Quick Description

This Apple Pie Coffee Cake is a comforting, fall-inspired treat that combines the best of both worlds: the buttery richness of a coffee cake with the sweet, spicy goodness of apple pie. With chunks of tender apples, a generous cinnamon streusel topping, and a sweet glaze that finishes it all off, this cake is perfect for cozy mornings, brunch gatherings, or as an after-dinner delight. It’s warm, gooey, and just the right balance of sweet and spiced.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 12 slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)

For the Streusel Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (more if needed for desired consistency)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in diced apples. The batter will be thick.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

  1. In a separate small bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Coffee Cake

  1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. Don’t press down — let it sit on top for a crumbly, perfect texture.
  3. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

  1. While the cake is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk if necessary to reach your desired drizzle consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake just before serving.
  3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair this coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips for Success

  • Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Sour Cream Substitute: Plain Greek yogurt works well if you don’t have sour cream.
  • Topping Texture: For a crunchier topping, let the streusel sit for a few minutes after baking before drizzling with glaze.

Would you like me to expand this into a full 3000+ word Lanthy blog-style recipe with:

  • Apple pie history and variations
  • Streusel topping techniques
  • Step-by-step photo instructions
  • Freezer-friendly tips for make-ahead
  • Fall pairing ideas for this cake

Let me know if you want me to create the extended version for you!

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