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- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup buttermilk The main ingredients for the apple streusel coffee cake create a soft and moist texture. Apples add natural sweetness and flavor. Lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and bright. Flour, sugar, and baking powder help the cake rise and hold its shape. Eggs and butter give richness. - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted The streusel topping adds a sweet, crunchy layer. Flour and brown sugar form the base. Cinnamon gives warmth and spice. Melted butter binds everything together, creating a delicious crumb. - 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Adding nuts to your coffee cake gives it extra texture and flavor. Pecans and walnuts work well with apples. They add a lovely crunch and richness. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free cake. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for our coffee cake. Next, grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal later. Now, take two medium apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. Toss the apples with one teaspoon of lemon juice in a bowl. This keeps them fresh and bright. In another large bowl, whisk together two cups of flour, one cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures they blend well in the batter. In a separate bowl, mix half a cup of softened unsalted butter with the remaining half cup of granulated sugar. Beat until it looks light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter. Next, add two large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract for that sweet flavor. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Alternately add the dry mixture and one cup of buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cake tender. Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts if you want some crunch. For the streusel topping, combine half a cup of flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Add a quarter cup of melted butter and mix until crumbly. This topping adds a sweet crunch. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter. Now, place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack. This helps it cool evenly. Enjoy this warm or at room temperature! To get a soft and fluffy cake, use room-temperature ingredients. This includes butter, eggs, and buttermilk. Mixing the butter and sugar until light and fluffy helps add air. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Spice up the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. You can also use different apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a unique taste. If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts. You can even try a swirl of caramel for extra sweetness. Store leftover cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days on the counter. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze it. It will stay good for about three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for other fruits. Peaches add a sweet, juicy twist. Berries like blueberries or raspberries give a nice tart flavor. If you use berries, reduce sugar slightly. This way, you keep the balance of sweetness and tartness. Each fruit brings its unique taste to the cake. It's fun to experiment! To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well for baking. Just ensure it has a good mix of starches and proteins. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients usually fit into a gluten-free diet. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice! If you're looking for a vegan option, swap eggs for flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit until thick. For buttermilk, combine plant milk with vinegar or lemon juice. Use coconut oil instead of butter for the fat. These swaps keep the cake moist and delicious! Store your apple streusel coffee cake at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. If your home is warm, it’s best to refrigerate the cake. It can last up to a week in the fridge. However, the cake may dry out a bit. Always wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can freeze this coffee cake for up to three months. Cool the cake completely before wrapping it. Use plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Label the package with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it through and revives the flavors. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Heat a slice for about 20-30 seconds, but the oven method is best for taste. Enjoy it warm for the best experience! Yes, you can use different apples. I suggest tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice balance to the sweet cake. If you want a sweeter taste, try Fuji or Gala apples. Just remember, different apples will change the flavor a bit. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter, it needs more time. Keep an eye on it after about 30 minutes. Baking times may vary based on your oven. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You can also use yogurt or milk mixed with sour cream for a similar effect. This coffee cake stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for apple streusel coffee cake and detailed the steps to make it. We included tips for texture and flavor, plus different variations and storage methods. Remember, this cake is not just for breakfast; it’s great for any time. Enjoy crafting your cake and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy baking!

Bakery-Style Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Bakery-Style Apple Streusel Coffee Cake with this easy-to-follow recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, this cake combines juicy apples and a crunchy streusel topping for a heavenly experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a deliciously moist cake ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty dessert!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice. Set aside.

      Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

        Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter and remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

          Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

            Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the prepared apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter.

              Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix in the melted butter until crumbly.

                Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

                  Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                    Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

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