Indulge in this delectable Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake, an ideal treat for any occasion. Topped with a honey cinnamon cream cheese glaze, this cake combines the tartness of apples with a sweet, creamy topping, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Why You Will Love Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

Rich Flavor: The combination of tart apples and sweet cake offers a delightful taste experience.
Crunchy Texture: The pecan and brown sugar topping provides a satisfying crunch.
Creamy Glaze: The honey cinnamon cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, tangy, and sweet finishing touch.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert.
Gluten-Free Option: This can be made with 1:1 Gluten Free flour, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ingredients Needed To Make Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake:

Ingredients for Cake:

GF Flour
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Kosher Salt
Eggs
Sugar
Lifeway Kefir (or sour cream)
Butter, room temperature
Vanilla Extract
Allspice

Ingredients for Topping/Center:

Chopped Pecans
Ground Cinnamon
Brown Sugar
Granny Smith Apple, peeled and finely diced

Ingredients for Glaze:

Powdered Sugar
Cinnamon
Milk
Honey
Cream Cheese

Variations & Substitutions

GF Flour:
- Substitute: Regular all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
- Variation: Use almond flour for a nuttier flavor, though this might change the texture.
Lifeway Kefir (or Sour Cream):
- Substitute: Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy effect.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative.
Butter:
- Substitute: Margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Variation: Use browned butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Sugar:
- Substitute: Coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Reduce Sugar: If preferred, you can decrease the sugar amount for less sweetness.
Eggs:
- Vegan Substitute: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
Apples:
- Variation: Use different apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varying sweetness.
- Substitute: Pears or peaches can be used for a different fruit flavor.
Pecans in Topping:
- Substitute: Walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts entirely.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Cream Cheese in Glaze:
- Vegan Option: Vegan cream cheese.
- Substitute: Mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor.
Milk in Glaze:
- Dairy-Free Substitute: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Flavorings:
- Add-Ins: Mix in spices like nutmeg or ginger in the cake batter.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter or glaze for a citrusy flavor.

How To Make Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake

This is a fairly easy and simple recipe to make! Let’s dig in (no pun intended).

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 or 9″ round baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
Cream Sugar and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the sugar and butter on high for 3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, kefir (or sour cream), and vanilla extract.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Scrape down the sides and gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar (leave out the apples for now).
Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture, add all the diced apples, and then add the rest of the cake batter. Finish with the remaining topping.
Bake the Cake: Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 8.
Let it Cool: Allow the cake to cool before adding the glaze.

Making the Glaze:

Combine Glaze Ingredients: Mix powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, honey, and cream cheese until smooth.
Adjust Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add an additional teaspoon of milk until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Drizzle Over Cake: Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.

Commonly Asked Questions

We know you have questions, and we’re here to answer them!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and add the glaze before serving.

Can I freeze the coffee cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake well and freeze it. Thaw at room temperature and glaze it after it’s thawed for best results.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Is it possible to make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, you can use different pan sizes. Adjust the baking time accordingly – a larger pan may require less time, and a smaller, deeper pan may need more.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite apple variety. Each type of apple will give a slightly different flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a stand mixer or hand mixer?

You can mix the batter by hand using a whisk or a wooden spoon. Make sure the butter is well softened to ease the mixing process.

Can the cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, it’s already designed to be gluten-free using 1:1 GF flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

Definitely! Adding nuts like walnuts or almonds to the batter can provide an additional crunchy texture.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based milk, vegan sour cream, and vegan butter.