Delicious Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe

Have you ever wondered how to elevate your morning coffee or afternoon tea with a homemade treat that’s both comforting and delicious? Look no further than the applesauce coffee cake recipe! This classic cake combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of applesauce, and the richness of a buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening snack, this cake is sure to impress.

The applesauce coffee cake recipe is a timeless favorite that stands out with its moist and tender crumb. The secret lies in the combination of applesauce and sour cream, which ensures the cake stays perfectly moist. The cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, making every bite a pure delight. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Degree of Difficulty

Essential Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the streusel, providing structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the streusel.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Enhances the richness and depth of flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a crumbly texture when combined with the dry ingredients.
• Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and complements the cinnamon flavor.

For the Coffee Cake:

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle apple flavor.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the cake’s texture and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.

Substitutions and Variations

• Applesauce: You can use homemade or store-bought unsweetened applesauce. For a sweeter cake, use sweetened applesauce but reduce the amount of granulated sugar.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream.
• Pecans: If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using two forks, a pastry cutter, or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans and set the streusel mixture aside.

Preparing the Coffee Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with foil for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the applesauce, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by the applesauce mixture. Mix until just combined. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until no dry streaks remain.
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle about one-third of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the streusel and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining streusel mixture.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. If you used foil, lift the cake out of the pan using the foil edges and let it cool completely on the wire rack.

Assembly Tips

• Layering the Streusel: Ensure the streusel is evenly distributed in the middle and on top of the cake for the best texture and flavor in every bite.
• Serving Suggestions: Dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze for added presentation. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Cover the cake and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Fruit Additions: Mix in diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
• Muffin Version: Pour the batter into a muffin tin for individual applesauce coffee cake muffins, perfect for on-the-go snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can lead to a tough and dense cake.
• Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are at room temperature for even mixing and baking.
• Streusel Texture: Make sure the streusel has a coarse crumb texture. If the butter is too warm, it may melt and lose its crumbly consistency.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 387 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 63mg
• Sodium: 359mg
• Potassium: 176mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 443 IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 139mg
• Iron: 2mg

Conclusion

The applesauce coffee cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, applesauce, and a buttery streusel topping. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening snack, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can use sweetened applesauce, but you may need to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe to avoid an overly sweet cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of the cake. However, the texture may vary slightly.

How long does the cake stay fresh?

The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, up to 5 days in the refrigerator, and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I omit the nuts from the streusel?

Yes, you can omit the nuts from the streusel if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious without them.

Why is it called coffee cake if there’s no coffee in it?

Coffee cake is called that because it’s an easy-to-make cake that pairs well with coffee, similar to other morning baked goods like donuts or muffins.