Spiced Apple Coffee Cake

in Diana's Recipe Book

Average Rating:  (total ratings: 4)

Servings: Makes 1 (9-inch) cake

Comments: A delicious final touch, the glaze adds a hint of extra flavor and an attractive sheen to this coffee cake.

Ingredients: For the Cake: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 3 tart cooking apples, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn, 1 lb. total, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped 2 tbsp. strained fresh orange juice, lemon juice or apple juice 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 8 tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs For the Vanilla Glaze: 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted 2 tbsp. condensed skim milk, warmed, plus more as needed 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan or a 9 x 9-inch square baking pan or baking dish *(see note). To Make the Cake: In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, toss the apples with the juice. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cardamom and cinnamon. Add to the apples and toss to coat. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, combine the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar and vanilla and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour mixture in 2 or 3 additions and beat well until smooth. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold in the apples just until evenly distributed, no more than a few strokes. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. To Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, the 2 tbsp. milk and the vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk, a few drops at a time, if needed. Remove the sides of the springform pan, if using, and place the cake on a wire rack set over a piece of waxed paper to catch any drips. While the cake is warm, drizzle with the glaze. Let the cake cool to room temperature. Cut into wedges or squares to serve. Makes one 9-inch cake. Note: If using a glass baking dish, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Collection Series,Muffins,by Beth Hensperger (Simon & Schuster, 2003).

Date: August 6, 2003

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