Craving something sweet and comforting? This Savory Apple Coffee Cake With Cream Cheese Filling is the perfect treat for any time of day. Imagine biting into soft cake layered with fresh apples and rich cream cheese. You’ll want to serve it warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. Follow my easy steps to bake this delicious cake and impress your friends and family. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Optional: Chopped nuts for topping
To make a tasty apple coffee cake with cream cheese filling, gather your ingredients. I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness. The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives the cake a wonderful flavor and color. Don’t forget the eggs; they help the cake rise and stay moist.
Mixing the dry ingredients is simple and fun. You will want to whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This blend adds warmth and depth to your cake. Cream cheese is key for the filling, so make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
This recipe is for everyone, and you can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy every moment of making this cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mixing the Ingredients
– Preparing the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth. Set this aside.
– Mixing dry ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg together.
– Creaming the butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
– Combining wet and dry ingredients: Add 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cake
– Folding in the apples: Gently fold in 2 large diced apples until they are evenly mixed in the batter.
– Assembling and layering the cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread the cream cheese filling on top. Then add the rest of the batter over the filling. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a nice crunch.
– Baking time and tips for checking doneness: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center to check if it comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To make the best apple coffee cake, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps your cake light and fluffy.
Choosing the right apples is key for better flavor. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also try Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite.
Serving Suggestions
For an appealing presentation, serve slices on rustic wooden plates. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty touch. Add a warm cup of coffee to complete the experience. You can also serve a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
When it comes to drinks, coffee pairs perfectly with this cake. You might also enjoy it with a warm spiced apple cider. The flavors blend beautifully.
Common Mistakes
Watch for signs that the cake might collapse. If your cake rises too much in the oven, it may fall when cooling. Ensure you use the right pan size and check for doneness.
Baking temperature and timing are both important. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. Check your cake around the 40-minute mark, but it might need up to 50 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean from the center when it’s done.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. Enjoy your baking!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of the apple coffee cake. Adding spices like cardamom or ginger can bring warmth to the dish. Both spices work well with apples. They add a nice twist to the classic taste. Try using different types of nuts or fruit. Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch. You can also swap apples for pears or berries for a fun change.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful. For dairy-free options, you can use cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese. These will help you enjoy the cake without dairy.
Serving Variations
You can transform this cake into muffins or a bundt cake. Muffins are great for on-the-go snacks. A bundt cake makes for a lovely centerpiece at gatherings. Another fun idea is to add a glaze or syrup. A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can enhance the cake’s sweetness. You can also drizzle maple syrup for a cozy touch.
For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cake
To keep your apple coffee cake fresh, you have two main options: room temperature or refrigeration. If you plan to eat it within a few days, room temperature works well. Just wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and tasty.
If you want to store it longer, refrigeration is best. Just remember that cold air can dry out the cake. Use an airtight container to protect it. This way, you can enjoy the cake for up to a week.
Freezing the Cake
To freeze your cake without losing texture, you need to cool it completely first. Once cool, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure there are no gaps, as air can lead to freezer burn. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for better protection.
When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the cake moist. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as it can make the cake soggy. Once thawed, you can enjoy your delicious apple coffee cake again! For more details on making this treat, check the Full Recipe.
FAQs
Common Questions
How can I tell when the apple coffee cake is done?
You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The edges will also pull away from the pan slightly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you need a substitute, use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese. Both options work well and will keep the filling creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this cake vegan by using plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese. It will still taste great!
Additional Inquiries
Can I substitute the apples for another fruit?
Absolutely! You can use pears, peaches, or berries. Just make sure the fruit is firm to hold up during baking.
How long will the cake last in storage?
The cake will last for about three days at room temperature. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to a week.
What is the best way to reheat the cake?
To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms it up nicely without drying it out.
User Reviews and Experiences
Sharing tips from other bakers
Many bakers love to add a sprinkle of nuts on top. It adds a nice crunch. Others suggest using a mix of apples for extra flavor.
Highlights of user modifications to the recipe
Some users swapped the spices for pumpkin pie spice. Others added a glaze on top for sweetness. These tweaks make the cake unique!
This blog post covered everything you need to know for making delicious apple coffee cake. We explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions, along with helpful tips for perfecting your bake. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers too.
This cake is not just tasty; it can become a family favorite. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it’s sure to bring joy. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!
