Apple Coffee Cake is a delicious and moist cake featuring apples, a hint of cinnamon, and often a crumbly streusel topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee. Here’s a classic recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

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

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2. Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Prepare the cake batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
   • Fold in the chopped apples.
4. Assemble the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well.
• Streusel Variations: Add chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or oats to the streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness and presentation.