Apricot Almond Coffee Cake

🍰🍑🌰 Apricot Almond Coffee Cake 🍰🍑🌰

What is it?
Apricot Almond Coffee Cake is a delightful and indulgent baked treat that combines the flavors of sweet, juicy apricots and the nutty richness of almonds. This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert to accompany your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

History:
The exact origin of Apricot Almond Coffee Cake is a bit hazy, but coffee cakes, in general, have been enjoyed for centuries. They likely originated in Northern Europe and became popular in the United States during the 19th century. As for the combination of apricots and almonds, this pairing is a classic in European baking, often found in pastries and cakes across the continent.

Components:

1. Apricots: Fresh or dried apricots are the star ingredient, providing sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.
2. Almonds: Typically, you’ll use ground almonds or almond meal in the cake batter and slivered almonds for the topping.
3. Cake Batter: The base of the cake is a moist, tender, and slightly sweet batter that serves as the canvas for the apricots and almonds.
4. Streusel Topping: A crumbly mixture of sugar, flour, butter, and almonds that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
5. Optional Glaze: Some recipes include a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over the finished cake for an extra layer of sweetness.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of ground almonds and mix well.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in two eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Apricots: Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped apricots into the batter.
7. Make Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, prepare the streusel topping by mixing 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter until crumbly.
8. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let the cake cool in the pan for a while before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, drizzle with a glaze made by mixing powdered sugar and a little milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

Total Time:
The total time needed to prepare Apricot Almond Coffee Cake is approximately 1 hour, including prep time and baking time. Enjoy your homemade coffee cake as a delightful treat with a cup of your favorite brew! ☕🍰🍑🌰

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Almond Coffee Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):

• Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 8 slices per cake)
• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per slice
• Total Fat: Around 15-18 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: About 45-55 milligrams
• Sodium: Around 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Around 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Protein: Approximately 5-6 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderation: While Apricot Almond Coffee Cake can be a delicious treat, it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content. One slice can be a delightful indulgence, but overconsumption may lead to excess calorie intake.

2. Nutrient Diversity: Almonds used in the cake contribute healthy fats, fiber, and protein. However, remember that the cake is still a dessert and should not replace a balanced meal.

3. Apricots: Apricots provide vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber. They add natural sweetness to the cake, reducing the need for excessive added sugars.

4. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as larger slices will have more calories and sugar. Consider smaller portions to satisfy your sweet cravings without overindulging.

5. Glaze (Optional): The glaze, if used, will add extra sugar to the cake. You can adjust the amount of glaze to your taste or omit it altogether for a slightly healthier option.

6. Balance: Enjoy Apricot Almond Coffee Cake as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple in your diet. Pair it with a balanced meal and maintain a well-rounded diet to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

Remember that the exact nutrition content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and recipe variations used. Always check product labels and consider using healthier ingredient substitutes if you’re looking for a more nutrition-conscious version of this delightful coffee cake. 🍰🍑🌰