Monday, April 20, 2009

Melt in Your Mouth Apple Coffee Cake - Tasty Tuesday




Welcome to Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods.
I can't wait to show you my recipe, but I need your help.
Over the dinner table, the task at hand has been trying to determine a name for this recipe, and I am stuck. I'm soliciting suggestions. We've come up with Apple Adoration, Pecan Apple Delight, Apple Upside Down cake, Better than Cinnabon rolls, Easiest Ever Apple Pecan coffee cake, and Jenny in Tx said "sweet and nutty treat."

Regardless of the name,YOU WILL WANT TO MAKE THIS!
I have made this for hundreds of people and every time, the recipe requests come.
I can't believe I am sharing this tried and true secret because it's one of those recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet you can really whip it up at a moment's notice.

Not only will it make you drool, but it's easy and INEXPENSIVE (if you do it right).
This is one of those recipes that you can't goof up no matter how hard you try. It's also one of those recipes that if you forget the actual recipe, you can improvise. Since many of my friends can't stand when I do that, I will be specific.
How's this for specific? Ha Ha...please tell me I am not the only one who scribbled down chicken scratch over a decade ago, improvised for years, and then couldn't believe when I actually found it....
In this...I know...stay tuned for my newly improved recipe planning.

Below is why we can not go wrong with this recipe...ever. We are going to start by layering pure heaven.
I used a round 11 inch stonewear pan, and layered the bottom with:
1. 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2. 1/4 cup light corn syrup
3. 1/2 cup - brown sugar
4. 1/2 cup - chopped pecans (if you are pecan lovers...I recommend a bit more :)

The pecans are definitely optional. I LOVE them, but this would be delicious even without them.

Brown sugar storage tip:
This was a tip that I didn't learn until I had been married for many years, so hopefully it will be useful.
How can I be at the bottom of a 7 pound Sam's Club bag of brown sugar and still have it be nice and soft?
Put a piece of bread in the top of your bag or container and the brown sugar will not solidify. The bread absorbs any moisture keeping it baking day perfect. I replace the piece of bread as needed.

Back to the recipe...
5. After you have sprinkled the pecans, put a layer of diced, sliced or chopped apples (use what you have, but Granny Smith are the best).
I have an apple, peeler, slicer, corer gadget, so I normally just use half moon slices. Since I didn't want anyone to feel left out, I showed you all options. :)
6. Next, divide biscuits into smaller pieces, and roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. I used Pillsbury Grands (16 oz. can), but if you have homemade biscuit dough in the freezer, this would be the best of yum and health.
In my opinion, the cinnamon/sugar is purely optional. If you are short on time or want to cut out the additional sugar, skip this step.
Since it's my daughter's favorite thing, this was not an option. :)
7. I sprinkled the remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture on top (optional).
8. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
9. In order to flip this properly, you need to let this cool.
If it does not cool, it will still taste delicious, but it will not be presentational...just soupy sensational.
Can you tell I know this from experience? :)
When it has cooled slightly, pick out your serving plate and place it on top of your baking pan. This step is always a bit tricky, since you must flip it fast.
My son got one in action...hee hee


AHHH....pure delight I tell you, and easy enough that my nine year old daughter can make it. This is a great recipe for your "cooking with kids" days.
I have doubled this recipe and made it in a 9/13. Then I just flip it onto a cookie sheet.
I have also made this "low fat" by using low fat biscuits and cutting down on the butter.
You did know that brown sugar and corn syrup have virtually 0 fat grams?
Now, just don't ask about all the other nutritional benefits...it's just pure pleasure eating. hee hee
And my son just looked over his shoulder and said, "It looks better in real life." Awww...

Do you want to know why this recipe ended up being such a frugal delight?
Here are a few grocery shopping tips that I follow.
Pillsbury biscuits were stockpiled when on sale BOGO, and I had coupons for all items. I never pay more than $.50 for any Pillsbury items, and you shouldn't have to either. There are always coupons for Pillsbury. I bought over 20 items and averaged $.25 a piece.
Corn syrup was $.18 for this whole bottle. I bought the 4 marked downs bottles that were left and will be making this recipe quite a few times in the future.
Apples were marked down because of that teeny tiny bruise there...see it? Yep, I'll take $.49/lb and cut that baby out.
So, enjoy the melt in your mouth apple coffee cake, pecan apple delight, better than Cinnabons or whatever great name you give me.



