Baking Apple Crumb Coffee Cake fills the kitchen with fall aromas—spiced apples, buttery crumb topping, and caramel. A must-have treat for crisp mornings and cozy evenings.
To make the topping, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars, cake flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a spatula until a thick crumble forms. Allow it to sit while preparing the remainder of the cake.
Tomake the cake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Spray an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish or round springform pan with baking spray and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt on low. With the mixing speed on low, gradually add the butter, one tablespoon at a time. Continue mixing until crumbs form, about 2 minutes.
Add the egg and yolk, mix, then add the vanilla and buttermilk. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the bowl halfway through.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.
Toss the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch together. Layer on top of the batter, then add the crumb mixture. You will have to break the crumbs into slightly smaller pieces.
Place in the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean and the center of the cake just barely jiggles (note that baking time will vary depending on the type and size of the pan you use).
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cranberries make a great addition, or try swapping the apples for pears!
To STORE, keep Apple Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To FREEZE, wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3–4 months.For best results, thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in a 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) oven before serving. To REHEAT, warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a warm oven until heated through.