Enjoy a comforting slice of Spiced Apple Walnut Coffee Cake, a perfect addition to your collection of coffee cake recipes. This delightful cake features tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend if needed.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Essential for sweetness and moisture.
- Apples: Use firm, tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can be used as a substitute for a different nutty flavor.
- Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Classic warm spices; a pinch of ginger or allspice also works well.
- Unsalted butter: Ensures rich flavor and texture. Margarine can be used in a pinch.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness; plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan to prevent sticking, ensuring your coffee cake comes out easily.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later, ready for the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a good base for your coffee cake recipes.
4. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, fold in the sour cream, mixing until just incorporated to keep the batter tender.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cake tough.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter to ensure apple in every bite of your coffee cake.
7. Make the Streusel Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingertips until crumbly, then stir in the chopped walnuts.
8. Assemble and Bake
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, creating a perfect coffee cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Pear Pecan: Substitute apples with diced pears and walnuts with pecans.
- Cranberry Orange: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips with the apples for a sweet twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Spiced Apple Walnut Coffee Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use frozen apples for this coffee cake recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen diced apples. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: You can substitute an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a similar moist and tender texture in your coffee cake.
Q: How do I know when the coffee cake is fully baked?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your coffee cake is ready.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature.
Q: Is it necessary to grease and flour the pan?
A: Yes, this prevents the coffee cake from sticking and ensures easy removal from the pan.
Q: Can I use different nuts in the streusel?
A: Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are great alternatives to walnuts in this coffee cake recipe.