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This tasty apple coffee cake brings together yummy cinnamon-spiced apples, a smooth cheesecake center, and a crunchy oat topping. Each bite gives you different textures that work amazingly together, making it a hit for autumn get-togethers or lazy weekend brunches.
I first whipped up this cake when some friends came over for a fall brunch and now it's the dessert everyone expects from me in autumn. The way apple and cinnamon smells fill up the house always brings everyone into the kitchen before I even call them to eat.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Gives the cake and topping their basic structure
- Brown sugar: Brings richness and keeps everything moist throughout
- Sour cream: Makes the cake super soft and tender
- Cream cheese: Gives that wonderful tangy flavor like in cheesecake
- Golden Delicious and Gala apples: Work together to give just the right sweetness and texture
- Cinnamon: Shows up in several layers so you get that warm spice in every mouthful
- Rolled oats: Make that must-have crunchy top layer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Put parchment in a 9 inch springform pan and butter the sides well. This stops sticking and lets you show off the cake nicely when it's done.
- Mix the crisp topping:
- Stir dry stuff together before adding melted butter. When you can squeeze it and it clumps in your fingers, it's ready. This part gives you that nice crunch contrast.
- Create the cinnamon sugar:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon really well so it spreads evenly through the cake. Such a simple mix packs tons of flavor.
- Prepare the apples:
- Cut them into small, even chunks so they cook the same. Mix with cinnamon and sugar right away to stop browning and make them tastier.
- Make the cake batter:
- Beat room temp butter with sugar until it's fluffy and light which helps the cake rise well. Add eggs one by one, letting each mix in fully.
- Prepare cream cheese filling:
- Beat cream cheese until it's totally smooth with no lumps. Add the rest of the stuff and mix just enough to combine without too much air.
- Layer assembly:
- Start with cake batter then add apples, cinnamon sugar, cream cheese, and do it again. These layers make each slice have different yummy sections.
- Bake with patience:
- This thick cake needs extra time in the oven. It's done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top looks golden. Cover with foil if it gets too brown.
- Final touches:
- Let it cool properly before taking off the pan sides. The glaze on top makes it sweeter and prettier as the last step.
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That cream cheese middle really turns this from just another coffee cake into something special. My grandma taught me this trick. She always said good coffee cake needs a surprise in the middle. She was right because everyone asks what my secret is after their first bite.
Storage Tips
This cake stays fresh for about a week if you store it right. Keep it covered tight in the fridge after day one. It actually tastes better after sitting for 24 hours, so it's great to make ahead. When you want some, let cold slices warm up for around 30 minutes so they taste and feel their best.
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Seasonal Variations
You can switch up this cake all year by using different fruits. In summer, try it with peaches or blueberries but cook it a bit less since they're juicier. During winter holidays, pears work great with a bit of cardamom added to the spices. The basic cake stays the same while the flavors change with what's in season.
Serving Suggestions
Though it's great by itself, this coffee cake gets even better when served a little warm with some vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side. Coffee's the usual drink pairing, but I think spiced chai tea goes really well with the flavors, especially in fall.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Absolutely! Any firm sweet apple works great here. Try Honeycrisp, Fuji or even tart Granny Smith apples to get the flavor you like best.
- → How should I store this cake?
You can leave it out for a day at room temp. For longer freshness, wrap it up and stick it in the fridge where it'll stay good for up to a week.
- → Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You bet! Make your apple mix, crumbly topping, and cheese filling the day before. Just keep them in separate containers in your fridge until you're ready to put everything together and bake.
- → How can I prevent the top from overbrowning?
Watch your cake as it bakes. If the top starts getting too dark too soon, just lay some foil loosely on top about halfway through cooking time.
- → What's the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Wait till your cake cools down completely. Then grab a regular spoon or fill a piping bag and make nice even lines of glaze across the top for that wow factor.