Baking Bliss: Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake Extravaganza
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of flavors and aromas as we unveil the magic behind our Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake. This sumptuous creation is a harmonious blend of moist cake layers, a luscious apple pie filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Let the sweet fragrance of cinnamon and apples fill your kitchen as we guide you through the steps of creating a dessert that transcends the ordinary.
Ingredients
Embark on this flavorful adventure with the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 4 cups Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup All-purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, chilled and diced
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat for Perfection: Oven at the Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisking Wonders: Cake Batter Creation
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sour Cream Symphony: Moisture Unleashed
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the flour. Begin and end with the flour.
4. Layer Love: Spread and Smooth
Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
5. Apple Elegance: Filling in the Gaps
In a bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well coated. Spread this apple pie filling over the first layer of batter.
6. Top It Off: Streusel Sensation
In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, chilled butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle half of this streusel mixture over the apple pie filling.
7. Repeat and Revel: Layer Magic Redux
Add the remaining cake batter on top of the streusel layer, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining streusel on top.
8. Bake to Perfection: The Oven’s Embrace
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool before serving.
Cook Notes
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a well-balanced flavor.
- Streusel Texture: Keep the streusel mixture crumbly for a delightful, crunchy topping.
Variations
- Nutty Indulgence: Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for a nutty crunch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra layer of decadence.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Apple Bliss
- Apple Substitute: Use peeled and sliced zucchini as a low-carb alternative to apples.
Low-Carb Temptation
- Flour Alternatives: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use a different fruit for the filling? A1: Absolutely! Pears, berries, or a combination of fruits can be delightful alternatives.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time? A2: Certainly! Prepare the components and assemble just before baking for optimal freshness.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers? A3: Yes, ensure the cake is fully cooled, wrap it well, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
As you savor the layers of moist cake, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel, relish in the satisfaction of creating a dessert masterpiece. The Apple Pie Filling Coffee Cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an experience that invites warmth and joy into every bite. Share it with loved ones, gift it to friends, and make any occasion a celebration of delicious indulgence. Happy baking!
