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This scrumptious apple coffee cake combines cinnamon-apple goodness with a creamy cheesecake center and a crunchy oat topping. Each bite delivers fantastic texture contrasts, making it perfect for fall gatherings or lazy weekend mornings with family.
I created this treat while hosting a fall breakfast for my friends, and now everyone begs me to bake it when autumn rolls around. Once the aroma of apples and cinnamon fills the house, folks just show up at the table without any invitation.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the foundation for the cake body and crispy topping
- Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture throughout
- Sour cream: Gives the cake an incredibly tender, moist texture
- Cream cheese: Adds that delicious tang similar to authentic cheesecake
- Golden Delicious and Gala apples: Team up for perfect sweetness and bite
- Cinnamon: Weaves through the entire cake for warmth in every bite
- Rolled oats: Create that essential crunchy crown
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a 9 inch springform pan bottom with parchment and grease the sides thoroughly. This helps prevent sticking and lets you showcase your creation when done.
- Mix the crisp topping:
- Combine dry ingredients first, then add melted butter. It's ready when it forms clumps when grabbed. This mixture creates your cake's irresistible crunch.
- Create the cinnamon sugar:
- Blend brown sugar and cinnamon thoroughly for even flavor distribution. This simple mix packs serious flavor punch.
- Prepare the apples:
- Cut apples into uniform small chunks for even cooking. Toss them with sugar and cinnamon immediately to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Make the cake batter:
- Cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, which incorporates air for better rise. Then mix in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each.
- Prepare cream cheese filling:
- Beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix just until combined without incorporating too much air.
- Layer assembly:
- Begin with cake batter, then add layers of apples, cinnamon sugar, and cream cheese, then repeat. This careful layering creates distinct flavor sections in every slice.
- Bake with patience:
- This dense cake needs plenty of oven time. It's finished when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden. Cover with foil if browning happens too quickly.
- Final touches:
- Cool thoroughly before removing the pan sides. The drizzled glaze adds visual appeal and the perfect touch of sweetness.
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That cream cheese filling really transforms this from ordinary coffee cake into something memorable. My grandma taught me this trick, always saying good coffee cake needs something unexpected in the middle. She was spot on because everyone wants to know my secret after their first taste.
Storage Tips
This cake stays fresh for up to seven days with proper storage. Stick it in the fridge after the first day, but wrap it tightly. The flavors actually improve after resting for 24 hours, making it ideal for advance preparation. For the best taste and texture, let refrigerated slices stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
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Seasonal Variations
You can enjoy this treat year-round by switching up the fruits. Summer calls for peaches or blueberries, but you'll need to shorten the baking time since they're juicier. During winter celebrations, pears work beautifully with a touch of cardamom added to the spice mix. The cake base stays consistent while the flavors change with each season.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake tastes wonderful on its own but becomes extraordinary when served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Coffee pairs well, but I find a hot mug of spicy chai tea really complements all the flavors, especially during autumn months.
Common Questions
- → Can I try different apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Go for sturdy, sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Try a combo for extra flavor depth and interesting textures.
- → What's the best way to store the cake?
It'll stay good at room temperature for one day, or wrap it up and stick it in the fridge for up to seven days to maintain freshness.
- → Is it okay to prep pieces in advance?
You bet! Get your apple mixture, cream filling, and crumbly topping ready the day before. Just store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- → How do I stop the top from burning?
If you notice the cake getting too brown around halfway through cooking, just lay some foil gently on top to shield it.
- → What's the easiest way to add glaze?
Wait till the cake cools down, then grab a spoon or fill a piping bag to make pretty drizzles across the top for that finishing touch.