A slight variation and twist on the classic apple pie, this Apple Coffee Cake has all the deliciousness of the apple with a more understated taste.  Did you know what none of the “Coffee Cakes” have coffee in them, the name implies they can be eaten with a nice mug of coffee, can of like “Tea Biscuits”.  This is easy to make and handle, making it perfect for those local and school bake sales as well, with a flavour that is popular with most people – one of those no fail desserts.

Time:

One hour

Serves:

6

Good for:

• Afternoon tea
• Light breakfast with coffee
• Housewarming or neighbourhood sale

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) of white granulated sugar plus 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter (140 g), room temperature
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (235 ml) whole milk
• 1 medium tart green apple, cored, peeled and sliced into ¼ -inch thick slices

For topping:

• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp flour
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter, cut into small cubes

Kitchen things you’ll need:

• Whisk
• 9 inch pie bake dish
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Spatula

Making it:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).and grease a 9-inch pie pan (can use a spring-form pan or square baking pan)
• In a medium bowl, whisk vigorously together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of the sugar with the cinnamon and set aside.
• Using an electric mixer, beat the butter with the remaining ¼ cup sugar. Beat in the eggs until blended. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beating after each addition until just combined.
• Pour half of the batter in the bottom of the baking dish. Lay the apple slices on the batter so they just cover the batter (you may have to overlap some slices). Sprinkle the apples with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Spread the rest of the batter over the apples.
• In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Sprinkle over the cake and dot with butter.
• Bake the cake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until it is golden brown and a tester inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Tips/notes:

• Can’t go wrong with a garnish of apple slices, caramelized would be ideal but raw is also good, with icing sugar to complete the impressive presentation.