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This mouthwatering apple coffee cake combines tangy cinnamon-apple flavors with a rich cheesecake center and a crunchy oat topping. Each bite delivers incredible texture contrasts, making it perfect for fall gatherings or relaxed weekend brunches with family.
I created this treat while hosting a fall breakfast for my friends, and now everyone begs me to make it when autumn rolls around. When apple and cinnamon scents start drifting through the house, folks magically appear at the table without any invitation.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the foundation for both the cake structure and the crispy topping
- Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture throughout each layer
- Sour cream: Gives the cake an incredibly tender and moist texture
- Cream cheese: Contributes that distinctive tangy flavor reminiscent of cheesecake
- Golden Delicious and Gala apples: Combine for perfect sweetness and texture balance
- Cinnamon: Appears throughout the cake to add warmth in every bite
- Rolled oats: Create that essential crunchy topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line a 9 inch springform pan bottom with parchment and coat the sides with butter. This prevents sticking and helps show off your finished cake.
- Mix the crisp topping:
- Combine dry ingredients first, then add melted butter. It's ready when it forms clumps when squeezed. This topping gives your cake that wonderful crunch.
- Create the cinnamon sugar:
- Thoroughly mix brown sugar and cinnamon for even flavor distribution. This simple combo delivers big flavor impact.
- Prepare the apples:
- Cut apples into uniform small chunks for even cooking. Toss them with cinnamon and sugar immediately to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Make the cake batter:
- Cream softened butter with sugar until light and airy, which creates lift for better texture. Then incorporate eggs one at a time, fully mixing each.
- Prepare cream cheese filling:
- Beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend just until combined without incorporating too much air.
- Layer assembly:
- Begin with cake batter, then layer apples, cinnamon sugar, cream cheese, and repeat. This careful layering creates distinctive flavor sections in every slice.
- Bake with patience:
- This dense cake needs extended baking time. It's finished when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns golden brown. Use foil to cover if browning too quickly.
- Final touches:
- Cool thoroughly before removing the pan sides. The drizzled glaze adds visual appeal and just the right touch of sweetness.
That cream cheese middle really transforms this from ordinary coffee cake into something extraordinary. I got this tip from my grandma who always said good coffee cake needs a hidden surprise. She was spot on because everyone wants to know my secret after their first taste.
Storage Tips
This cake stays fresh up to a week 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, so it's ideal for advance preparation. When serving, let refrigerated slices warm up for about 30 minutes to maximize flavor and texture.
Seasonal Variations
You can adapt this recipe year-round by switching fruits. Try summer peaches or blueberries, but remember to shorten the baking time since they contain more moisture. During winter, pears work wonderfully with a touch of cardamom added to the spice mix. The base cake remains unchanged while the flavors shift with the seasons.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake tastes fantastic alone but becomes truly special when served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside. Coffee pairs well, but a cup of spicy chai tea really complements all the flavors, especially during autumn.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I try different apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Go for sturdy, sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. You can even combine different types for more complex flavor profiles.
- → What's the best way to store the cake?
Keep it 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?
Definitely! The apple mixture, cream center, and crumbly top can all be made a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
- → How do I stop the top from burning?
Just lay some foil gently over your cake if you notice it getting too dark about halfway through the cooking time.
- → What's the easiest way to add glaze?
After the cake cools down, grab a simple spoon or fill a piping bag to make pretty icing patterns across the top for that perfect finishing touch.