As the temperature drops and leaves begin to fall, the holiday season is just around the corner. And what better way to celebrate it than with a warm, comforting slice of coffee cake? But not just any coffee cake – this apple-cranberry coffee cake is the perfect blend of tart apples and juicy cranberries. It’s a mouth-watering treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more!

This delicious cake recipe is perfect for those chilly fall mornings or as a dessert for your holiday gatherings. With its soft and tender crumb, perfectly balanced sweetness, and crunchy walnut topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and can easily be customized to fit your preferences. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with the best apple-cranberry coffee cake they’ve ever tasted!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect dessert or snack to pair with your afternoon coffee? Look no further than this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe. This cake is packed with the tart flavors of cranberries and apples, resulting in a taste that is both sweet and tangy. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

First, it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. This coffee cake makes an excellent breakfast dish when paired with a steaming cup of coffee, but it’s also perfect for dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack.

Second, the combination of tart apples and dried cranberries creates a unique flavor profile that is both delicious and refreshing. The apples add a bit of sweetness while the cranberries offer a tangy twist that will awaken your taste buds.

Third, this recipe is simple and quick to make. With just a few ingredients, including all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and butter (or margarine), you’ll have everything you need to make this tasty treat.

Lastly, this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe is easily customizable depending on your preferences. You can substitute different types of fruit or nuts to give the cake a new twist every time you make it.

In conclusion, there are so many reasons why you will love this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe. Try it out for yourself and I am sure it will become your go-to dessert or snack for all occasions!

Ingredient List

Start your day off with a slice of indulgence!

Ingredient List

This recipe requires some basic ingredients that might already be in your pantry or fridge, such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, unsalted butter, sugar, and eggs. You will also need tart apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts to achieve a unique flavor profile for your apple-cranberry coffee cake. Below is the complete list of ingredients for this recipe:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup Granny Smith apples (peeled and chopped into cubes)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

You can easily find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store or supermarket. Some might even come in different brands or types, so make sure to choose what suits your preference best. Also, keep in mind that measuring the ingredients properly is crucial for the success of this recipe.

The Recipe How-To

This Apple-Cranberry coffee cake is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

Now, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe. Follow these steps and you’ll have a delectable dessert in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350F/180C.

Step 2: Prepare the apples and cranberries

Peel, core, and chop tart apples like Granny Smith into small pieces. Dried cranberries can be used for added texture and flavor. If they’re too dry, place them in hot water for about 5 minutes before using them.

Step 3: Prepare the crumb topping

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined. Then add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use your fingertips to rub the ingredients together until it becomes crumbly with pea-size bits.

Step 4: Prepare the cake batter

Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Set aside.

In another bowl, cream 1 stick of butter (100g) with a handheld or electric mixer until fluffy. Slowly blend in 1 cup granulated sugar until fully combined. Next, beat in two large eggs followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients mixture by alternately adding some milk in between mixing sessions until you have added three-quarters of a cup of milk into the mixture.

Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped fresh apples and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Transfer the cake batter to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch square baking dish.

Step 5: Add the toppings and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.

Step 6: Finishing Up

Remove the cranberry apple coffee cake from the oven and let it cool. Dust some powdered sugar onto the top of your fresh cranberry apple coffee cake right before serving.

Enjoy your homemade apple-cranberry coffee cake with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!

Substitutions and Variations

The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crumbly streusel is simply irresistible.

You can put your own spin on this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe by making some substitutions and variations.

Firstly, you can swap out the walnuts for a different type of nut such as pecans or almonds if you prefer. Alternatively, if you have a nut allergy, you can omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free option.

For the dried cranberries, you can use fresh cranberries instead. If cranberries are not in season or are not available, you can also use raisins or currants instead.

When it comes to the tart apples, Granny Smith apples work best, however, you can use other tart apple varieties like Braeburn or Honeycrisp. If you prefer sweeter apples, you can use Fuji or Gala apples instead.

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also make this cake vegan by substituting the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water. Use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter and use non-dairy milk in place of regular milk.

Lastly, if you have leftover cranberry sauce, you can swirl it into the coffee cake batter to make a cranberry swirl coffee cake. Or, try making a cranberry orange coffee cake by adding orange zest and juice to the batter.

Get creative and try out different combinations to find your perfect variation!

Serving and Pairing

Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg as this cake bakes.

This warm and fragrant apple-cranberry coffee cake is a perfect choice for a cozy brunch or late afternoon tea with friends, especially during the fall or winter season. It has a balance of tangy and sweet flavors that go well with many drinks, such as coffee, black or green tea, hot apple cider, or cranberry juice.

For a stronger taste, you can brew some fresh coffee, like a medium roast from Central America or Ethiopia. The nutty aroma and slight acidity of the coffee complement the cinnamon and walnuts in the cake. If you prefer tea, you can opt for a classic English Breakfast blend or a flavored rooibos with hints of vanilla or caramel.

To make the experience even more indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with some fresh cranberries or chopped walnuts. The creaminess of the whipped cream matches well with the crumbly texture of the cake and elevates it to a dessert level.

If you want to impress your guests or try something different, you can also serve this cake as part of a larger dessert platter, together with other baked goods like pumpkin pie, apple turnovers, streusel cake, or crumble pie. You can also pair it with some homemade cranberry jam or leftover cranberry sauce for extra tartness and richness.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe, it’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your taste buds and create memorable moments with your loved ones.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Don't forget to brew a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy alongside this delectable cake. — Don’t forget to brew a fresh pot of coffee to enjoy alongside this delectable cake.

