If you’re craving a taste of fall in every bite, look no further than caramel apple coffee cake. This delightful twist on a classic coffee cake combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of caramel, and the tartness of fresh apples for a truly irresistible treat. With a buttery base and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon crumb topping, this recipe is sure to become a favorite during the cozy autumn months.
Indulge in the flavors of the season with this simple yet decadent dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a quiet morning at home, this caramel apple coffee cake pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re a fan of caramel apples or simply enjoy a deliciously moist cake, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of sweetness to their fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Caramel Apple Filling
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
- Apples
- Light corn syrup (for the caramel sauce)
- Heavy cream
Coffee Cake Batter
- Salted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Egg
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Sour cream
- Baking powder
- Spices (e.g., ginger, nutmeg)
Streusel Topping
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Salted caramel sauce
Necessary Tools and Equipment
When preparing this delicious caramel apple coffee cake, having the right tools and equipment on hand will ensure a smooth baking experience. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
Tools:
- Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: To efficiently mix the cake batter until light and fluffy.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining and whisking dry ingredients, as well as preparing streusel topping.
- 9-inch Square Baking Pan: To bake the coffee cake to perfection.
- Parchment Paper: For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Liquid Measuring Cup: To accurately measure and mix liquids like yogurt and milk.
- Whisk: For whisking together dry ingredients and liquid mixtures.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F for baking the coffee cake.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake once it’s baked before serving.
- Knife & Chopping Board: For chopping nuts or apples if needed.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading cake batter in the pan.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.
- Cooking Spray: To grease the baking pan for easy removal of the cake.
- Toothpick: To check for doneness by inserting it into the center of the cake.
- Serving Plate: For presenting the delicious caramel apple coffee cake.
- Optional: Drizzling Tool for caramel sauce (if desired).
Having these tools and equipment ready will streamline the baking process and ensure that your caramel apple coffee cake turns out perfect every time.
Preparation Steps
Let’s dive into the steps to create this heavenly caramel apple coffee cake. Follow these simple instructions to make a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall.
Preparing the Caramel Apple Filling
- Peel and dice 2 fresh apples of your choice.
- Cook the diced apples until they are soft and fragrant.
- Combine the cooked apples with a generous amount of caramel sauce for a luscious filling.
Mixing the Coffee Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix oil, sour cream, and eggs until well combined.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in the diced apples to the batter.
- Spoon half of the batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel on top of the batter and drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Spread the remaining batter over the streusel and sprinkle the rest of the streusel on top.
- In a small bowl, crumble together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until you have a crumbly mixture.
- Once the streusel is ready, sprinkle it generously over the coffee cake batter.
- Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the streusel for an extra touch of indulgence.
Follow these steps carefully to create a moist and flavorful caramel apple coffee cake that will surely impress your family and friends.
Baking Instructions
Assembling the Cake Layers
To assemble the cake for this delightful caramel apple coffee cake, start by spreading the vanilla batter into your prepared pan. Then, meticulously arrange the cinnamon-laden apple slices on top in a double layer, ensuring they overlap to cover the batter completely. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples, leaving no gaps to create a perfect marriage of flavors.
Baking Time and Temperature
For the optimal result, preheat your oven to 350F to achieve the perfect baking environment for this caramel apple coffee cake. Once assembled, bake the cake for 36 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, ensuring the crumbs are slightly browned. This baking time and temperature combination ensures a moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked caramel apple coffee cake that will leave everyone wanting more.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate the enjoyment of this delightful caramel apple coffee cake, consider the following serving suggestions:
Presentation Tips
When serving this caramel apple coffee cake, consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a final touch of elegance. Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over individual slices can also add a touch of indulgence. For a more rustic presentation, you can serve the cake straight from the baking dish, allowing the delightful apple aroma to entice your guests.
Accompaniments
Pair slices of this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm cake and cool, creamy ice cream. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous serving of caramel sauce can also enhance the sweetness of the dessert. To complement the rich flavors of the cake, consider serving it alongside a cup of hot coffee or a drizzle of warm apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
I recommend storing any leftover caramel apple coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. To freeze the coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
I hope this caramel apple coffee cake recipe has inspired you to embrace the flavors of fall in a delicious and comforting way. By combining the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of caramel, and the freshness of apples, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any autumn gathering. Remember to follow the simple steps outlined in this recipe to create a moist and flavorful coffee cake that will delight your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a hot beverage, this caramel apple coffee cake is a treat worth savoring. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some fall magic together!