Delicious Apple Streusel Cake Recipe From Scratch
Table of Contents
The smell of apple streusel cake baking in the kitchen brings back memories of my childhood. My grandmother kept her recipe a secret, sharing it only with those she trusted. Now, I’m excited to share it with you, so you can enjoy the same joy it brought to my family.
This apple streusel cake is a mix of sweet, tart, and crumbly. The cake is moist, with the taste of fresh, chopped baked apple dessert. The crumbly topping adds a buttery, cinnamon flavor that contrasts beautifully. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend or a potluck, and it’s sure to become a favorite.
The Perfect Blend of Sweet Apples and Buttery Streusel
Enjoy the perfect mix of this cinnamon apple cake. It has a moist, vanilla cake, juicy apple slices, and a rich streusel topping recipe. It’s a delicious blend of flavors and textures, perfect for autumn.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This apple streusel cake stands out because of its detailed ingredients. The cake has warm spices like cloves and almond extract. It’s a cozy base for tart apple slices and a buttery streusel topping. It has a 4.75 out of 5 rating from 12 reviews, showing it’s loved by many.
Key Recipe Features
- Moist, tender cake base with a touch of vanilla and spice
- Generous layer of juicy, diced baking apples
- Indulgent streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, and butter
- Optional apple cider vanilla glaze for an extra layer of flavor
- Ideal for autumn gatherings and holiday celebrations
This cinnamon apple cake with a streusel topping recipe is a true autumn delight. It combines the cozy flavors of the season into a delicious dessert.
“This apple streusel cake is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s become a family favorite for our autumn gatherings.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Streusel Cake
Baking the perfect coffee cake or brunch cake with a delicious apple streusel topping is all about the right ingredients. You need a moist cake base and a crunchy streusel topping. Each part is crucial for a dessert that will wow your guests.
The recipe starts with Granny Smith apples. They’re firm and sweet, making them perfect for the streusel. You’ll also need flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a bit of sea salt for the cake’s base.
For the cake, mix unsalted butter, white and brown sugar, eggs, yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract. These ingredients make the cake tender and full of flavor. They enhance the taste of the apple filling and streusel topping.
The streusel is made with more flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and sometimes chopped walnuts. The walnuts add crunch and a nutty flavor.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake a tasty apple streusel cake. It’s ideal for coffee or brunch gatherings.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect baked apple dessert or old-fashioned cake, you need some key tools. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make your baked apple dessert or old-fashioned cake just right.
Baking Pan Specifications
The recipe asks for a 9×12-inch baking dish or a 9-inch square pan. Choose the one that fits your needs. Always grease the pan well to avoid sticking and make the cake easy to remove.
Essential Mixing Tools
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric mixer (hand-held or stand mixer)
- Wire whisk
- Rubber or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Additional Equipment
- Parchment paper for lining the baking pan
- Toothpick or bamboo skewer for testing doneness
- Cooling rack for allowing the cake to rest after baking
With these tools and equipment ready, you’re set to make a tasty baked apple dessert or old-fashioned cake. Your friends and family will love it.
Making the Perfect Streusel Topping
Making the perfect streusel topping is key to a great apple streusel cake. This topping is crumbly and buttery. It adds a wonderful texture and flavor that goes well with the apples.
To start, you need room temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients in a bowl until they look like coarse crumbs. They should stick together when you squeeze them.
After making your streusel topping, chill it in the fridge while you make the cake batter. This keeps the streusel crumbly when baked on the cake. You can make the streusel up to 3 days before, making it easy to prepare.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter (room temperature) | 1/2 cup (113g) |
| Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup (165g) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups (180g) |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious streusel topping. It will make your apple cake even better. The buttery, crumbly streusel and the sweet apples are a perfect mix.
Preparing the Apple Filling
For a perfect apple streusel cake, picking the right apples is key. We suggest using Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples. These apples stay firm and add great flavor to each bite.
Best Apple Varieties to Use
Honeycrisp apples are the main attraction in this recipe. They offer a perfect mix of sweet and tart. Ambrosia and Sweet Tango apples are also great choices. For a tangier taste, Granny Smith apples are the way to go.
