Delicious Old-Fashioned Applesauce Coffee Cake with Buttery Pecan Streusel
Indulge in the comforting embrace of this Old-Fashioned Applesauce Coffee Cake. It’s a culinary masterpiece that combines a wonderfully moist, subtly spiced cake with a heavenly, buttery pecan streusel topping. This delightful creation is more than just a cake; it’s an experience. Perfect as a bright accompaniment to your morning coffee, a cozy afternoon treat, or elevated into a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this recipe promises pure satisfaction with every bite.
The Irresistible Charm of Applesauce Coffee Cake
There’s an undeniable magic in a perfectly baked coffee cake, and this applesauce version is no exception. It’s a staple for brunch tables, a welcomed treat at potlucks, and a simple pleasure that brightens any day. The harmonious blend of simple ingredients creates a cake that is exceptionally soft, moist, and infused with warm spices. When paired with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, it becomes an utterly irresistible combination. For many, including myself, the absolute best part of any coffee cake is its sweet, crunchy topping. I confess, I often find myself savoring that streusel first!
Our Old-Fashioned Applesauce Coffee Cake truly embodies this charm. It’s a recipe that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly delicious, bringing together the wholesome goodness of applesauce with the rich texture of a classic coffee cake. The secret to its incredible moisture and tender crumb lies largely in the applesauce, which acts as a natural sweetener and a binding agent, ensuring every slice is as delightful as the last.
Baking Applesauce Coffee Cake from Scratch: The Secret to Supreme Flavor
While convenience often dictates our choices, crafting this homemade applesauce for this coffee cake truly elevates its flavor profile. Freshly made applesauce, especially when infused with cinnamon and other warm spices, imparts a natural sweetness and depth that store-bought varieties often lack. It also contributes significantly to the cake’s moist texture, sometimes even serving as a partial replacement for eggs or oil, making for a healthier yet equally delicious treat.
However, don don’t let the idea of making applesauce from scratch deter you! If time is short, good quality store-bought applesauce will work beautifully. Just be mindful that most commercially prepared applesauces don’t contain cinnamon. A simple fix is to stir in about half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into your store-bought applesauce before adding it to the batter. This small step ensures you retain that wonderfully spiced flavor that makes this coffee cake so special.
If you’re an avid fan of apple desserts and find yourself falling in love with this applesauce coffee cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore other apple-centric delights. Consider trying our Fresh Apple Cake for a rustic, fruity experience, the classic Apple Kuchen (German Apple Cake), or the wonderfully rich Caramel Apple Tea Cake. Each offers a unique way to celebrate the versatility and deliciousness of apples in baking.
Versatility in Baking: Quick Applesauce Coffee Cake for Any Occasion
One of the fantastic aspects of this applesauce coffee cake recipe is its adaptability to different baking pans and occasions. While I’ve baked this particular cake in a classic square pan, feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. A springform pan will yield beautiful, easily removable slices, while a Bundt pan can create an elegant presentation perfect for entertaining. Regardless of the pan type, simply be mindful that baking times may vary slightly, so keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes.
For those bustling mornings or when you need a convenient, grab-and-go option for breakfast or brunch, consider transforming this recipe into individual applesauce coffee cake muffins. Simply pour the batter into a greased muffin tray. These adorable, portion-controlled muffins are not only practical but are also sure to be a charming addition to any brunch buffet, offering a personal touch that guests will adore. Adjust baking time for muffins, typically around 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Applesauce Coffee Cake
Creating this wonderfully moist and flavorful applesauce coffee cake requires a thoughtful selection of staple baking ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired texture, taste, and overall perfection of the cake and its delicious streusel topping. For a comprehensive list of quantities and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post for the full printable recipe card.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational structure of both the cake and the crumbly streusel topping, ensuring a tender yet stable bake.
- Brown Sugar: We opt for brown sugar over white in this recipe for its rich molasses notes and its ability to contribute extra moisture, resulting in a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Butter: Cold, unsalted butter, cut into chunks, is essential for creating that flaky, tender crumb in the streusel. While salted butter can be used, unsalted allows for better control over the overall saltiness of the cake.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are key to the streusel topping, offering a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully complements the spiced applesauce cake.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice is central to the cake’s character, infusing both the batter and the streusel with its comforting aroma and taste.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cake its desirable light, fluffy texture and tender crumb, ensuring it rises beautifully.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a crucial binder, providing structure and richness to the cake batter, helping all the ingredients come together smoothly. Room temperature eggs blend more easily.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: The star ingredient! Homemade cinnamon applesauce provides natural sweetness and unparalleled moisture. If using store-bought, opt for unsweetened applesauce and consider adding extra cinnamon for flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of real vanilla extract (or artificial if preferred) enhances all the other flavors, adding a subtle warmth and depth to the cake.
As you prepare to bake, be sure to continue reading for invaluable tips and tricks, creative substitution ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions about this incredibly easy and delicious applesauce coffee cake.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Applesauce Coffee Cake
Baking this delightful applesauce coffee cake is a straightforward process, involving just a few simple steps to get it from your kitchen counter to the oven. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a perfectly moist cake with that irresistible streusel topping.
- First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish or square pan by spraying it thoroughly with a non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your beautiful cake releases easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin preparing your streusel. Combine the cold, diced butter with the brown sugar and 3/4 cup of the all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, a fork, or even your fingertips, work the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the foundational streusel texture.
- From this crumbly mixture, remove about 1/2 cup and place it into a small separate bowl. To this reserved portion, add the chopped pecans and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix these ingredients gently to combine. This is your delicious pecan streusel topping, which will add incredible crunch and flavor. Set this bowl aside for later.
