There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of cake in the morning, especially when it’s infused with the sweet and tart flavors of apples. This Apple Breakfast Cake Recipe is easy to whip up and perfect for those cozy mornings when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. With its fluffy texture and delightful streusel topping, this cake is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Breakfast Cake is not just any ordinary cake. It’s a delightful combination of moist cake and crunchy streusel that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack throughout the day.
- Apple Goodness: Packed with fresh apples and applesauce, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fruit.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored for future breakfasts.
Ingredient Rundown
To create this delightful Apple Breakfast Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour: The base of our cake, providing structure.
- 1 tablespoon (12g) baking powder: This helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon (2.6g) kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the cake.
- 1/4 cup (49.5g) granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.33g) ground cinnamon: A hint of spice to complement the apples.
- 1 cup (198g) packed brown sugar: Provides moisture and rich flavor.
- 2 (218g) apples, peeled and diced: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and texture.
- 3/4 cup (191.25g) applesauce: Keeps the cake moist and adds apple flavor.
- 1 cup (227g) milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, melted: For that rich buttery flavor that we all love.
For the delicious streusel topping, you will need:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour: Creates the crumbly texture of the topping.
- 1/4 cup (53.25g) packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon (2.6g) ground cinnamon: Enhances the warm flavors of the cake.
- 1/4 cup (22.25g) oats: For added texture and a bit of chewiness.
- 4 tablespoons (61.5g) butter, diced: To bind the streusel together and create a crispy topping.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need various sizes for mixing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and mixing the batter.
- Spatula: For folding in the apples and ensuring an even mix.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Ideal for baking this breakfast cake.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake before slicing.
Cook Apple Breakfast Cake Recipe Like This
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on this wonderful Apple Breakfast Cake Recipe!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, diced apples, applesauce, milk, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Pour into Baking Pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, oats, and diced butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
Step 8: Sprinkle Streusel on Top
Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the baking pan.
Step 9: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Make It Lighter
If you’re looking to lighten up this Apple Breakfast Cake, consider the following tips:
- Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Opt for low-fat milk to cut calories.
- Reduce the amount of sugar slightly, as the apples provide natural sweetness.
Author’s Commentary
This Apple Breakfast Cake is one of my go-to recipes for using up extra apples. It’s incredibly versatile; feel free to mix in nuts or raisins for added flavor and texture. Baking this cake fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly waiting for breakfast. Plus, it’s just as delicious served warm with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Apple Breakfast Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For extended storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
Handy Q&A
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches would make wonderful substitutes for apples, allowing you to customize the flavor according to your preferences.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake the cake fresh, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring it into the baking pan.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra special touch, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Next Steps
Now that you have this delightful Apple Breakfast Cake Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Whether you’re treating yourself or hosting a brunch, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy every slice and savor the warm, homey flavors that remind us of cozy mornings and family gatherings. Happy baking!
Apple Breakfast Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup applesauce
- 1 cup milk
- 8 tablespoons butter melted
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup oats
- 4 tablespoons butter diced
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, diced apples, applesauce, milk, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, oats, and diced butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until crumbly.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the baking pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9x13-inch Baking Pan
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can freeze the cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
