ππ°β Apple Nut Coffee Cake: A Delicious Treat! βπ°π
What is it?
Apple Nut Coffee Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of apples, nuts, and coffee into a mouthwatering treat. It’s a moist and tender cake with a crumbly streusel topping, making it perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack to enjoy with your coffee or tea.
History:
The exact origin of Apple Nut Coffee Cake is unclear, but coffee cakes in general have a long history. They have been enjoyed in various forms for centuries across Europe and North America. The addition of apples and nuts likely evolved as bakers sought to incorporate seasonal ingredients, creating a comforting and satisfying cake.
Components:
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Cake Base: The cake itself is typically made with ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, and milk. It serves as the moist and flavorful foundation for the dessert.
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Apples: Fresh apples are a key component, adding a fruity sweetness and a pleasant tartness when baked. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well.
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Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cake.
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Streusel Topping: This is a crumbly mixture made from ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes cinnamon. It’s sprinkled over the cake before baking, creating a deliciously textured top layer.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/2 cup of milk until well combined.
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Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in 2 cups of peeled, chopped apples and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans).
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Streusel Topping: Prepare the streusel topping by mixing 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assembly: Spread half of the cake batter into the greased baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Then, add the remaining cake batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. It’s perfect with a cup of hot coffee or tea!
Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare and bake Apple Nut Coffee Cake is approximately 1 hour. This may vary slightly depending on your oven’s performance, so keep an eye on it after the 40-minute mark to ensure it’s baked to perfection.
Now you have all the ingredients and steps to create this delectable Apple Nut Coffee Cake! Enjoy your baking journey and savor every bite of this scrumptious treat! π½οΈππ°β
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Apple Nut Coffee Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate Values):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
- Sodium: 200-250 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 25-30 grams
- Protein: 4-6 grams
Health Information:
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Calories: The calorie content in a serving of Apple Nut Coffee Cake can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s a moderately calorie-dense dessert, so portion control is essential if you’re mindful of your calorie intake.
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Total Fat: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from butter and nuts. While fat is an essential nutrient, be aware of portion size to moderate your fat intake.
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Saturated Fat: Saturated fat is relatively high due to the butter in the cake. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health concerns, so enjoy this treat in moderation.
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Cholesterol: The cake contains cholesterol from eggs and butter. Keep in mind your daily cholesterol intake goals when enjoying this dessert.
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Sodium: The sodium content is moderate. If you have dietary restrictions or need to monitor your sodium intake, be cautious with your portion size.
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Total Carbohydrates: The cake is rich in carbohydrates, primarily from flour and sugar. Carbohydrates provide energy, but the sugar content contributes to the overall carbohydrate count.
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Dietary Fiber: While the cake contains a small amount of dietary fiber, it’s not a significant source. Consider pairing it with high-fiber foods to increase your fiber intake.
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Sugars: The sugar content is relatively high, mainly from granulated sugar and the natural sugars in apples. Consuming too much added sugar can have adverse health effects, so enjoy this dessert in moderation.
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Protein: The cake provides a small amount of protein, primarily from eggs and nuts.
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. To make this dessert healthier, consider using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, and using healthier fats in moderation.
Apple Nut Coffee Cake is a delicious treat, but like many desserts, it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple, especially if you’re conscious of your overall health and nutrition.