Proper Apple Cutting Techniques
- Start by peeling, coring, and cutting the apples into quarters.
- Then, slice each quarter into about four pieces for even chunks.
- This size ensures the apples cook evenly in the cake.
Apple Preparation Tips
- Don’t pack the apples too tightly in the pan. Leave some space.
- Drizzle the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious apple filling. It will pair perfectly with the streusel topping. Your kitchen will soon fill with the enticing smells of apples and spices.
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Baking Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Honeycrisp | Sweet-tart, crisp | Excellent |
| Granny Smith | Tart, firm | Excellent |
| Ambrosia | Sweet, crisp | Very Good |
| Sweet Tango | Sweet-tart, crisp | Very Good |
“The secret to a truly remarkable apple streusel cake lies in the careful selection and preparation of the apples. By using a blend of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples, you’ll create a filling that is both sweet and tart, with a perfect texture that holds up to baking.”
Step-by-Step Cake Batter Instructions
Making a tasty cinnamon apple cake or a rich coffee cake begins with the cake batter. Follow these simple steps to create a batter that’s both flavorful and moist. It will be the base of your delicious dessert.
- Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a big mixing bowl. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Crack the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This ensures they’re fully incorporated into the batter.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and almond extract. Blend until the flavors are evenly spread.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture. Mix with the milk or yogurt, a little at a time. This avoids overmixing.
Don’t overbeat the batter. This can make it tough and dense. Mix the ingredients gently and efficiently. This creates a smooth, pourable batter ready for your baking pan.
Assembly and Layering Technique
Making a perfect apple streusel cake needs a gentle touch. Start by putting half of the cake batter in a greased pan. Then, layer half of the apple slices and half of the crumbly topping on top.
Spread the rest of the batter in dollops, smoothing it gently. Add the remaining apple slices and streusel, pressing the crumbs into the batter.
Creating the Perfect Layers
Getting the layers right is key to a stunning apple streusel cake. Building the cake in stages ensures each bite has the right mix of cake, apples, and crumbly topping. Be patient and gentle when adding each layer.
Streusel Application Method
The streusel topping’s texture is crucial for a great apple streusel cake. Instead of just sprinkling it, press the crumbs into the batter. This helps them stick and creates a nice crunch against the soft cake and fruit.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter, cold | 3/4 cup |
“The secret to a truly remarkable apple streusel cake is in the layering and streusel application. Take your time and follow the techniques closely for a show-stopping result.”
Baking Time and Temperature Guide
To bake the perfect baked apple dessert or old-fashioned cake, temperature and timing are key. For the tasty apple streusel cake, follow these tips for a moist, flavorful, and beautifully-baked treat.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal, allowing the cake to rise evenly and develop a golden-brown crust. Once the oven is ready, put the cake pan in the center.
- Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check for signs of doneness, like the cake pulling away from the pan edges and a light golden-brown top.
- Watch the cake closely towards the end to avoid over-browning or drying.
The 350°F (175°C) oven and 35-40 minute baking time will give you a baked apple dessert with a moist crumb and a crisp, flavorful streusel topping. By following these guidelines, you’ll create a stunning old-fashioned cake that will wow your guests.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
After baking your autumn dessert or coffee cake, let it cool in the pan. This step is crucial for the right texture. Once cooled, slice and serve. The apple streusel cake stays fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap.
Proper Storage Methods
For longer storage, keep the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it moist. If you want to enjoy it longer, freeze it (without glaze) for 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
- To reheat a slice, warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- For the whole cake, warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Follow these tips to enjoy your autumn dessert or coffee cake fully. Whether for a cozy snack or a guest treat, this apple streusel cake will impress everyone.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2-3 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer (without glaze) | Up to 2 months |
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic apple streusel cake is a great brunch choice. You can make it your own by trying different apples. Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If sour cream is not available, use plain or Greek yogurt instead.
Want to serve more people? Just double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. You can also tweak the spices to make it even more flavorful. This way, you can make the cake your own.
Using fresh, quality apples is key to a great apple streusel cake. It should have a moist crumb that goes well with the filling and topping. With a bit of creativity, you can make this cake a hit with your loved ones.