Apple Crumb Coffee Cakes

We had these apple crumb coffee cakes for breakfast this morning.  They were a delightful way to start a cold, fall morning!

Apple Crumb Coffee Cakes

Streusel:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Crumb Cakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

3/4 cup sour cream

1 large egg, beaten

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Make the streusel:  In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour with the brown sugar and salt.  Add the butter pieces and mix at medium-low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal; continue mixing the streusel until very small clumps form.  Transfer the streusel to a large plate and refrigerate until it is well chilled, about 10 minutes.

Make the crumb cakes:  Line 18 standard-size muffin cups with paper liners.  Spray the liners with vegetable oil cooking spray.  In the mixer bowl, combine the flour with the granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.  Add the butter pieces and beat at low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal.  Add the sour cream and beaten egg and beat until the batter is smooth.  Add the diced apple and beat just until incorporated. 

Fill the muffin cups halfway with the crumb cake batter.  Press the streusel into clumps and sprinkle on top.  Bake the crumb cakes in the center of the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until risen, golden and springy to the touch; rotate the pans halfway through baking.  Let the crumb cakes cool slightly before serving.