Description
This Applesauce Coffee Cake is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Made with unsweetened applesauce and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it features a tender crumb and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. The addition of nuts provides a delightful crunch, making this homemade coffee cake a cozy and comforting classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until fully combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and sour cream until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Nuts: If using, fold the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool slightly in the pan before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for a moist and flavorful treat.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding diced apples or raisins to the batter.
- Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- This coffee cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
