I’m not usually a big fan of coffee cakes, as they are usually so fattening and somehow taste dry despite the excessive fat. Since I had several apples approaching the point of no return I searched online for a easy quick dessert made with apples and came across this coffee cake from the Food Network. This is my first time trying one of Emeril Lagasse’s recipe, but it really is fantastic. Dare I say the best coffee cake I’ve made AND/OR tasted???? I give props to you Emeril, and vow to try more of your recipes, as long as I don’t have to use your beloved pork fat. :)

Apple Coffee Cake with Crumble Topping and Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Cake:
1 stick plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups peeled, cored and chopped apples

Crumble Topping:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Brown Sugar Glaze:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons water

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with 2 teaspoons of the butter. In a large bowl, cream together the remaining stick of butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating after the addition of each. In a separate bowl or on a piece of parchment, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and vanilla. Fold in the apples. Pour into the prepared baking dish, spreading out to the edges.

2. To make the topping, in a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter, and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the cake and bake until golden brown and set, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

3. To make the glaze, in a bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla, and water and mix until smooth. Drizzle the cake with the glaze and let harden slightly. Serve warm.

Note: I made half of the cake recipe, but used the regular portion of the streusel (I love me some streusel!). Also, I baked it in a tart pan to make it look a little fancier than your usual coffee cake.