Can't wait to see what you have to share for Tasty Tuesday's Parade of Foods.
As always, please mention Tasty Tuesday or Balancing Beauty and Bedlam somewhere in your post with a direct link back here.
Also, make sure you link down below directly to your food post so people can find it with ease. We had many links that went to the general blog URL, and when people search for a recipe at a later date, they are not able to find it.
Thanks so much. You all are amazing!!
So what did you make this week?

52 comments:

Mimi said...

OMG that looks yummy.... I will participate next week.. As I am super behind on orders... Come stop by and look at my FRUGAL SHOPPING!!! You will have tingles and be OH SO PROUD OF ME!!!
Mimi

Phoebe @ GettingFreedom said...

Oh my word, that sounds like heaven to me!

I love my peeler, corer, slicer majiggy--definitely a time saver. I, too, improvise (a lot) and tend to be vague on measurements and such. Also, to the dislike of many! :)

Thanks for this awesome recipe--and for hosting!

Kate@Stolen Moments said...

Wow Jen, that looks so great. My kids would have so much fun helping me make that.

Melissa said...

Jen~that looks absolutely scrumptious! I would just call it Jen's Amazing Apple Cake. My first time joining Tasty Tuesday~thanks for hosting!

Kim @ Forever Wherever said...

Oh Jen, that's a wonderful recipe! I'm going to try it. I love the easy recipes!

You rock with Tasty Tuesday! :-)

~Kim

Amanda @ Mommy's Idea Book said...

I love coffee cake, and I love apples. What a combination! That Apple Coffee Cake looks so delicious.

Anonymous said...

I have already copied this recipe down. I am always looking for new and easy things to make for ladies night at church.

Heathahlee said...

The more I read about you and get to "know" you, the more I like you, Jen...it sounds like you have as many Pampered Chef products as I do! :)

As I was reading this recipe I thought, "This would be so good to make with Kiddo..." and then you mentioned that at the end of the post!

We will be making this in the near future, for sure!

J.J. said...

That looks soooo yummy! I will have to plan to join you some Tuesday. I am a new blogger...and it is interesting trying to get used to everything and figuring out the planning for things!

Kim said...

I'm going to try this apple dessert! Have you made it without the nuts? My family doesn't care for them.

Liz@Hoosier Homemade said...

That looks awesome! I have made it before without the apples, I think it's called Monkey Bread, not sure why.
Thanks for hosting!
~Liz

A happy heart at home said...

Mmmm, that looks good! And it must smell great, too. Thanks for posting this and for hosting this recipe carnival.

~Susan

Christi said...

Jen, you're a rockstar - we'll definitely be trying this!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Girl, you got me on this one, I have to try it. Sounds great!! We love pecans so I'll be piling those on too. YUM...

Sonshine said...

Looks ooohhhh sooo yummy!

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

Wow! This sounds absolutely scrumptious!! :D My mouth is watering. LOL!

Kristen said...

Oh wow - I am bookmarking this one to try. Looks fantastic!

Meredith said...

You really are my frugal friend! I have the same marked-down corn syrup in my pantry from Dollar General. It's not normally something I would buy!

Speaking of that, canned biscuits are something I typically avoid, but your cost breakdown and coupon strategy make this do-able. Thank you for including all the frugal extras!

momof3girls said...

yummy! Make my mouth water

Ginger said...

Yummmmm! I love coffee cake! My husband makes some of the best variations for me all the time. In fact, it's been a while since he last made it and we have been after him.

Stop by and have a cup of coffee. I am showcasing one of his recipes this week. Hope you all enjoy.
Ginger

MaRiN said...

I'm brand new to your site and love to cook so I hope you don't mind me linking my recipe on. Your apple cake looks delicious...I will definitely be giving this a try!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Oh yum. Tasty Tuesday will be my new hangout. I love seeing all your mouthwatering recipes!

Anonymous said...

Yum, that looks just heavenly! Apples, cinnamon and pecans is always a great combo at our house. I can't wait to try this!

Anonymous said...

We have a new next door neighbor and I am making this today to welcome them to our road! Thanks, cookies are so expected!

Joy said...

Oh my, is my mouth watering!!! That looks delicious. And I am so impressed with your killer-deal shopping skills!

Gina said...

Yummy stuff-can't wait to click through everyone elses recipes!

Susan Lang said...

Hi! Just found your blog via Southern Hospitality. It is great! I have shared it with my daughter and others! I hope to post a recipe on my blog next tues. and will try to join your tasty tuesday party. I added you to my blogroll!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

Jen, this looks great. Sorry about not getting the link in my post. I actually put it in, along with links to other sites that I link up to and for some reason it didn't save before I published the post. Weird! But it's fixed now.

Vern ~ Inspired said...

