruits can shine too. Try using pears for a sweet twist. Or, mix in some berries for a burst of color and flavor. Blueberries or raspberries can add a tangy note that pairs well with cinnamon. Adjust the sugar if you use sweet fruits. Each fruit brings its unique taste, making the cake fun and varied! To keep your Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and flavor. If you plan to eat it within a few days, leave it at room temperature. For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge to extend its life up to one week. If you notice any cake pieces drying out, add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will help keep the cake moist. Freezing this coffee cake is simple. First, let it cool completely after baking. Then, cut the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. For a quicker option, use the microwave. Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can dry it out. Enjoy your warm cake with a cup of coffee or tea! I recommend using Granny Smith apples. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter option. Each type adds a unique flavor and texture. Yes, you can make this coffee cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. This helps the flavors meld and gives the cake a moist texture. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To make this coffee cake dairy-free, swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt. Use a plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter. These changes keep the texture and flavor nice and rich. You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier cake. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember, the texture may change slightly with different flours. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Baking time is usually 45-50 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on it as ovens can vary! You learned about the key ingredients for making a delicious apple cinnamon streusel coffee cake. I walked you through each step, from mixing the dry ingredients to baking it perfectly. I shared tips to keep your cake moist and ideas for fun variations. Remember, you can easily store leftovers and even freeze them. Enjoy making this delightful treat for any occasion. With these tips, you can impress your friends and family with a tasty dessert. Get baking and savor each bite!

Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake with this easy recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to whip up a moist and flavorful cake packed with diced apples and topped with a crunchy streusel layer. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup chopped walnuts (optional for added crunch)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. Set this mixture aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer. Whip the mixture until it's light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air for a lighter cake texture.

        Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Follow this by mixing in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.

          Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start with the dry ingredients and finish with them. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or the cake may become dense.

            Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring each bite has a hint of fruity goodness.

              In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and optional chopped walnuts. If the mixture appears too dry, you can incorporate a small drizzle of melted butter to achieve the desired crumbly consistency.

                Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the prepared streusel topping over this layer of batter for added texture.

                  Pour the remaining batter over the first streusel layer and gently spread it out. Top with the rest of the streusel mixture so that it covers the entire surface.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

                      Once baked, let the coffee cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, as this helps maintain the cake's moist texture.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 slices

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!