The Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake from Vintage Recipe Box 400 is a rich, moist cake that combines apples’ sweetness with cinnamon’s warmth. This recipe, handwritten in blue ballpoint pen on a lined index card, stops mid-way through, leaving some mystery about its completion. However, the ingredients list and initial instructions provide a solid foundation for creating a delicious coffee cake.
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Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Food History
Coffee cakes have been a beloved part of American baking traditions for centuries. The concept of a “coffee cake” originated in Europe, where it was a simple cake meant to be enjoyed with coffee or tea. As these recipes migrated to America, they became sweeter and more elaborate, often including fruit, nuts, and spices. The use of sour cream in coffee cakes became popular in the mid-20th century, adding moisture and richness to the cake, while the addition of pudding mix is a clever mid-century innovation that further enhances the cake’s texture.
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Timeline
- 1800s: The tradition of coffee cake originates in Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia.
- Mid-1900s: Sour cream and instant pudding become popular ingredients in American coffee cakes, adding moisture and richness.
- Today: Coffee cakes like this Cinnamon Apple version remain a staple in American homes, often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Recipe Discussion
The Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake recipe is a classic example of mid-century American baking, where convenience met creativity. The use of a yellow cake mix and instant vanilla pudding mix not only simplifies the baking process but also ensures a moist, flavorful cake. The sour cream adds richness, while the eggs and oil provide structure and tenderness. Although the recipe card ends prematurely, it’s likely that the next steps would involve adding a layer of sliced apples mixed with cinnamon and sugar to the batter before baking, creating a delightful ribbon of flavor throughout the cake.
Preparation Tips
- Mixing: When beating the ingredients, ensure they are fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until everything is well combined.
- Apples: If you decide to add apples to the cake, choose a variety that holds its shape when baked, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Toss the apple slices in cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor.
- Baking: Monitor the cake closely as it bakes to avoid overcooking. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Topping Options: Consider adding a streusel topping made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
Apple Day is celebrated on October 21st, a perfect occasion to enjoy a slice of apple cake.
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Recommended Products for Making Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
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- Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for beating the ingredients together smoothly.
- Bundt Pan: This cake would work beautifully in a Bundt pan, which provides an elegant shape and even baking.
- Apple Corer and Slicer: If adding apples, an apple corer and slicer can save time and ensure uniform slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Treat: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to the day.
- Brunch Addition: This cake makes an excellent addition to a brunch spread, especially when paired with fresh fruit and yogurt.
- Dessert: Top slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
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!
Indulge in the Warmth of Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
The Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake is a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or as a dessert, this cake brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. For more delicious apple-based desserts and coffee cake recipes, explore our collection and find your next favorite bake!
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.
Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package dry yellow cake mix
- 1 package dry instant vanilla pudding
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup Crisco oil
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Combine above
- Beat 5 minutes in large mixing bowl
Wendy
Wednesday 26th of July 2023
There are no apples in the Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake. Nor cinnamon. Is that info on the back of the card? Or the pan it goes in? Or the temperature and time being baked?