Coffee Cake Recipe

This Applesauce Coffee Cake Recipe is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a light dessert. The applesauce keeps it incredibly soft while adding a hint of natural sweetness, balanced by warm cinnamon and a crunchy streusel topping. This easy-to-make coffee cake pairs perfectly with your morning coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

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Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American, European

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 40

Resting Time: 15

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: Slices

Calories: 250kcal

Cost: $6

Equipment

9-inch square baking pan Ensures even baking
Mixing bowls At least two (for wet and dry ingredients)
Hand or stand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
Whisk & rubber spatula For gentle mixing
Measuring cups/spoons Accurate ingredient measuring
Parchment paper Prevents sticking

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups All-purpose flour Can use gluten-free blend
1 ½ teaspoon Baking powder Helps the cake rise
½ teaspoon Baking soda Reacts with applesauce for texture
½ teaspoon Salt Balances flavors Balances flavors
1 ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adds warm spice notes
½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg Enhances apple flavor
½ cup Unsalted butter Softened
½ cup Brown sugar Adds moisture & caramel notes
¼ cup Granulated sugar For sweetness balance
2 large Eggs Room temperature
1 cup Unsweetened applesauce The star ingredient!
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Enhances flavors
½ cup Milk Adds tenderness

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup All-purpose flour Forms the crumbly texture
½ cup Brown sugar Sweetens and binds topping
1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Boosts warm flavor
4 tablespoon Cold unsalted butter Cubed for crumbly texture
½ cup Chopped walnuts/pecans Optional adds crunch

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) & grease a 9-inch pan.
Prepare streusel: Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Refrigerate.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Cream butter & sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
Stir in applesauce & vanilla. Gradually add dry mix, alternating with milk.
Pour batter into pan & sprinkle with streusel topping.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs.
Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation

Nutrition