One of the best things about this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe is that you can make it ahead of time, store it, and reheat it whenever you want to have a warm, comforting slice.

To make ahead, simply bake the cake as directed and let it cool completely. Once cool, you can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you are ready to enjoy it, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to serve it warm, you can reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.

To reheat in the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20 seconds on high power. If the slice is still cold in the middle, reheat for another 5-10 seconds.

To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Place slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze slices for up to three months. To thaw them out, simply leave them at room temperature for about an hour before reheating as desired.

So go ahead and make this delightful apple-cranberry coffee cake ahead of time; sweeten up your mornings with this delicious treat!

Tips for Perfect Results

Who needs a bakery when you can whip up this delicious cake at home?

To ensure that your Apple-Cranberry Coffee cake turns out perfectly, follow these simple tips:

1. Use the right apples

Using tart apples, such as Granny Smith, is essential for balancing the sweetness of the cake and the cranberries. These apples also hold up well during baking and maintain their shape.

2. Don’t overmix the batter

Overmixing can lead to tough and dry cake results. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until they’re just combined.

3. Combine the cranberries and apples evenly

To make sure that every bite has a good balance of apple and cranberry, make sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

4. Use fresh or frozen cranberries

While dried cranberries might work in this recipe, fresh or frozen cranberries provide a tart burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

5. Grease your pan well

Make sure to use a generous amount of butter or cooking spray to prevent your cake batter from sticking to your pans.

6. Make sure your oven is preheated

Preheat your oven to 350F degrees before putting your coffee cake in the oven. This will ensure even baking and prevent any undercooked portions.

7. Test with a toothpick

To determine if your cake is done, stick a toothpick into the center of it. If it comes out clean, then it’s ready!

By following these tips, you’ll be able to bake an Apple-Cranberry Coffee cake that’s perfectly moist, not too sweet, and full of delicious apple-cranberry flavor!

FAQ

Before wrapping up this article, I would like to answer some of the frequently asked questions about this Apple-Cranberry Coffee cake recipe. These questions have been compiled from our readers’ feedback, who have tried and tested this recipe. Please go through these FAQs to clarify any lingering doubt you might have regarding the ingredients, measurements, or directions.

How do you increase the flavor of coffee in a cake?

As a skilled barista, I’ve learned some tricks to get that perfect coffee taste in your drink. Adding instant espresso powder to the batter is a quick way bakers get coffee flavors in their baked goods. However, if you want some extra oomph in your coffee, you can take it a step further by infusing the batter with coffee in two ways. This method is perfect for those who are serious about getting the full coffee experience. Next, try adding a mocha swirl to your coffee. This method has been tried and tested by many coffee lovers and is a sure-fire way to add that extra bit of flavor you crave. Additionally, you can add coffee to your crumb topping. This trick will give your coffee that extra bit of texture that will take your coffee experience to the next level. Lastly, try finishing off with a boozy latte glaze. This glaze is the perfect way to set your coffee apart and make it stand out from the rest. You’ll be surprised at how a little bit of bourbon or rum can change the flavor profile of your coffee.

What makes coffee cake different?

For those who love cinnamon and a touch of sweetness in their cake, coffee cake is an excellent choice. This single-layered cake has a streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour. It’s also popular to layer the cake with streusel as a filling. One of the most popular variations of this cake is the blueberry fruit addition.

How to make a Mary Berry coffee cake?

To make a delicious coffee and walnut cake, we will need some ingredients: 100 grams of softened unsalted butter, with some extra butter for greasing. 100 grams of fine caster sugar, 2 large free-range eggs, 100 grams of self-raising flour, 1 level teaspoon of baking powder, 50 grams of chopped walnuts, and 1 tablespoon of coffee essence. Follow my instructions and you’ll have a delectable cake in no time!

Why is crumb cake called coffee cake?

Let me shed some light on this for you. Coffee cake is a soft, single-layered cake that’s coated with a crunchy streusel layer. Surprisingly, there isn’t any coffee involved in the sponge itself! The reason it’s called coffee cake is that it’s the perfect accompaniment to a steaming mug of coffee.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors. The ingredients used are easily accessible, making it a perfect recipe to whip up for an impromptu gathering or a lazy Sunday brunch.

With its moist, fluffy texture and nutty finish from the walnuts, this coffee cake is the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning or afternoon. The crumbs on top give it an irresistible crunchy touch and add more depth of flavor to every bite.

Moreover, this recipe offers a lot of room to experiment with various substitutions and variations that can fulfill your taste preferences. You can also make this cake ahead of time, store it and reheat it when you want to indulge yourself in the ultimate coffee experience.

The best thing about this recipe is that it suits not only coffee lovers but also dessert enthusiasts who are looking for something different from their usual crumb cakes or streusel cakes. Whether you want it as a midday snack or late-night dessert, this apple-cranberry coffee cake will always satisfy your cravings.

To sum it up, if you want to impress your friends and family with an easy-to-make yet delicious coffee cake, look no further! Give this apple-cranberry coffee cake recipe a try and enjoy the sweet flavors of cranberries and apples mixed with the rich aroma of coffee.

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Apple-Cranberry Coffee Cake Recipe: Delicious Fall Treat!