Apple Pecan Coffee Cake Recipes with Applesauce

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. And when you add the delicious flavors of apple and pecan into the mix, you have a winning combination! In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering apple pecan coffee cake recipes that are made even better with the addition of applesauce. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with these delectable treats!

Why Use Applesauce in Coffee Cake?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why applesauce is such a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your coffee cake. Applesauce serves multiple purposes when used in baking:

1. Moisture: Applesauce adds moisture to the cake, resulting in a soft and tender texture that will leave you craving for more.

2. Substitution: By using applesauce as a substitute for oil or butter, you can reduce the fat content of your coffee cake while still maintaining its delicious taste.

3. Flavor Enhancement: The natural sweetness and tanginess of applesauce enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Now that we understand the benefits of using applesauce in our coffee cake, let’s explore some scrumptious recipes!

Recipe 1: Classic Apple Pecan Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped apples
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Then, mix in the applesauce and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 2: Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon xanthan gum
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped apples
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until well combined.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the applesauce and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe 3: Vegan Apple Pecan Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ¹⁄₂ cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped apples
• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, almond milk, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Conclusion

Incorporating applesauce into your apple pecan coffee cake recipes is a surefire way to elevate the flavor and texture of these delightful treats. Whether you prefer the classic version, a gluten-free alternative, or a vegan twist, there’s a recipe here to suit every taste and dietary preference. So go ahead and indulge in the irresistible combination of apple, pecan, and coffee cake goodness – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ

Q: Why should I use applesauce in coffee cake?
A: Applesauce adds moisture, serves as a substitution for oil or butter, and enhances the flavor of the cake.

Q: What are the ingredients for the Classic Apple Pecan Coffee Cake?
A: The ingredients for the Classic Apple Pecan Coffee Cake are all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, chopped apples, and chopped pecans.

Q: How do I make the Classic Apple Pecan Coffee Cake?
A: To make the Classic Apple Pecan Coffee Cake, you need to preheat the oven, whisk together the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, mix in the eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract, gradually add the dry ingredients, fold in the chopped apples and pecans, pour the batter into a baking pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: How long should I let the coffee cake cool before transferring it to a wire rack?
A: You should let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.