That JenApplicious Dessert looks YUMMO!
I am going to make it soon...thanks for the recipe and easy to follow instructions!

Love ya girl!
Vern

Courtney@Booksnboys said...

Argh I am linking up late today because I had Bible study at my house this morning & it was CRAZY and one kid fell and broke his nose (blood EVERYWHERE). I have a really great recipe this week though that I wanted to share :)
I always enjoy Tuesdays because of all the new recipes I find. Thank you so much!

Lori E said...

I would love to join this today but I am not at home. It looks delicious and I have all the ingredients on hand.
You can get little clay pieces to keep your brown sugar soft and they don't go bad. You just soak them in water for a while until they are wet through and then you keep this in with the sugar. No mold or other scary things.
I just did a quick search and found the one at the link below.
http://www.sugarbearsinc.com/

Shell in your Pocket said...

I do something a little similar with the pantry chef tube but I like this method better and it looks nicer...oh yum.
sandy toe

Natalie Meester said...

oooh...so yummy! Thanks for such great goodies!

Jerralea said...

That looks sooo yummy AND I have some apples that I need to use up. I will definitely try it.

I'm not able to contribute a recipe this week, but will definitely be visiting everyone's sites to see what they're making!

Raise Them Up said...

This will be perfect for my boys to make! Thanks so much for the great idea!

Anonymous said...

WOW, this looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing!

Sarah Bonn said...

You are seriously lucky for the stores in your area. Sometimes the fruit is practically rotten and not only is it still out, it is still full price. There are 2 each of 2 major grocery stores with in a 1.5 mile radius from my house. Maybe 10 total of these stores in a 5 mile radius plus Wal-marts, Targets, a Whole Foods and various "farmers" markets. Some stores are better than others with freshness but I've never seen any markdowns, I didn't even know stores did that! Apples are currently $1.89/lb

Joy said...

I use to be a Pampered Chef consultant (many moons ago) and I would make this at my shows all the time. You can't beat it. It is scrumptious.

Joy

Joy @ Joy Of Desserts said...

Oh, this sounds heavenly. You can easily skip the corn syrup too. The sugar with butter caramelizes well without it. This recipe is so similar to the classic Tarte Tatin. I love your addition of pecans and your substitution of biscuits instead of the pastry dough. This will be even easier and I can just imagine how the gooey, buttery cinnamon sugar seeps into the biscuits. MMMmmmmm....

Anonymous said...

yum! having so much fun reading everyone's great recipes. thanks for hosting...

Mary @ Giving Up On Perfect said...

Oh, that looks soooo good! I love apple dishes!

Jenny said...

What a great idea! I just posted my link. :) Your recipe sounds delicious. Must try soon!

Moody said...

thank you so much, we just did an apple crisp at the www.zcouple.com check it out :)
http://www.zcouple.com/2009/04/couples-joy-of-cooking-together.html

Gretchen said...

Oh Jen! My mouth is watering!
Some of my best recipes come from slips of paper just like yours... dotted with multiple splashes of cookin love.

Lisa Porter said...

YuuuumY!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment and for stopping by TLPC.
Have a great week.
Lisa

Shannon said...

That looks delicious!!

Tami said...

Sounds delish Jen! Will have to try it real soon. I've posted to my blog a fun, fast and easy 'homemade' cinnamon roll recipe.

Tassi said...

That looks absolutely awesome!! I'll have to make a note of it. Thanks for sharing.

"Intentionally Katie" said...

Whoa. I'm SO drooling! Another brown sugar tip: the bread in the bag WILL mold if you don't change it out regularly. Ask me how I know...

Peek at my blog when you get a minute, Miss Jen. I tagged you!

LindaLou said...

I made this cake and it is so gooey & so sweet & so yummy & really very simple. From now on I shall have bisquits on hand to make this easy treat. As for a name ... well, I told my dh to have some when he came home b/c it was "killer" - so how 'bout "Killer Delight?" lol. Actually, I'm thinking that maybe this is a modern day version of Manna from heaven! This sweet concoction has already been made ... eaten ... and saved in my recipe book!

Unknown said...

I don't have a name for you, but I do plan to make this! I think it would be lovely to serve to the ladies that come to my house for a morning Bible study. Yummy! And perhaps, just perhaps, my hubby will help out with the leftovers - LOL!

Anonymous said...

Ok, YUM!! My husband and I have coffee time together every night and I made this last night to go along with it. He was like, "You rock!" It's a definate winner in our house, and we had it for breakfast this morning. Thanks so much for sharing! It may just replace my French Apple Pie I do every year for Christmas :)

-Hayley