Best Apple Cognac Crumb Cake Recipes

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APPLE-COGNAC CRUMB CAKE



Apple-Cognac Crumb Cake image

Crumb cake made with Cognac and topped with sweet apples will have everyone asking for seconds.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup creme fraiche
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Cognac
Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 medium baking apples, such as Empire, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/4 cup Cognac

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray an 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with two pieces of parchment paper, creating a 1-inch overhang on all sides of the pan. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray.
  • Make the Apple Topping: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until butter becomes golden brown and fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and add sugar, 1/4 cup water, and apples. Cook until apples have softened slightly and liquid is thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Cognac, working carefully as alcohol may ignite. Return to heat, and cook until alcohol evaporates, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
  • Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and, using your fingers, mix together to form large crumbs; set aside.
  • Make the Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add creme fraiche, egg, yolk, and Cognac; mix until well combined. Add flour mixture and mix until well combined.
  • Pour cake mixture into prepared baking pan. Top with apples and their liquid to cover; sprinkle evenly with crumb topping. Transfer to oven and bake until a tester inserted into the center of cake comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

APPLE-COGNAC CRUMB CAKE



Apple-Cognac Crumb Cake image

How to make Apple-Cognac Crumb Cake

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 21

Nonstick cooking spray
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
3 medium baking apples, such as Empire, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
1/4 cup Cognac
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup creme fraiche
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon Cognac

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray an 8-inch-square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line pan with two pieces of parchment paper, creating a 1-inch overhang on all sides of the pan. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray.
  • Make the Apple Topping: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until butter becomes golden brown and fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and add sugar, 1/4 cup water, and apples. Cook until apples have softened slightly and liquid is thick and syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Cognac, working carefully as alcohol may ignite. Return to heat, and cook until alcohol evaporates, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
  • Make the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and, using your fingers, mix together to form large crumbs; set aside.
  • Make the Cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add creme fraiche, egg, yolk, and Cognac; mix until well combined. Add flour mixture and mix until well combined.
  • Pour cake mixture into prepared baking pan. Top with apples and their liquid to cover; sprinkle evenly with crumb topping. Transfer to oven and bake until a tester inserted into the center of cake comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

If you're looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special, apple cognac crumb cake is a delicious and unique dessert option. This cake recipe blends the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of cognac for a perfect dessert that can wow any crowd.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cognac
  • 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method

Step 1: Making the Crumb Topping
To start, begin by making the crumb topping. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and walnuts. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into small pieces and mix it into the flour mixture until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Batter
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and cognac until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until batter forms.
Step 3: Adding Apples and Folding
Gently fold in the diced apples until well incorporated into the batter. Make sure the apple pieces are distributed evenly. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While apple cognac crumb cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to elevate the dessert even further. For a sweeter taste, drizzle caramel sauce over the crumb topping before baking. Alternatively, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the cake batter for a more flavorful punch. This cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Some variations to try include using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, or adding raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.

Conclusion

Apple cognac crumb cake is a sophisticated and delectable dessert that is sure to impress any dinner party or holiday gathering. With the perfect blend of sweet apples and rich cognac, this delicious cake is a fantastic option for indulging in a luxurious dessert experience.
Making apple cognac crumb cake may seem simple, but there are several important tips to consider before starting. This article will provide valuable insights on how to make a delicious apple cognac crumb cake that everyone will love.

Tip 1: Pick the Right Apples

Choosing the right apples for your apple cognac crumb cake is crucial. Opt for firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples hold up well during baking and provide a perfect contrast to the sweet crumb topping.

Tip 2: Use Quality Cognac

The quality of cognac used can greatly impact the taste of your apple cognac crumb cake. Choose high-quality cognac with a smooth and rich flavor to enhance the overall taste of your cake. Avoid using cheap cognac or brandy, as they can have a harsh flavor that can ruin the taste of your cake.

Tip 3: Make the Crumb Topping First

Making the crumb topping first can save time and energy. Mix the flour, sugar, and butter together until crumbly, then set aside until ready to use. This way, you can focus on making the cake batter without having to worry about the crumb topping later.

Tip 4: Coat the Apples in Lemon Juice

Coating the apples in lemon juice before adding them to the batter can prevent them from turning brown and keep them looking fresh. The acidity in the lemon juice can also enhance the flavor of the apples and add a tangy taste to your cake.

Tip 5: Mix the Ingredients Gently

When making the cake batter, be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense. Instead, mix the ingredients gently until just combined.

Tip 6: Grease the Cake Pan Properly

Properly greasing the cake pan can prevent the cake from sticking and breaking apart when removing it from the pan. Use butter or cooking spray to grease the sides and bottom of the pan.

Tip 7: Add Cognac to the Batter

Adding cognac to the batter can enhance the flavor of the apple cognac crumb cake. Use a tablespoon or two of cognac to add a subtle depth of flavor to your cake.

Tip 8: Sprinkle Crumb Topping on the Batter

Once the cake batter is in the pan, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top of the batter. This will create a delicious crunchy texture and add extra sweetness to your cake.

Tip 9: Bake at the Right Temperature

Baking the apple cognac crumb cake at the right temperature is essential to achieving a perfectly baked cake. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Tip 10: Allow the Cake to Cool Before Serving

Allowing the cake to cool properly before serving can prevent it from falling apart and ensure that it has the right texture. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Conclusion
By following these valuable tips, making a delicious apple cognac crumb cake can be an easy and enjoyable experience. Remember to choose the right apples, use quality cognac, make the crumb topping first, coat the apples in lemon juice, mix the ingredients gently, grease the cake pan properly, add cognac to the batter, sprinkle crumb topping on the batter, bake at the right temperature, and allow the cake to cool properly before serving. With these tips, you will be able to make a perfectly baked apple cognac crumb cake that everyone will love.

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