She Strengthens

Celebrate with a Show-Stopping Apple Coffee Cake

Are you looking for a special treat to impress your family and friends? Look no further! This stunning apple coffee cake is the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.

A Yeast-Raised Masterpiece

Unlike traditional coffee cakes, this recipe uses a yeasted dough that rises overnight in the refrigerator, making it easy to tackle in the morning. The result is a tender, flaky pastry that’s infused with the sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices.

Plan Ahead for Success

To ensure that your coffee cake turns out perfectly, be sure to plan ahead. Both the dough and the filling need to be refrigerated overnight, so make sure to factor that into your schedule.

Special Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the following special equipment:

• Pastry brush
• Parchment paper
• Instant-read thermometer

The Recipe

Dough

To make the dough, combine warm milk, water, and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Then, add eggs, sugar, and salt, and whisk until combined. Gradually add flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add butter, one piece at a time, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Filling

To make the filling, peel, core, and dice 2 medium Granny Smith apples. Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the apples are cooked through but still firm. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. Stir in chopped candied ginger and let cool to room temperature.

Assembly and Glaze

To assemble the coffee cake, roll out the dough on a floured surface to an 8-by-12-inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling lengthwise down the center of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on top and bottom and a 3-inch border on each side. Brush the edges with milk and make 7 horizontal cuts on each side of the filling. Fold the flaps over the filling, pinching the seams together as you go. Transfer the braided dough to a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until puffed and almost doubled.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the coffee cake until golden brown and puffed, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes before drizzling with a sweet vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Tips and Variations

• To make the coffee cake more festive, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• Experiment with different types of apples or spices to create a unique flavor profile.
• Consider making individual mini coffee cakes for a fun brunch or breakfast option.

Get Ready to Impress!

With its intricate braids and sweet, sticky glaze, this apple coffee cake is sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, take the time to make it, and enjoy the oohs and aahs when you present it at your next gathering!