Apple-Cranberry Coffee cake

🍏🍰 Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake 🍏🍰

What is it?
Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake is a delightful and flavorful baked dessert, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. It combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples and cranberries with a tender, crumbly cake base. The cake is typically topped with a streusel or crumb topping, which adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness.

History:
The history of coffee cake dates back to ancient times when coffee was first brewed. People would enjoy simple, sweet bread or cake alongside their coffee to complement the bitter taste of the beverage. Over time, coffee cakes evolved into various forms and flavors, with regional variations around the world.

Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake is a modern twist on this tradition, combining the classic coffee cake concept with the delightful combination of apples and cranberries, which are abundant during the fall season.

Components:

• Apples: Usually peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces. They provide natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cake.
• Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries can be used, adding a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Cake Batter: The base of the cake is made from ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and milk.
• Streusel Topping: A crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes spices like cinnamon, which is sprinkled over the cake before baking.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.

2. Make the Streusel Topping:

   • In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Add Apples and Cranberries:

   • Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped apples and 1 cup of cranberries.

7. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
   • Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

8. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Enjoy:

   • Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for a bit before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Time Needed:
The preparation time for Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake is approximately 20-25 minutes, and the baking time is around 40-45 minutes, totaling about 1 hour and 5-10 minutes from start to finish. This time may vary depending on your oven and experience in the kitchen.

🕒 So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful coffee cake! 🍰☕ Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate Values):

• Calories: 300-350 calories
• Total Fat: 12-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 45-55 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 4-5 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake is a delicious treat, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its relatively high sugar and fat content. Overindulgence can contribute to excessive calorie intake.

2. Fruit Benefits: The inclusion of apples and cranberries provides dietary fiber, vitamins (like vitamin C), and antioxidants. These can contribute to overall health, but they may be partially offset by the cake’s sugar and fat content.

3. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake. Smaller servings can help prevent excessive sugar and calorie consumption.

4. Balanced Diet: It’s best to enjoy coffee cake as an occasional indulgence within the context of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

5. Modify Ingredients: If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this coffee cake, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, and using a healthier fat source like coconut oil or Greek yogurt.

Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, so it’s a good practice to consult specific product labels or recipes for more precise information if you have dietary concerns or restrictions.