Applesauce Coffee Cake

Applesauce coffee cake is a classic, tender vanilla cake topped with cinnamon crumble. It makes a cozy snack or breakfast when served with coffee or tea.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings -12 squares

Author Heather

Ingredients

Crumble topping

1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (160 g) brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cake

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter room temperature
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (255 g) unsweetened applesauce room temperature

Instructions

Topping

Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly grease a 9x9 square baking pan and set aside.
Add flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon to a bowl and stir until clumps form. Mixture will look thick and crumbly. Set aside.

Cake

To a large bowl, add butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until creamed and fluffy, about a minute. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to remove clumps.
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture, half at a time alternating with the applesauce, mixing on low until ingredients are just incorporated.
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the crumble mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter. Top with remaining crumble mixture.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until cake springs back when gently pressed in the center. If an indent is left, cake needs more time.

Notes

Less-sweet variation: Cut the crumble topping in half and sprinkle it on top only.
Storage: Cake is best served the same day, but leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Freezing: Cake can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw on the countertop for 1-2 hours before serving.
More tips: Be sure to check out my 10 tips for baking cake, based on reader comments and questions!

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