Apricot Coffee Cake

Apricot Coffee Cake Recipe with Cinnamon and Vanilla

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Apricot Coffee Cake is a delightful and nutritious treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots with the comforting texture of a homemade cake. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it's a great option for both novice and experienced bakers looking to add a fruity twist to their baking repertoire.

History

The tradition of coffee cake dates back to the 17th century in Europe, where it was common to enjoy a sweet cake with a cup of coffee. The concept evolved over time and spread across the world, with various cultures adding their own local flavors and ingredients. The Apricot Coffee Cake is a modern take on this tradition, incorporating canned apricots for a burst of flavor and moisture, making it a unique and beloved variant of the classic coffee cake.

Ingredients

1.5 cups flour
0.25 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
12 tsp equivalent sweetener
1 egg
0.25 cup Nonfat Dry milk
0.67 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups Canned apricots, drained and chopped
Ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
In another bowl, cream together the sweetener, egg, and margarine on low speed using an electric mixer.
Add the dry milk, water, and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
Stir in the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth.
Spread the batter evenly in an 8" square pan that has been sprayed with a nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the apricots evenly over the batter and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

Variations

Consider adding nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with other fruits like peaches or plums instead of apricots.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apricot Coffee Cake turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use well-drained apricots to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

- Sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

- Cream the sweetener, egg, and margarine thoroughly for a light and fluffy texture.

- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.

- Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time as oven temperatures can vary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apricot Coffee Cake warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. Ensuring even heat distribution and avoiding opening the oven frequently will result in a perfectly baked cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the nonfat dry milk with almond or soy milk. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use regular sugar instead of a sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Apricot Coffee Cake with a robust coffee such as a dark roast or an espresso to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Apricot Coffee Cake contains approximately 160 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie option for a snack or dessert, especially when compared to other cakes and pastries.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Apricot Coffee Cake contains approximately 28 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the flour, sweetener, and apricots, providing energy to start your day or keep you going in the afternoon.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with each serving containing about 2 grams of fat. The small amount of fat comes from the nonfat dry milk and the egg, making it a healthier option compared to traditional coffee cake recipes.

Proteins

Each serving of the cake offers around 4 grams of protein, contributed by the egg and nonfat dry milk. This moderate amount of protein makes the cake a more satisfying snack or breakfast option.

Vitamins and minerals

Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. While the cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, the inclusion of apricots adds nutritional value and health benefits.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe include gluten (from flour) and eggs. Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Apricot Coffee Cake is a relatively healthy option, low in fat and calories, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and proteins. The inclusion of apricots adds a nutritional boost, making it a guilt-free treat.

Summary

The Apricot Coffee Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make recipe that combines the tangy sweetness of apricots with the comforting texture of a homemade cake. Low in fat and calories, it's a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother, passed down through the generations. The pages were yellowed and worn, filled with handwritten notes and splatters of ingredients long forgotten. As I read through the instructions for Apricot Coffee Cake, my mouth watered at the thought of the sweet, tangy apricots mingling with the warm, buttery cake.

I had always been drawn to the kitchen, ever since I was a little girl watching my mother and grandmother cook up delicious meals for our family. As I grew older, I began to experiment with recipes of my own, adding my own twist here and there to make them my own. But there was something about this recipe that spoke to me on a deeper level. It was as if the cake held a piece of my family's history, a connection to my roots.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this Apricot Coffee Cake, to bring a taste of the past into my present. So, I set out on a journey to uncover the secrets of this beloved recipe. I reached out to my grandmother, hoping that she would have some insight into its origins.

She smiled when I mentioned the Apricot Coffee Cake, a twinkle in her eye as she reminisced about the times she had made it for our family. "Oh, that old recipe," she said, her voice soft with nostalgia. "I learned how to make that from your great-grandmother, back when I was just a young girl."

I leaned in closer, eager to hear her story. My grandmother began to recount how she would spend hours in the kitchen with her own grandmother, watching as she measured out ingredients and mixed them together with practiced hands. She described the way that the scent of apricots would fill the air as the cake baked in the oven, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in their small kitchen.

As she spoke, I could see the love and care that had gone into each and every batch of Apricot Coffee Cake that had been made over the years. It was more than just a recipe – it was a tradition, a way of passing down memories and creating new ones with each bite of the sweet, fruity cake.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to recreate the Apricot Coffee Cake in my own kitchen. I gathered all of the ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, plenty of ripe apricots – and set to work following the instructions that had been passed down through the generations.

As I mixed the batter and sliced the apricots, I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors, to the women who had stood in their own kitchens and baked this cake with love and care. I poured the batter into the pan and arranged the apricot slices on top, marveling at how the bright orange fruit contrasted with the pale yellow cake.

I slid the pan into the oven and waited, the scent of apricots and cinnamon wafting through the air. When the timer finally beeped, I pulled the cake out of the oven and marveled at the golden brown crust that had formed on top. I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor, to see if I had successfully captured the essence of the Apricot Coffee Cake that had been a staple in my family for generations.

As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The cake was moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness from the apricots. Each mouthful brought back memories of lazy Sunday mornings spent gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over slices of warm Apricot Coffee Cake.

I knew then that I had unlocked a piece of my family's history, a recipe that would continue to be passed down through the generations. And as I savored each bite of the delicious cake, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the women who had come before me, for their wisdom and their love that had been baked into every bite.