Dutch Apple Coffee Cake is a timeless treat that blends the warmth of cinnamon, sugar, and tender apples with a moist, buttery cake base. Popularized in mid-century American kitchens, this recipe captures the essence of cozy weekend mornings and casual gatherings. Layers of spiced apples rest atop a delicate batter, finished with a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, it’s a versatile bake that works equally well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 cooking apples (large or 4 medium, peeled, cored, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Additional sugar if apples are especially tart
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and beat until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir just until blended.
Step 5: Prepare Apples
- Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/2-inch wedges. Arrange them slightly overlapping on top of the batter.
Step 6: Make Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Serve
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for best flavor; add extra sugar if apples are very tart as the card suggests.
- Cut apples into even ½-inch wedges so they bake uniformly.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra texture.
- Swap part of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter for added aroma.
- Lightly tent with foil if the top browns too quickly before the center sets.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for stronger “fall spice” notes.
- This cake is great for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon coffee treat.
Nutrition
Calories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!