Apple Batter Coffee Cake is a delightful fusion of sweet apples, tender cake, and a rich, nutty topping. This recipe, sourced from Vintage Recipe Box 400, highlights the homey flavors of apples and spices, combined with the comforting texture of rolled oats and the sweetness of brown sugar. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, this coffee cake is a true vintage gem.
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Apple Batter Coffee Cake
Food History
The concept of coffee cake has roots in European traditions, where cakes were often served alongside coffee as a morning or afternoon treat. The American version of coffee cake evolved to include a wide variety of flavors and textures, often incorporating fruits, nuts, and spices. The use of applesauce in this recipe is a nod to the resourcefulness of home cooks who utilized what they had on hand, often making their own applesauce from local harvests. The addition of a rich, crumbly topping made from butter, brown sugar, and coconut adds a luxurious finish that transforms this coffee cake into something truly special.
Looking for the perfect recipe? Scroll through our library of Vintage Apple Cake Recipes to find your new favorite.
Timeline
- 1800s: Coffee cakes begin to gain popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, where they are often enjoyed with coffee.
- 1900s: The American adaptation of coffee cakes includes a variety of flavors, with apple versions becoming popular due to the abundance of apples in the U.S.
- Mid-20th Century: The use of pre-packaged yeast and cake mixes simplifies the process, making coffee cakes like this one more accessible to home bakers.
- Today: Coffee cake remains a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed during the holidays or as a special weekend breakfast treat.
Recipe Discussion
This Apple Batter Coffee Cake recipe stands out due to its unique combination of a yeast-based batter and a sweet, crunchy topping. The batter is enriched with Michigan Flavorbest Applesauce, which adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor. The yeast provides a light, airy texture, while the rolled oats contribute a hearty, rustic feel. The topping, made with butter, brown sugar, coconut, and nuts, adds a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
The use of glazed cherries as a garnish adds a touch of vintage charm and a pop of color, making this coffee cake not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed at room temperature, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves classic, comforting flavors.
Craving more sweet treats?
Check out our fun and delicious coffee cake recipes and cake recipes for a slice of comfort any time of day!
Preparation Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure the yeast is fully dissolved in the warm water and sugar mixture before adding it to the batter. This will help the cake rise properly and achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Oats Integration: Stir in the quick-cooking oats gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a denser cake.
- Even Topping: When spreading the topping mixture over the batter, ensure it is evenly distributed to achieve a consistent texture and flavor in every slice.
- Baking: Monitor the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from over-browning. It should be golden and crisp but not burnt.
- Serving: Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Apple Day is celebrated on October 21st, a perfect occasion to enjoy a slice of apple cake.
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Wrap Up Your Meal with Nostalgic Flavor
Bringing a vintage recipe like Apple Batter Coffee Cake to your table is a wonderful way to celebrate the warmth and comfort of home baking. The blend of apples, oats, and spices creates a truly memorable flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. For more vintage delights, check out our apple recipes and vintage cake recipes to bring more nostalgia and flavor to your kitchen!
Vintage Recipe Box 400 comes to us from Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
It is a large white metal box that measures 12” D x 5.5” W x 4” H and has a metal tag that says “American Home Menu Maker.” According to my research, the box was sold in multiple colors for $1 and included 212 “basic recipes” for an additional $.50. (See the image below, which is an order form to purchase the box.)
At this time, we do not know anything about the history of the box. We do show that this box came to us with another box, but at this time, we are not sure if the same person owned them or if the eBay seller grouped them.
View all the vintage recipes from Vintage Recipe Box 400. Click here to view all the Vintage Recipe Boxes we have published in our collection.
Apple Batter Coffee Cake Recipe
Apple Batter Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Batter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cup Michigan Flavorbest Applesauce
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
Topping
- 2 pounds butter or margarine
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmet
- 3 glazed cherries, sliced
Instructions
- Melt shortening, stir in 1 cup of the Michigan Flavorbest Applesauce and 1/2 cup sugar
- Combine warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar and yeast; stir until yeast dissolves
- Combine beaten eggs, Michigan Flavorbest Applesauce mixture, flour and salt
- Beat 2 minutes on medium speed of electric mixer or 300 strokes by hand
- Stir in rolled oats; mix well
- Cover; let rise until double in bulk
- Stir down batter
- Spread batter evenly in two greased 8x8 pans
- Mix butter and brown sugar until crumbly; add remaining Michigan Flavorbest Applesauce and coconut; spread on each load evenly
- Sprinkle with walnuts and cinnamon and nutmeg and sliced cherries
- Cover until double in bulk
- Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes