Imagine a warm, sweet, and buttery apple streusel dessert, fresh from the oven. It’s perfect for any occasion. You can make this delicious treat at home with a simple recipe. It combines the best of apple streusel and apple coffee cake.
With a total preparation time of 1 hour, you can enjoy this tasty dessert with your loved ones.
This apple streusel dessert recipe serves 12 people. It can be baked in a 9×13 inches dish at a temperature of 350°F. Each serving contains 388 kcal, with 61g of carbohydrates, 3g of protein, and 16g of total fat.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress your guests or a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to please. With its perfect blend of sweet and buttery flavors, it’s a great option for any time of the year. Its similarity to an apple coffee cake makes it a versatile choice for breakfast or brunch as well.
The History of Apple Streusel
Exploring apple streusel cake and apple crumb coffee cake reveals a fascinating history. The roots of apple streusel lie in Germany, where it was a common treat in bakeries. Over time, it evolved, influenced by different cultures, into the tasty desserts we enjoy today.
The German apple strudel, similar to apple streusel, has a history dating back to 1697. It features a thin dough, apples, sugar, and spices, topped with a streusel. German immigrants brought this recipe to new lands, adapting it to local tastes.
German Origins
In Germany, apple strudel is a beloved dish, often paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The recipe has been passed down, with each region adding its own twist. The filling combines tart and sweet apples, sugar, and spices, while the streusel topping is made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Evolution in American Baking
In the United States, apple streusel cake and apple crumb coffee cake have gained popularity. These desserts have a crumbly topping and a sweet apple filling. The apple crumb coffee cake, in particular, is a favorite in many bakeries, topped with a crunchy streusel and served with coffee.
As you explore apple streusel cake and apple crumb coffee cake, you’ll learn about their rich history and cultural influences. Whether you prefer traditional German apple strudel or modern American versions, these desserts are irresistible.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Streusel
To make a delicious apple streusel, you’ll need apples, sugar, flour, and butter. The type of apples used can change the flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples are often used for their tartness and firmness.
For apple streusel, mix Granny Smith with Gala apples. Sugar adds sweetness and tenderness. Use both granulated and light brown sugar. You’ll also need flour and a spice mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Here are the essential ingredients:
- 8 cups of apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
An apple streusel is great as a dessert or snack. It’s like an apple coffee cake. The topping adds crunch and sweetness. With these ingredients, you can make a tasty one for any time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples | 8 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Packed light brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
Choosing the Right Apples for Your Streusel
When picking apples for your streusel, look for ones that stay firm. You want a mix of sweet and tart flavors. For a cake or coffee cake, Granny Smith or Braeburn apples are perfect.
A seasonal guide can help pick the best apples. Apples are ready from late July to late November, with the best time in autumn. You’ll find Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp apples during this season.
Best Apple Varieties for Baking
Here are some top apple varieties for baking:
- Granny Smith: Known for their tart flavor and firm texture, Granny Smith apples are a great choice for streusel.
- Braeburn: With their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, Braeburn apples are another popular choice for baking.
- Honeycrisp: While they can be more expensive, Honeycrisp apples are known for their juicy, sweet flavor and crisp texture, making them a great choice for streusel.
Storage Tips
To keep apples fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This prevents spoilage and keeps them fresh longer. By choosing the right apples and storing them right, you can enjoy your apple treats all year.
| Apple Variety | Flavor | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart | Firm |
| Braeburn | Sweet-tart | Crisp |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet | Juicy |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty apple streusel, you need the right tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a measuring cup, and a baking dish. Also, a whisk, a rubber spatula, and a pastry brush are essential.
Here is a list of the necessary tools and equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Pastry brush
When picking your tools and equipment, look for quality and durability. A good mixing bowl and baking dish can greatly affect the taste.
With the right kitchen tools and equipment, you can make a delicious apple coffee cake. It will surely impress your family and friends.
| Tool/Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowl | A large, sturdy bowl for mixing ingredients |
| Measuring Cup | A cup for measuring dry and liquid ingredients |
| Baking Dish | A dish for baking the apple streusel or apple coffee cake |
Making the Classic Topping
To make a perfect apple streusel cake or coffee cake, you need a tasty streusel topping. The secret to a great streusel is using the right ingredients and following simple tips.
When making the streusel topping, cold butter and the right sugar amount are key. It’s made with flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cold butter. You can also add nuts or spices for extra flavor.
Butter Temperature Tips
The butter’s temperature is very important when making the streusel topping. It should be cold but not frozen. This ensures a crumbly texture that’s perfect for your cake or coffee cake.
Perfect Crumb Consistency
To get the perfect crumb, mix the ingredients just until they come together. Overmixing can make the topping tough or dense. Adding a little spice, like cinnamon, can also enhance the flavor.
Storage Methods
If you want to make the streusel topping ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is great for busy bakers who want to prepare their cake or coffee cake in advance.
Here are some tips for making the perfect streusel topping:
- Use cold butter for a crumbly texture
- Mix the ingredients just until they come together
- Add a little bit of spice for extra flavor
- Store the topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
By following these tips, you can create a delicious streusel topping. Remember to use the right ingredients and follow the simple tips outlined above.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Percentage of Total Weight |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ¼ cup (156 g) | 34% |
| Light brown sugar | ½ cup (100 g) | 22% |
| Granulated sugar | ⅓ cup (66 g) | 14% |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons (85 g) | 19% |
Preparing Your Apple Filling
To make a delicious apple streusel, start with the apple filling. Choose the right apples, peel and chop them, and mix with sugar and spices. For a classic one, use 6 Granny Smith apples. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
When preparing the apple filling, slice the apples thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. You can also add a quarter cup of raisins for extra flavor and texture. The filling includes granulated sugar, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Here’s a brief overview of the ingredients you’ll need for the apple filling:
* 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
* ¼ cup raisins (optional)
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a delicious apple filling. The key is to balance the sweetness and tartness of the apples with the right amount of sugar and spices.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples | 6 large |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Raisins | ¼ cup (optional) |
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, get ready the apple filling and streusel topping. You can make the streusel up to 3 days in advance, which is handy.
If you want something similar, try an apple cream cheese cake or an apple crumb coffee cake.
When the oven is hot, put the apple filling in a 9-inch square or 9×13 pan. Then, spread the streusel topping over the apples. Bake for 30-38 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the apples are soft.
Here are some key baking instructions to keep in mind:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Prepare the apple filling and streusel topping
- Place the apple filling in a 9-inch square or 9×13 pan
- Top the apple filling with the streusel topping
- Bake for 30-38 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are tender
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious apple streusel. It’s great for any time, as a dessert or snack. For a twist, try an apple cream cheese cake or an apple crumb coffee cake.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples | 2 medium to large |
| Butter | 10 tablespoons |
| Granulated Sugar | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
Apple streusel offers endless possibilities for flavor and add-ins. You can try different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique taste. Adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, adds a delightful texture and flavor.
For a tasty apple coffee cake, add a hint of vanilla or sprinkle cinnamon on top. Use different apples, like Cortland or Granny Smith, for a unique flavor. Here are some ideas for flavor variations and add-ins:
- Adding dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist
- Using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, for a richer flavor
- Incorporating a hint of lemon zest or orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor
The secret to a delicious apple streusel is to experiment. Find the flavors and add-ins you love the most. So, don’t be afraid to try new things and make the recipe your own!
| Flavor Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Apple | Adding a hint of cinnamon to the apple filling for a warm and spicy flavor |
| Nutty Delight | Adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor |
| Fruity Twist | Adding dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet and fruity flavor |
Common Troubleshooting Tips
When baking an apple streusel cake or apple crumb coffee cake, you might face some common problems. These can affect the cake’s texture and quality. We’ve gathered some tips to help you fix these issues and make a perfect apple streusel cake.
Texture issues often come from wrong ingredient ratios or not mixing enough. For instance, a dense streusel topping can make the apple filling soggy. To fix this, use the right mix of ingredients like oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Mix them just until they’re combined.
Texture Problems
- Incorrect ingredient ratios
- Inadequate mixing
- Overmixing the batter
Baking problems like uneven cooking or a burnt crust can also happen. To avoid these, watch your cake while it bakes. Cover it with foil if the topping browns too fast. Try rotating the cake halfway through baking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Baking Issues
- Uneven cooking
- Burnt crust
- Undercooked filling
Lastly, think about how to store your apple streusel cake or coffee cake. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If it gets stale, reheat it in the oven at 350°F.
Storage Solutions
- Store in an airtight container
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your apple streusel. You can have it as a dessert alone or with other treats. A favorite choice is to pair it with vanilla ice cream. Or, enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
Here are some more ideas:
- Whipped cream or custard for added richness and texture
- Caramel sauce for a sweet and indulgent treat
- Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a lighter and refreshing option
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added spice and flavor
Apple streusel is always a hit, whether as a dessert or snack. So, get creative and find your favorite pairing. Its sweet and crumbly texture pairs perfectly with apple coffee cake.
| Pairing Ideas | Popularity |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | 92% |
| Whipped Cream | 78% |
| Caramel Sauce | 76% |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your apple cream cheese cake or apple crumb coffee cake is key. To keep your dessert fresh and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the fridge for 2-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
For reheating, you have options like the microwave, oven, or toaster oven. The microwave can take 30-60 seconds but might make it soggy. Baking in the oven takes 20-30 minutes at 350°F for big portions. Toaster oven reheating for small portions takes 15-30 minutes at 350°F. Remember, frozen leftovers are safe forever but may lose some moisture and flavor over time.
Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze apple crisp for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
- Reheat apple crisp in the oven or toaster oven for a crispy texture.
- Consume frozen leftover apple crisp within 3 months for best flavor.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your apple cream cheese cake or apple crumb coffee cake longer. It will stay delicious and fresh.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 2-4 days |
| Freezer | up to 3 months |
Conclusion
As you finish reading this article, you now have a guide to making the perfect apple streusel dessert. Apple streusel is loved worldwide, including in the United States. To make it, choose the right apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Use granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cold unsalted butter for the topping. When baking, remember to use 375°F and cook for 1 hour 15 minutes. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a special treat.
If you want a coffee cake version, you can easily adapt the recipe. This will make a delicious apple coffee cake. With these tips, you’re ready to make your own apple streusel and enjoy it with loved ones.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to it, this apple streusel recipe will be a favorite. So, get baking and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of apple streusel or apple coffee cake. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors that everyone will love.
