Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful blend of soft, moist cake, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy, nutty streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake offers layers of flavor and texture that will impress your guests. The warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling pairs beautifully with the sweet brown sugar and pecan streusel, all topped off with a rich vanilla glaze that ties everything together. It’s a comforting treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Rewritten Recipe:

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Brown Sugar Mixture:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (to be added later)

Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs

Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3-5 teaspoons hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the apple pie filling and ground cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with cinnamon. Set aside.

1. Make the Brown Sugar Mixture:

• In another small bowl, mix the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Set aside. You will add the melted butter to this mixture later, just before topping the cake.

1. Mix the Cake Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, milk, softened butter, baking powder, salt, and eggs. Start by mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.

1. Layer the Cake:

• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
• Spoon half of the apple pie filling evenly over the batter.
• Sprinkle half of the brown sugar and pecan mixture over the apple filling.
• Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer, spreading it gently to cover.
• Spoon the remaining apple pie filling over the top layer of batter.

1. Add the Streusel Topping:

• Now, add the melted butter to the remaining brown sugar and pecan mixture. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake.

1. Bake:

• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before adding the glaze.

1. Prepare the Glaze:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the hot water, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
• Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice the cake into squares and serve. This coffee cake is perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and it’s just as good the next day!

Tips:

• Customizing the Filling: If you prefer, you can use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling. Simply peel, core, and slice about 4-5 medium apples, and toss them with the cinnamon before layering them into the cake.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and replace them with rolled oats or extra brown sugar for a different texture.
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.

This Apple Streusel Coffee Cake is a comforting and nostalgic dessert that’s sure to make your kitchen smell amazing. Whether for a holiday brunch or just because, it’s a recipe that’s worth repeating!