Apricot Cream Coffee Cake

🍰🍑🥛☕️ Apricot Cream Coffee Cake ☕️🥛🍑🍰

What is it?
Apricot Cream Coffee Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that combines the sweetness of apricots with the richness of cream, all nestled in a tender coffee cake. This delectable treat is perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or any time you crave a slice of something delicious.

History:
The exact origin of Apricot Cream Coffee Cake is unclear, but coffee cakes in general have a rich history dating back to Europe in the 17th century. They were initially designed to be enjoyed with coffee, providing a bit of sweetness and warmth to the coffee-drinking experience. Over the years, coffee cakes have evolved into a wide variety of flavors and styles, including this apricot-infused version.

Components:

1. Apricots: You’ll need ripe apricots, either fresh or dried, for the fruity filling and topping.
2. Cake Batter: The cake itself is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda.
3. Cream Filling: A creamy layer is created using sour cream or Greek yogurt, sugar, and eggs.
4. Streusel Topping: To add a delightful crunch, the cake is finished with a streusel topping made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter.
5. Spices and Flavorings: You can enhance the flavor with vanilla extract, almond extract, and a touch of cinnamon.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan.

2. Prepare Apricots: If using dried apricots, soak them in warm water until they become plump, then drain and chop them. If using fresh apricots, pit and slice them.

3. Make Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, sugar, and eggs. Mix until smooth. Add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

4. Prepare Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your streusel topping.

5. Prepare Cake Batter: In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add softened butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.

6. Layer the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Top with the cream filling and apricot slices. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apricots.

7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve!

Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Apricot Cream Coffee Cake is approximately 20-30 minutes, and the baking time is around 45-50 minutes. So, in total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 10-20 minutes making this delightful dessert.

Enjoy your Apricot Cream Coffee Cake! 🍰🍑☕️😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apricot Cream Coffee Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on a 9×9-inch cake):

• Calories: Approximately 300-350
• Total Fat: 12-15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Protein: 4-6 grams
• Vitamin C: Approximately 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: Approximately 6-8% DV
• Iron: Approximately 6-8% DV

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: Apricot Cream Coffee Cake is a delicious treat, but it tends to be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. Enjoy it in moderation as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of your diet.

2. Fruit Benefits: Apricots in the cake provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for your immune system and skin health.

3. Protein: This cake contains a small amount of protein from the eggs and dairy in the cream filling. Protein is important for muscle and tissue repair.

4. Fiber: While this cake doesn’t have a high fiber content, the apricots and a bit of dietary fiber from the cake batter contribute to your overall fiber intake. Fiber is essential for digestive health.

5. Watch Sugar Intake: The sugar content in this cake can be relatively high. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain and various health issues. Be mindful of your overall sugar intake throughout the day.

6. Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller portions to manage calorie intake. Pair a smaller slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful snack.

7. Balanced Diet: Enjoy this coffee cake as part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Remember that nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. Always check product labels and consider your dietary preferences and restrictions when enjoying this delicious treat.