Caramel Apple Coffee Cake

$To make the Caramel Apple Coffee Cake, you need a few key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced into small cubes - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch) - Extra cinnamon sugar for topping Each ingredient adds a unique touch to the cake. The apples provide moisture and sweetness. The sugars bring out a rich flavor. Butter adds creaminess, while eggs help the cake rise. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. Flour and baking essentials create the cake's structure. Sour cream adds tang and moisture. Caramel sauce brings that delicious, gooey sweetness. If you like nuts, they add a nice crunch. Finally, the topping of cinnamon sugar creates a sweet crust. Gather these ingredients before you start baking. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Happy baking! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it with butter, or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them on medium speed. Keep mixing until it looks light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time to your mixture. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the pure vanilla extract. Stir until everything is blended together. In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure they are well mixed. This step is key for a nice rise in your cake. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. Do this slowly, mixing in sour cream as you go. Start and end with the dry mix. Be careful not to overmix! Then, gently fold in the diced apples. If you want, add chopped nuts too. Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Next, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Let it seep into the batter a bit. Pour the rest of the batter on top, and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter. This creates a lovely marbled look. Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. For this cake, I recommend using firm apples. Good choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape and provide great flavor in each bite. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they turn mushy when baked. To get that beautiful swirl, drizzle the caramel sauce gently over the batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl it in. Be careful not to overmix; you want to see the caramel ribbons. This adds a lovely visual and a burst of flavor. - Overmixing: Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes the cake tough. - Wrong Oven Temp: Always preheat your oven. A hot oven helps the cake rise. - Not Greasing the Pan: Grease or line your pan. This ensures easy removal. For a stunning presentation, serve slices drizzled with extra caramel. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for fun. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch. Enjoy the look and flavors! {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this recipe for nut-free or gluten-free needs. For a nut-free version, simply skip the chopped pecans or walnuts. For gluten-free options, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake! Want to jazz up your coffee cake? You can add in extra flavors. Try mixing in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. A half cup of mini chocolate chips works great. You can also add more spices like nutmeg or ginger for a cozy vibe. Just remember, a little goes a long way! While caramel sauce is a must-have, you can get creative with toppings. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds a nice touch. You could also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a treat. For crunch, consider adding toasted coconut or crushed cookies on top. This cake can be a new dessert every time! After enjoying your caramel apple coffee cake, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and fresh. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before sealing it. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember, the cake can dry out in the fridge. To freeze your cake, first, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. This protects the cake from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating your caramel apple coffee cake is easy. To warm it, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. For a quick option, you can use a microwave. Warm each slice for about 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat. Enjoy your cake warm, and the caramel will melt slightly, making it even more delightful! This cake is special because it combines sweet apples with rich caramel. The blend of flavors creates a warm, comforting taste. The cinnamon adds spice, making every bite delightful. Plus, the crunchy topping adds texture. It is perfect for sharing with friends or family. Yes, you can use different types of apples. Each variety brings its own flavor and texture. For a sweet taste, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. For a tart flavor, use Granny Smith apples. Mixing varieties can make the cake even better! To make homemade caramel sauce, you need sugar, butter, and cream. Start by melting sugar in a pan until it turns golden brown. Then, add butter and stir until melted. Finally, slowly mix in cream until smooth. Let it cool before using. This recipe contains gluten and dairy, so it may not suit everyone. For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free needs, substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use plant-based sour cream. Always check labels for hidden ingredients. The cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to three months. This blog post covered a delicious Caramel Apple Coffee Cake recipe. You learned about the key ingredients like apples, butter, and caramel. I shared step-by-step instructions to make it easy. Plus, I included helpful tips on baking, serving, and storing. You also found variations for different diets. In conclusion, baking this cake can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy this treat with loved ones or savor it solo. You now have all the tools to create a delightful dessert. Happy baking!$

Indulge in a delicious Caramel Apple Coffee Cake that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a delightful treat that's sure to impress. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you'll whip up this mouthwatering dessert in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game with this irresistible coffee cake!

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Ingredients

2 medium apples, peeled and diced into small cubes

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon fine salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch)

Extra cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Creaming: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream the mixture together on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, typically about 3-4 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Once fully integrated, stir in the pure vanilla extract, mixing until evenly combined.

Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, fine salt, and ground cinnamon until well blended.

Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and being careful not to overmix.

Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and, if desired, the chopped nuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter to ensure a delightful bite in every slice.

Layering: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, allowing it to seep slightly into the mixture.

Finish Layer: Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer and drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a generous dusting of extra cinnamon sugar over the top of the cake to create a sweet and crunchy crust during baking.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Cooling: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve slices of the coffee cake drizzled with additional caramel sauce. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience!