Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

🍰🍏 Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake 🍰🍏

What is it?
Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake is a delectable dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a tender coffee cake base. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

History:
The history of coffee cake dates back centuries, with variations found in many cultures. Coffee cake itself evolved as a companion to coffee-drinking, often enjoyed in European coffeehouses. The addition of cream cheese and apples likely originated in North America, where these ingredients were readily available.

Components:

1. Coffee Cake Base:

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 tsp baking powder
   • 1/2 tsp baking soda
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 1 cup sour cream

2. Cream Cheese Filling:

   • 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
   • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
   • 1 egg
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

3. Apple Topping:

   • 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
   • 1/3 cup brown sugar
   • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.

2. Coffee Cake Base:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
   • In another bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and sour cream alternately until the batter is smooth.

3. Cream Cheese Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Apple Topping:

   • In a small bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

5. Assembly:

   • Spread half of the coffee cake batter into the prepared pan.
   • Spread the cream cheese filling over the batter.
   • Arrange the apple slices on top of the cream cheese layer.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the remaining coffee cake batter over the apples.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:

   • Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time Needed to Prepare:
Preparing this Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake will take approximately 20 minutes for prep, and then another 45-50 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 65-70 minutes from start to finish. Don’t forget to allow some additional time for cooling before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake! 🍰🍏😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple-Topped Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (varies with portion size)
• Total Fat: 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 11-13 grams
• Cholesterol: 80-100 milligrams
• Sodium: 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 35-40 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Protein: 6-8 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: This coffee cake is a delicious treat but is relatively high in calories, saturated fat, and sugar. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack.

2. Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes. Smaller servings will reduce calorie and sugar intake.

3. Calcium: The cream cheese in this recipe provides some calcium, which is essential for bone health.

4. Fiber: The cake contains some dietary fiber from the apples and a small amount from the flour. Fiber is important for digestive health.

5. Sugar Content: The sugar content can be high due to the added sugars in the cream cheese filling and the apple topping. Consider reducing the sugar if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option.

6. Saturated Fat: The cake is relatively high in saturated fat due to the butter and cream cheese. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health concerns, so consume it in moderation.

7. Calories: The calorie count is relatively moderate for a dessert, but it’s important to be mindful of your overall daily calorie intake.

8. Nutrient Variability: Actual nutrition values can vary depending on specific brands and variations of ingredients used. Using lower-fat cream cheese or butter alternatives can reduce the fat content.

Remember that while this coffee cake may not be the healthiest option, it can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, and you can make adjustments to the recipe to suit your dietary preferences and requirements.