Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake

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Apple-Cinnamon Coffee Cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that combines the flavors of sweet apples and warm cinnamon in a moist and tender cake. It’s often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it the perfect treat for brunch or dessert. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this delicious treat:

History:
The exact origin of apple-cinnamon coffee cake is unclear, but coffee cakes, in general, have been a popular part of American baking for centuries. They likely evolved from traditional European cakes and were adapted to American tastes. The combination of apples and cinnamon in baking has been enjoyed for generations and is a classic flavor pairing.

Components:

1. Apples: Typically, you’ll need 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced. Varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work well.
2. Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: This consists of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, mixed together to add a sweet and spicy flavor.
3. Cake Batter: The cake batter usually includes ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, and milk or yogurt. It forms the base of the cake.
4. Streusel Topping: A crumbly mixture made from brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter that’s sprinkled over the cake for added texture and flavor.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making apple-cinnamon coffee cake:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. Set this mixture aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a separate mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in flour, baking powder, and milk (or yogurt) until the batter is smooth.

4. Layering: Grease and flour a cake pan. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the pan. Layer half of the sliced apples on top and sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon-sugar mixture.

5. Streusel Topping: Mix the streusel ingredients (brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter) until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple layers.

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the coffee cake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Time Needed:
The total time to prepare and bake an apple-cinnamon coffee cake is approximately 1 hour. This includes prep time, baking time, and cooling time. It’s a delicious treat that’s worth the effort, and the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen is a bonus! 😊🍏🍰🕒

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for apple-cinnamon coffee cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60 mg
• Sodium: 200-300 mg
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams

Health Information:

• Calories: Apple-cinnamon coffee cake is moderately calorie-dense, with most of its calories coming from carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• Fat: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from butter and any added streusel topping. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage fat intake.

• Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content is relatively high, primarily due to butter and possibly cream in the batter. High saturated fat intake should be limited for heart health.

• Cholesterol: There is moderate cholesterol content from the eggs and butter. Individuals with cholesterol concerns should consume this dessert in moderation.

• Sodium: The sodium content may vary depending on the recipe but can be moderately high. Be cautious if you have sodium-sensitive health issues.

• Carbohydrates: The cake is carbohydrate-rich, primarily from sugar and flour. These carbs provide quick energy but should be balanced with other nutrients.

• Dietary Fiber: It typically contains a small amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the apples. Fiber aids in digestion and can help you feel full.

• Sugars: The cake is moderately high in sugar, primarily from added sugars and the natural sugars in apples. Excess sugar intake should be limited for overall health.

• Protein: The protein content is relatively low. To make it a more balanced snack, consider pairing it with a source of protein, such as a yogurt or nuts.

Overall, while apple-cinnamon coffee cake can be a delicious treat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie, sugar, and saturated fat content. To make it slightly healthier, you can experiment with using less sugar, whole wheat flour, or alternative sweeteners. Additionally, consider adding more fresh apples for added fiber and nutrients.