If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the richness of sour cream, my sour cream apple coffee cake recipe is a must-try. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
With a history rooted in traditional American baking, this sour cream apple coffee cake brings together classic flavors in a simple yet irresistible way. The tender crumb, sweet apple chunks, and buttery streusel topping make it a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples, peeled
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Cooling rack
This sour cream apple coffee cake recipe requires a flavorful blend of ingredients like fresh diced apples, tangy sour cream, and a buttery streusel topping. The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes this cake a perfect companion for your morning coffee or as a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Equipment Needed
For this delightful sour cream apple coffee cake recipe, you will need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth baking process and a scrumptious end result. Here are the equipment and tools required:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
- Oven mitts
- Wire cake tester or toothpick
Having these items ready before starting the baking process will make it easier and more efficient to create this moist and flavorful sour cream apple coffee cake.
Directions
Preparing the Batter and Apples
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
- In another bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Mix in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of peeled and diced apples. Set aside.
Making the Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, and work the mixture with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top and spread it gently.
- Sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping over the second layer of batter.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Optionally, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk, mixed until smooth. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Sour Cream Apple Coffee Cake
When making a delectable sour cream apple coffee cake, certain tips can elevate the baking process and ensure a scrumptious outcome. Paying attention to details such as creaming the sugar and butter, using room temperature eggs, and properly incorporating flour can make a significant difference in your final cake result. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while preparing this delightful dessert:
Creaming the Sugar and Butter
To achieve a light and fluffy texture in your sour cream apple coffee cake, properly cream the sugar and butter together. Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a tender crumb and a moist cake. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, creating a base for a deliciously rich dessert.
Ensuring Room Temperature Eggs
For optimal incorporation into the batter, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs blend more easily and evenly with other ingredients, preventing curdling or separation. When eggs are at the same temperature as the other wet ingredients, they emulsify better, contributing to a cohesive batter and a uniform rise during baking.
Proper Incorporation of Flour
When adding flour to the batter, be mindful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake texture. Incorporate the flour gently and just until it disappears into the batter. Overmixing can cause gluten development, resulting in a less tender cake. Mix the flour in using a folding technique to maintain the cake’s light and delicate crumb.
Essential Kitchen Items
Having the right kitchen tools at your disposal can streamline the baking process and ensure a successful outcome. Essential items for making sour cream apple coffee cake include a stand mixer or hand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar, mixing bowls for combining ingredients, a rubber spatula for folding in the diced apples, a cake pan for baking the cake, and a wire rack for cooling. Ensuring you have these items ready before you begin baking will make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Topping for Sour Cream Apple Coffee Cake
For a delectable finish on the sour cream apple coffee cake, a cinnamon nut topping adds a delightful crunch and warmth to each bite. Elevate the flavors of the cake with this simple yet enticing topping.
Cinnamon Nut Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the nut mixture and stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon nut topping evenly over the sour cream apple coffee cake batter before baking.
How to Store Apple Coffee Cake
- Once the apple coffee cake has cooled completely, you can choose to freeze the whole cake or individual slices for future consumption.
- Wrap the cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a delightful sour cream apple coffee cake recipe that captures the essence of traditional American baking with a modern twist. This recipe’s blend of fresh apples, tangy sour cream, and buttery streusel topping creates a moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion. Remember to follow the tips provided for a light and airy texture, and consider adding a cinnamon nut topping for extra crunch and warmth. With essential kitchen tools and storage guidance at your disposal, you’re all set to bake this delicious treat. Enjoy the process and savor each bite of this heavenly sour cream apple coffee cake!