Do you love the taste of apricots and coffee cake? Then you're in for a treat with apricot cream coffee cake. This delectable dessert is made with a moist and fluffy cake, filled with a sweet apricot cream filling, and topped with a delicious crumbly streusel topping. It's the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a special breakfast or a decadent dessert.
The Cake
The apricot cream coffee cake recipe typically starts with a batter made with flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and eggs. The cake batter is then poured into a greased 9-inch springform pan and baked until it's fluffy and golden brown.
Tip:
To ensure a perfect cake, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking.
The Apricot Cream Filling
The apricot cream filling is what sets this coffee cake apart from traditional coffee cakes. The filling is made by mixing together cream cheese, sugar, and apricot preserves until it's smooth and creamy. When the cake has cooled, a layer of the apricot cream filling is spread on top.
Tip:
For a more intense apricot flavor, you can use apricot jam instead of apricot preserves.
The Streusel Topping
To finish off the apricot cream coffee cake, a streusel topping made with flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon is generously sprinkled on top. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to the soft and creamy cake.
Tip:
For a nutty flavor, you can add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the streusel mixture.
Variations
There are several ways you can customize the apricot cream coffee cake to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
Swap out the apricots:
While apricots are the star ingredient in this coffee cake, you can easily swap them out for other fruits like peaches, strawberries, or blueberries.
Add some spices:
You can add spices like ground cinnamon or ginger to the cake batter or streusel topping for a warm and cozy flavor.
Make it gluten-free:
For a gluten-free version of this coffee cake, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure to check that all your ingredients are gluten-free, including the apricot preserves and cream cheese.
Conclusion
Apricot cream coffee cake is an indulgent dessert that's perfect for any time of day. With its fluffy cake, creamy apricot filling, and crunchy streusel topping, it's sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. So why not whip up a batch today and enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea?
Coffee cake is a delicious treat that is perfect for those who love to enjoy a warm cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack. Adding fruits to a coffee cake recipe not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element. For example, apricot cream coffee cake recipes are a great way to enjoy the sweetness of apricots while savoring a moist and tender cake. In this article, we will share with you valuable tips to consider when making apricot cream coffee cake.
Choose Fresh, Ripe Apricots
When selecting apricots for your recipe, it is important to choose fresh, ripe apricots for your cake. Fresh apricots, whether they are ripe or not, should feel firm and give slightly when pressed gently. You can also sniff the fruit. If it has a sweet fragrance, it is ripe and ready to eat. For baking, it is recommended to use ripe apricots, as they are sweeter and will give your cake a nice, fruity flavor.
Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure to prep all your ingredients. This means measuring out all the dry ingredients, such as flour, baking powder, and salt, and sifting them together. Similarly, ensure that the butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature, as they will mix better when at the same temperature. Additionally, don't forget to pit and chop your apricots before you start mixing the batter.
Use the Right Pan
Using the right pan can make all the difference in making a perfect apricot cream coffee cake. It is best to use a 9-inch round cake pan with a removable bottom to make removing the cake from the pan easier. Alternatively, a square 9-inch baking pan can also be used, but make sure to line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Avoid using a glass or ceramic pan, as they may cause the cake to cook unevenly.
Don't Overmix the Batter
When making any cake, it is important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense. After you have blended the cream cheese, butter, and sugar together, add the dry ingredients in small increments and mix until just combined. Then, add the apricots and mix gently to incorporate them into the batter. Do not overmix or mash the apricots, as they will release excess moisture and cause the cake to turn out soggy.
Bake the Cake to Perfection
Baking time and temperature are crucial factors for making a perfect apricot cream coffee cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the center is set. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking, as it can cause the cake to sink or become dry.
Cool and Serve Your Cake
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan using a knife or spatula to loosen the edges. Place the cake on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. You can dust some powdered sugar over the top of the cake, or serve it with whipped cream, if desired.
In conclusion
Making a perfect apricot cream coffee cake is all about using fresh ingredients, prepping them well, choosing the right pan, and not overmixing the batter. By following these tips, you will be able to bake a moist and tender cake that is bursting with apricot flavor. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy a delicious slice of cake that is perfect for any time of day.