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The ingredients for Apple Butter Swirl Coffee Cake are simple yet effective. Each one plays a vital role in making this cake both tasty and moist. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup apple butter - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - A pinch of salt Using fresh, quality ingredients makes a big difference. The apple butter adds sweetness and moisture, creating a rich flavor. Walnuts give a nice crunch, but they are optional. If you prefer a nut-free cake, feel free to skip them. Each ingredient works together to create a delightful treat that everyone will love. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line the baking pan. This helps the cake not stick. - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes. - Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until mixed well. - In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This makes the flour light and helps the cake rise. - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Alternate with the milk. Start and end with the flour. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix, or your cake may be dense. - Pour half of the batter into the greased pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Spread the apple butter over the batter. Make sure it covers the whole layer. If you like, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added crunch. - Drop dollops of the remaining batter on the apple butter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl through the batter. Create a marbled effect, but don’t mix it completely. - Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To get a light and fluffy coffee cake, avoid overmixing your batter. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing leads to a dense cake. To ensure a fluffy crumb, use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps create a nice rise when baking. Make your coffee cake look extra special by dusting it with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and a beautiful finish. For a delightful treat, serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cool cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake. If you want to try different sweeteners, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just remember to adjust the liquid in your recipe to keep the right texture. For a dairy-free option, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty cake! {{image_4}} You can make this cake even more fun! Adding spices like nutmeg or allspice gives it warmth. Just a pinch can change the whole cake. If you love nuts, try using different ones. Pecans add a nice crunch. Almonds bring a sweet touch. Experiment with what you have on hand! Want a gluten-free cake? Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in baking. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and eggs. You can replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit until it thickens. Seasonal fruits can add a fresh twist. Try mixing in some chopped pears or cranberries. They bring a great flavor that's perfect for fall or winter. For the holidays, think about adding spices like ginger or cloves. You can even drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider on top for a festive look. To keep your coffee cake fresh, you have a couple of easy options. - Room temperature storage: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to three days. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it moist and tasty. - Refrigeration tips: If you want to store it longer, move it to the fridge. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or keep it in a sealed container. This helps it last for about a week. If you make more than you can eat, freezing is a great choice. - How to freeze leftovers: Let the coffee cake cool completely before freezing. Cut it into squares, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. - Thawing and serving after freezing: To enjoy your cake later, take out a piece and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes the cake soft and ready to eat again. Yes, you can use homemade apple butter. It adds a personal touch and often tastes better. Just make sure it's smooth and not too watery. This will keep your cake moist and flavorful. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. The top should also be lightly golden. You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for eggs. Use 1/4 cup of either for each egg. This keeps your cake moist and adds a hint of sweetness. Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. This allows the flavors to blend nicely and makes it easy for serving. The coffee cake lasts about 3 days at room temperature. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it, which can extend its life to about three months. This blog post covered a simple and tasty apple butter swirl coffee cake. We discussed the ingredients, from flour to walnuts, and shared step-by-step instructions for baking. I provided tips for the best texture and ways to customize the recipe. You also learned how to store and freeze leftovers. In conclusion, making this coffee cake can bring joy to your kitchen. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Apple Butter Swirl Coffee Cake

Discover the delightful taste of Apple Butter Swirl Coffee Cake with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this cake combines sweet apple butter and a soft, tender crumb. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a marbled masterpiece that's both impressive and delicious. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through for the full recipe and make your baking dreams come true! Enjoy this cozy treat today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup apple butter

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

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray, or for an easier release, line the bottom with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.

      Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until mixed well.

        In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensures even distribution of the baking powder and spices.

          Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can result in a denser cake.

            Pour half of the prepared batter into the bottom of the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

              Evenly spread the apple butter over the layer of batter, ensuring full coverage. If desired, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the apple butter for a delightful crunch and additional flavor.

                Drop dollops of the remaining batter on top of the apple butter layer. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect, being careful not to mix it completely—just a light swirl will do!

                  Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

                    Once baked, allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Just before serving, dust the top of the coffee cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, and for an extra indulgence, slice into squares and serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!