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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) For this apple cinnamon coffee cake, you'll need basic pantry items. Start with all-purpose flour for the cake's base. Sugar adds sweetness, while softened butter gives it a rich taste. Buttermilk makes it moist and fluffy. The eggs bind everything together. Baking powder is key for that lovely rise. You will also need a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. Ground cinnamon and salt enhance the taste and balance the sweetness. The star of the show is the apples, which should be peeled and diced. I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness. Lastly, for an extra sweet touch, brown sugar and more cinnamon create a delicious topping. If you like, add walnuts or pecans for crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this cake delightful. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it well. You can use butter or non-stick spray. This helps the cake come out easily. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they blend well. This mix adds flavor to your cake. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat them for about 3-4 minutes. It should look light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix, making the cake soft. Add 2 large eggs to the butter and sugar mix. Beat in one egg at a time. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined well. This adds richness and flavor to your cake. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate this with 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mix. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cake tender. Gently fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples. You can also add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you like. This brings a nice texture and flavor to your cake. Make sure the apples are evenly mixed in. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture on top. Then, add the rest of the batter and top with the remaining brown sugar mix. This creates a sweet layer in the cake. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut. To get the best texture, do not over-mix your batter. When you mix too much, the cake can become tough. Mix until you just see the dry flour disappear. This keeps your cake soft and light. Use apples that are firm and tart. I recommend Granny Smith apples. They add a nice balance to the sweetness. Other good choices are Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These apples keep their shape and flavor when baked. Serve your coffee cake warm. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This adds a creamy contrast to the warm cake. Enjoy each slice with a hot cup of coffee for the best experience! {{image_2}} To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Substitute 2 cups of all-purpose flour with the blend. The rest of the ingredients stay the same. Check your baking powder to ensure it’s gluten-free. This option is great for those who need it. For a vegan coffee cake, you can swap eggs and dairy. Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce in place of each egg. For the buttermilk, mix 1 cup of plant milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. This creates a similar taste and texture. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter for a dairy-free treat. To boost flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. You can also mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries. For crunch, try adding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or almonds. If you love chocolate, fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. These tweaks can make your cake unique and tasty! To keep your coffee cake fresh, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. If you want to save it for later, freeze the cake. Cut it into slices for easy access. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. This way, you can enjoy your cake for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover cake, you can reheat it easily. For the best results, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms the cake without making it dry. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 15-20 seconds. This method is quick but might make the cake a bit soft. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Both can work well. Just keep in mind that whole wheat will add a nutty taste. Gluten-free flour blends may change the texture a bit. Adjust the liquid in your mix as needed to get the right consistency. To lower the sweetness, cut back on the granulated sugar. Try using half a cup instead of one cup. You can also reduce the brown sugar topping. Adding tart apples can balance the sweetness too. Absolutely! You can swap walnuts or pecans for almonds or hazelnuts. If you prefer, you can leave the nuts out altogether. The cake will still taste great without them. The cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. To keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious coffee cake. We went over the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. I shared ways to adapt the recipe for gluten-free or vegan diets. Remember, choosing the right apples and avoiding over-mixing can make a big difference. Store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Now you have all the tools to bake this delightful treat. Enjoy making your coffee cake and sharing it with others!

Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Heavenly Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake! This easy recipe combines fluffy cake with sweet apples and a crunchy cinnamon topping, perfect for any occasion. In just over an hour, you can create a warm treat that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and savor this cozy dessert today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

      Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

          Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

            Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

              Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping.

                Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar cinnamon mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over and sprinkle the rest of the topping evenly on top.

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

                    Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve slices warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for an extra treat!