Apple Butter Coffee Cake is a moist, rich dessert layered with warm spices, tender apples, and sweet apple butter swirls throughout each bite.
This Apple Butter Coffee Cake delivers a comforting balance of texture from soft crumbs to a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. The main focus is the deep apple flavor brought out by the apple butter and diced fresh apple.
Apple Butter Coffee Cake is often made while watching autumn leaves fall or during cozy weekend mornings. Inspired to bake this cake during chilly afternoons when comfort food calls.
Now I will explain to make Apple Butter Coffee Cake in clear, easy steps.
Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
You should try this Apple Butter Coffee Cake recipe today because it combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple butter in a tender, moist cake that satisfies both breakfast cravings and dessert desires.
The fresh diced apples add a delightful texture, while the buttery streusel topping provides a sweet, crunchy finish.
This Apple Butter Coffee Cake is simple to make with everyday ingredients, making it accessible for any home baker.
Baking it fills your kitchen with inviting scents that lift your mood. Enjoying a slice warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal treat for any time of day.
How To Prepare Apple Butter Coffee Cake?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Course: Dessert / Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: ~350 per serving (based on 12 servings)
- Yield: 12 servings
Main Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×9-inch baking pan (or 8×8-inch for thicker cake)
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup (240 g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup (180 g) apple butter (for swirling into the batter)
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
How To Make Apple Butter Coffee Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
5. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Combine Batter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Fold in the diced apple gently using a spatula.
7. Layer and Swirl:
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the apple butter over the batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and apple butter on top, swirling again.
8. Add Streusel and Bake:
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Special Notes
❖ Apple Butter: The star ingredient of this Apple Butter Coffee Cake , apple butter, provides a rich, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. You can use store-bought apple butter, but homemade apple butter adds an extra layer of depth to the recipe.
❖ Variation: You can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for an added crunch, or even stir in some chopped apples into the batter for extra fruit flavor!
❖ Make ahead: You can prepare the cake ahead of time, as it stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Why My Recipe Works
My recipe works because it balances flavors and textures perfectly, combining tender cake with the rich sweetness of apple butter and the slight tartness of fresh apples.
The use of both baking powder and baking soda ensures the cake rises well and stays moist. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
The streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cake. Each step is designed to be simple and effective, making sure the final result is a delicious, well-structured coffee cake every time.
Health Benefits
While this cake is certainly a treat, it does offer a few benefits, especially with the addition of apple butter:
1. Apples are packed with nutrients: Apple butter, made from apples, provides some dietary fiber and vitamin C. Apples are also a source of antioxidants, which are great for supporting your immune system.
2. Good source of energy: The combination of sugar and fats in this cake can provide a quick energy boost, making it a nice morning pick-me-up.
3. Homemade over store-bought: By making this cake at home, you control the ingredients and avoid the preservatives and artificial additives that might be found in store-bought alternatives.
Swaps And Substitutions
1. Butter to Oil: If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegetable oil or canola oil. Use about ¾ cup of oil for every cup of butter. This will make the cake slightly more moist and tender.
2. Sour Cream to Greek Yogurt: For a tangier flavor and added protein, you can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt. It will still provide the same moisture and texture, but with a slightly different taste.
3. Apple Butter to Pumpkin Butter: For a seasonal twist, try substituting the apple butter with pumpkin butter. This will give your coffee cake a lovely fall flavor while keeping the same moist texture and spiced richness.
How To Store Apple Butter Coffee Cake
To keep your Apple Butter Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
I hope you understand the easy steps to make this delicious Apple Butter Coffee Cake. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create this moist, flavorful cake at home.
The combination of apple butter, fresh apples, and cinnamon streusel makes it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Now, you have everything you need to bake and enjoy this wonderful cake, bringing warmth and sweetness to your day. Happy baking!
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Apple Butter Coffee Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×9-inch baking pan (or 8×8-inch for thicker cake)
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150 g granulated sugar
- ¼ cup 50 g packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup 240 g sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup 180 g apple butter (for swirling into the batter)
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup 100 g packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup 30 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold butter cubed
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Batter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt. Fold in the diced apple gently using a spatula.
Layer and Swirl:
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Dollop half of the apple butter over the batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Repeat with remaining batter and apple butter on top, swirling again.
Add Streusel and Bake:
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.