Cari's Cravetastic Coffee Cake and the Hostess with the Mostess (plates to serve, that is)

One big benefit to the numerous coffee mornings I go to with friends is the ability to sample new and exciting treats. My friend, Cari, made the most wonderful coffee cake recently and I have been spreading the word about it. It was the most perfect coffee cake in texture in flavor that I have ever had. With a ribbon of fruit filling and a crunchy streusel topping as well as that hint of glaze, you will be craving it as well.

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Let them eat cake!

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I have made it twice already in the week and a half that she gave me the recipe. She made it with apple pie filling, but I could only get my hands on strawberry. It was darn tasty too, but the apples, oh! The second time I made it, I went to recipezaar and found a really easy recipe for apple pie fillingwhich I cooked up just for this cake. The variations are endless. Next time, I am going to make it with my homemade banana marmalade .

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Fruits on a plate

Tea on a tray

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Jordanians tend to go for a less sweet cake and I think this fills the bill quite well. I served it for my in-laws this week . It went along nicely with the coffee, tea, fruits, bizzer (seeds and nuts), and chocolates. But sadly, they all left before the last cup of coffee was served. I love playing hostess, but my timing is always off for my Arab guests. Inshallah, they feel welcome at my house. I shall keep trying!

Cari's Apple Nut Coffee Cake

Cake

1/2 cup butter softened

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

3 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup milk

1 can apple pie filling

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

2 tbs butter melted

Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
3/4 tsp vanilla
2-3 tsp water
In large bowl cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Pour half into a greased 13x 9 in. baking dish. Combine pie filling and cinnamon; spoon over batter (She adds a little sugar and dash of nutmeg). Drop remaining batter over filling. Spread gently.
Combine topping ingredients. Sprinkle over batter.
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 min. or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on rack.
Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.