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To make the Caramel Apple Crumb Coffee Cake, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk (preferably whole) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (approximately 2 cups) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 3/4 cup caramel sauce (use store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in this cake. The flour gives structure, while the sugars add sweetness. Eggs help bind everything together, and the milk keeps it moist. Vanilla adds flavor, and apples bring a fruity touch. Cinnamon gives warmth, and caramel adds a rich sweetness. Oats and nuts enhance texture and crunch. Make sure to use fresh apples for the best taste. A mix of tart and sweet apples works well. This recipe allows for some fun variations. You can swap in nuts if you like a bit of crunch. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it with butter. Dust it lightly with flour. This helps keep the cake from sticking. In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with ground cinnamon. Make sure they are all coated well. Set this mixture aside. Let the flavors blend while you work on the batter. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes. When it's light and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Now, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet batter. Be gentle! Overmixing can make the cake dense. Spoon half of the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, then sprinkle half of the apple mixture on top. Gently spoon the rest of the batter over the apples. Spread it out smoothly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, followed by the rest of the apple mixture. Make sure everything is evenly placed. In a small bowl, mix the old-fashioned oats and chopped nuts if you want. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness. Crumble this topping evenly over the entire cake. This adds texture and flavor. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy! Do not overmix your batter. This step is key for a light cake. When you mix too much, the cake can become dense. Mix until just combined, and you will have a perfect crumb. For even chopping, use a sharp knife. Start by cutting the apple in half. Then, cut each half into quarters. Remove the core and slice into cubes. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking. This ensures every bite is tasty and soft. This cake pairs well with many drinks. Serve it warm with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. You can also top it with whipped cream or extra caramel sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a sweet touch, too. Enjoy how the flavors blend together! {{image_4}} You can easily modify this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the milk and butter for almond milk and coconut oil. These are great options that still give a rich taste. For those with nut allergies, you can leave out the walnuts or pecans entirely. If you want some crunch, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. This cake shines with apples, but you can mix it up. In spring, use fresh strawberries or rhubarb. In summer, peaches or blueberries add a lovely twist. Fall is perfect for pears or cranberries. Each fruit brings its own charm and flavor, so feel free to experiment. If you need a gluten-free cake, it’s simple to adjust. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Many blends work well for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious coffee cake! To keep your caramel apple crumb coffee cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will stop it from drying out. The cake stays good for up to four days in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze your coffee cake, first let it cool completely. Then, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air to prevent freezer burn. The cake can last for about three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best texture when reheating, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm the cake evenly and keep it moist. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat each slice for about 20-30 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the texture nice. Enjoy your delicious cake warm! Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Bake it, let it cool, and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Making homemade caramel sauce is easy. Here’s a simple way: - In a saucepan, cook 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat. - Stir it gently until it melts and turns golden brown. - Add 6 tablespoons of butter and mix well. - Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. - Let it cool before using it in your coffee cake. For baking, I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and add great flavor. You can also mix different types for added taste. Yes, you can skip the nuts if you prefer. The coffee cake will still taste great without them. If you want to use other types, try almonds or pecans. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution. This recipe is a tasty way to enjoy apples in a cake. We covered all the key ingredients and shared step-by-step instructions. By using tips and tricks, you can perfect your baking. You also learned how to customize the recipe based on your needs. Whether storing leftovers or making variations, enjoying this cake is easy. Try this recipe for your next dessert and share it with others. You will love baking and savoring this delightful treat!

Caramel Apple Crumb Coffee Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Crumb Coffee Cake with this easy, step-by-step recipe! Perfect for brunch or dessert, this cake layers soft, spiced apples with rich caramel and a crunchy crumb topping. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a mouthwatering treat ready in no time. Click through to discover how to bake this irresistible coffee cake and impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup milk (preferably whole)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (approximately 2 cups)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup caramel sauce (use store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray and then dusting it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

    Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the chopped apples with ground cinnamon until they are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the batter.

      Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are well incorporated.

        Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to stir until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make the cake dense.

          Layer the Cake: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle on half of the spiced apple mixture.

            Add More Layers: Gently spoon the remaining batter over the apple layer, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, followed by the rest of the apple mixture, ensuring an even distribution.

              Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, chopped nuts (if using), and an additional sprinkle of brown sugar. Mix these together and crumble this topping evenly over the entire cake for added texture and sweetness.

                Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For a lovely finishing touch, dust the cooled coffee cake with powdered sugar just before slicing. Serve warm, drizzled with additional caramel sauce, and pair with a steaming cup of coffee to elevate your brunch experience. Enjoy!