Decadent Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake Delight
Indulge in the unparalleled richness of this Decadent Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake. The secret to its moist and tender crumb lies in the generous addition of sour cream, which not only enhances the cake's flavor but also provides a delightful texture. This versatile cake can be tailored to your taste; try substituting apples with fresh blueberries and a hint of almond extract for a unique twist. The brown sugar and cinnamon topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath. Whether served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up; it's bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
shortening
1/2 cup (Crisco or similar)
sugar
1 cup (or to taste)
eggs
2 (large, at room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (or almond extract)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (sifted)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (sifted)
sour cream
1 cup (regular or low-fat)
apples
4 medium (peeled and finely chopped (or 5 small apples))
chopped nuts
1/2 cup (walnuts or pecans)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the second-lowest position.
2
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan (or an 11 x 7-inch pan if preferred) with butter or cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs and the vanilla or almond extract, beating the mixture for about 5 minutes until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7
Gently fold in the peeled and finely chopped apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
9
In a small bowl, combine the chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter, mixing well to create a topping mixture.
10
Sprinkle half of the topping mixture evenly over the first layer of batter. Add the remaining batter on top, noting that it may not fully cover the topping. Don't worry; it will bake together nicely!
11
Sprinkle the remaining topping mixture over the top layer of batter.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13
Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving, ideally with whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Decadent Apple Sour Cream Coffee Cake?
The cake features a rich apple flavor complemented by a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon crunch topping.
What ingredient makes this coffee cake particularly moist?
The inclusion of a full cup of sour cream is the secret to its exceptionally moist and tender crumb.
Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with fresh blueberries and add a hint of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Where should the oven rack be placed for baking this cake?
Position the oven rack in the second-lowest position for even baking.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 13 x 9-inch baking pan is standard, though an 11 x 7-inch pan can also be used.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray before adding the batter.
How long should I cream the shortening and sugar?
Cream them together for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the recommended beating time after adding eggs and extract?
Beat the mixture for approximately 5 minutes after adding the eggs and extract to ensure it is well combined.
Which dry ingredients need to be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
How should I incorporate the dry ingredients and sour cream?
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
How should the apples be prepared before adding them to the batter?
The apples should be peeled and finely chopped.
When do I add the apples to the mixture?
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter after the dry ingredients and sour cream are fully incorporated.
What ingredients are in the topping mixture?
The topping consists of chopped nuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
What types of nuts work best for the topping?
Walnuts or pecans are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How is the cake layered in the pan?
Spread half the batter, sprinkle half the topping, add the remaining batter, and finish with the rest of the topping.
What if the second layer of batter doesn't fully cover the topping?
Don't worry; the layers will bake together nicely even if the coverage isn't perfect.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I use low-fat sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe works well with either regular or low-fat sour cream.
What are the best serving suggestions for this cake?
It is delicious served plain, with a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream.
How many apples are needed?
You will need 4 medium apples or 5 small apples.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
It is best to use large eggs that are at room temperature.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, the recipe allows for either vanilla or almond extract depending on your preference.
What kind of shortening should I use?
Standard shortening like Crisco is ideal for the batter texture.
Is the brown sugar measured packed or loose?
The 1/2 cup of brown sugar for the topping should be firmly packed.
How should the cake be served?
Allow it to cool slightly, then cut into squares for serving.
Can I omit the nuts from the topping?
Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free topping.
What texture does the topping provide?
The topping provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, moist cake.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast or dessert?
Its versatile nature makes it perfect as a morning coffee cake or an indulgent afternoon pick-me-up.