- Now, for the cake batter! To the *remaining* streusel mixture in the large bowl, add the rest of the dry ingredients: the balance of the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and the remaining cinnamon. Next, incorporate the wet ingredients: the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Beat all these ingredients until the cake batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Pour the smooth cake batter evenly into your prepared 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Generously sprinkle the reserved pecan streusel topping over the entire surface of the cake batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Serve your delicious applesauce coffee cake warm for the ultimate comfort or at room temperature, equally delightful.
Storage Tips for Your Applesauce Coffee Cake
Leftover coffee cake can be a wonderful treat the next day! To keep it fresh, store any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, this coffee cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat a slice in the microwave for a warm treat.
Love it? Pin it! Share the Joy!
If this old-fashioned applesauce coffee cake recipe has captured your heart and taste buds, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to save it for future baking adventures by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. Sharing is caring, and your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this delightful treat!
Creative Substitutions for Your Applesauce Coffee Cake
Remember, baking is an art form, and you should never be afraid to get creative and customize recipes to suit your personal tastes, dietary preferences, or simply what you have available in your pantry. Make this applesauce coffee cake truly your own with these simple substitutions:
- Alternate Toppings: If you’re not a fan of streusel, or simply want a different look, consider dusting the cooled cake generously with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. A light vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can also add a touch of sweetness and shine.
- Nut Varieties: Can’t find pecans, or prefer another nut? Chopped walnuts are an excellent substitute, offering a similar crunch and complementary flavor. Almonds or even hazelnuts could also be interesting choices for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe can be easily adapted. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for best results, or add a quarter teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use a dairy-free milk or applesauce instead of any dairy components.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Applesauce Coffee Cake
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about baking with applesauce and this particular coffee cake recipe:
- What does applesauce replace in a cake? Applesauce is a versatile ingredient in baking! It can effectively replace eggs, oil, or butter in many cake recipes, offering a lighter, often healthier alternative without sacrificing moisture.
- Why add applesauce to cake? Beyond its ability to replace other fats, applesauce primarily adds incredible moisture to cakes, resulting in a tender crumb. It also contributes a subtle, natural sweetness and a delicate apple flavor without needing excessive added sugar.
- What is the difference between crumble cake and coffee cake? While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction. Crumble cake (or crumb cake) is typically characterized by a denser cake base and a very generous, often thick, streusel or crumb topping. Coffee cake, on the other hand, usually has a lighter, fluffier cake texture, though it also features a delicious streusel or glaze. This applesauce coffee cake strikes a lovely balance, offering a moist but lighter cake with a satisfying streusel.
- Can I use applesauce instead of an egg in a cake mix? Yes, absolutely! Applesauce is a fantastic egg substitute in many cake mixes. A good rule of thumb is to use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for every 1 egg the recipe calls for. Using unsweetened applesauce is crucial to prevent your cake from becoming overly sweet.
- Can I use spiced applesauce? Yes, if you’re using store-bought applesauce, a spiced variety will work wonderfully and enhance the flavors of the cake. If using plain unsweetened applesauce, remember to add extra cinnamon as suggested in the ingredients section.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Applesauce Coffee Cake
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few insider tips and tricks. Here’s how to ensure your applesauce coffee cake turns out absolutely amazing every time:
- Streusel Shortcut: For an even quicker and easier streusel, use a food processor instead of a pastry blender. Simply pulse the cold butter, flour, and brown sugar until crumbly, then stir in the pecans and cinnamon. It saves time and effort!
- Pantry Staple: Always keep a jar of unsweetened applesauce (or a batch of homemade in the freezer) in your pantry. This way, you’re always ready to whip up this delicious applesauce coffee cake whenever the craving strikes, or for a last-minute brunch.
- Toast Your Pecans: For an enhanced flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans before adding them to the streusel. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. This deepens their nutty taste considerably.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Remember to bring your eggs to room temperature before you begin baking. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better-textured cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough or dry cake.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary. If you find your cakes bake inconsistently, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at the set temperature.
- Cool Completely (or Mostly): While serving warm is fantastic, letting the cake cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes allows it to set properly and makes for cleaner slices.
More Delightful Coffee Cake Recipes to Love
If you’re a true connoisseur of coffee cakes, your culinary journey shouldn’t stop here! There’s a wonderful world of variations to explore. After enjoying this applesauce coffee cake, consider expanding your repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Indulge in the rich flavors of our Carrot Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze, a delightful twist on a classic.
- For a seasonal treat, the Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze (pictured above) is easier to prepare than it sounds and perfect for autumn.
- Chocolate lovers will rejoice over the sophisticated Bittersweet Chocolate Coffee Cake.
- Experience the tangy richness of our Sour Cream Coffee Cake, known for its extra moist crumb.
- And for a comforting classic, the Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake offers all the traditional flavors you adore.
Each of these recipes offers a unique take on the traditional coffee cake, promising to become new favorites in your baking collection.
Now, pour yourself a nice cup of your favorite tea or coffee, slice a generous piece of this delicious applesauce coffee cake, and simply enjoy it while it’s warm. You truly deserve this moment of comforting indulgence!
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Print Recipe
Applesauce Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold salted butter, cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup pecans chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup cinnamon applesauce homemade or unsweetened store-bought with added cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish or square pan with non-stick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine the cold butter with brown sugar and 3/4 cup of the flour. Using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers, blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Remove 1/2 cup of this crumbly mixture and place it in a small bowl. Add the chopped pecans and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix to combine; this is your streusel topping. Set aside.
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To the remaining mixture in the large bowl, add the rest of the flour, baking soda, baking powder, the remaining cinnamon, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce. Beat until the cake batter is smooth and well combined (do not overmix). Pour into the prepared baking dish.
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Evenly sprinkle the reserved streusel topping over the top of the cake batter.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on September 24, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 15, 2024.