Apple Raisin Coffee Cake Recipe

Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the apples and raisins.

Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.

Sour cream: Adds moisture and richness to the cake.

Butter: Adds flavor and helps with the cake's texture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Apples: Provide moisture and a natural sweetness to the cake.

Raisins: Add a chewy texture and additional sweetness.

When preparing the apples for this coffee cake, make sure to chop them into uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter and consistent texture in every bite. Additionally, to prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake, lightly coat them with a bit of flour before folding them into the mixture. This simple step helps keep the raisins suspended in the batter during baking.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber content, though it may make the cake denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Provides natural sweetness and moisture, but reduce other liquids slightly.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.

• baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder, but it may alter the taste slightly.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Use slightly more kosher salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Adds a similar warm flavor with additional spices like nutmeg and cloves.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg, suitable for vegan diets.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Provides similar tanginess and moisture with added protein.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a good dairy-free option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Offers a different but pleasant flavor profile, use half the amount.

• apples - Substitute with pears: Similar texture and sweetness, though pears may be slightly juicier.

• raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Adds a tart flavor and similar chewy texture.

• Allow the apple raisin coffee cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to store it. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy.
• Once cooled, cut the cake into individual servings. This makes it easier to grab a piece whenever you want without exposing the entire cake to air repeatedly.
• For short-term storage, place the pieces in an airtight container. You can layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer to refrigerate, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. This will keep the cake fresh for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. The apple raisin coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy a frozen piece, let it thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours or microwave it for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• To maintain the cake's moisture and flavor, consider reheating it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cake in aluminum foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will give it a freshly baked texture.
• If you want to add a little extra flair, serve the reheated cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover apple raisin coffee cake on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a slightly crisp top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a slice of the coffee cake on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in 10-second intervals if needed, until warm.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the coffee cake on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cake is warmed through.
  4. For a crispier texture, you can toast it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Set up a steamer or a pot with a steaming rack and bring water to a simmer.
  2. Place the coffee cake on a heatproof plate and put it in the steamer.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cake is warmed through.
  4. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the cake soft.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the coffee cake in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't dry out.
  4. Adjust the time as needed based on the size of the cake pieces.

• Oven: Used to bake the coffee cake at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• 9x13 inch baking pan: The pan where the batter will be poured and baked.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the dry ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Another bowl to mix the wet ingredients.

• Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the wet ingredients thoroughly.

• Spatula: To fold in the chopped apples and raisins into the batter.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the flour, sugar, sour cream, and other ingredients accurately.

• Measuring spoons: To measure out the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Peeler: To peel the apples before coring and chopping them.

• Knife: To core and chop the apples into small pieces.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely chop the apples.

• Toothpick: To check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: To let the cake cool in the pan before serving.

• Grease brush: To grease the baking pan with butter or oil before flouring it.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start. This will streamline the baking process.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop apples using a food processor to save time.

Soak raisins: Soak raisins in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up faster.

Melt butter in microwave: Melt butter in the microwave to speed up the process.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.