Bran Apple Coffee Cake
A hearty bran apple coffee cake featuring wholesome cereal, sweet applesauce, and warm cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch with a comforting, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine 1 cup cereal with 1 cup boiling water; set aside.
- Cream together 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup butter.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in buttermilk, applesauce, and softened bran cereal.
- Combine the remaining flour, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Add the remaining cereal and egg mixture to the flour mixture; blend well.
- Pour the batter into two greased 9x9-inch baking pans.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture on top of each pan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and you can substitute half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you don't have applesauce, mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin can be good alternatives. Make sure to mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
This Bran Apple Coffee Cake is delightful for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive brunch, consider serving it alongside Sticky Buns (Makes A Great Breakfast Roll) or Aunt Nez's Pound Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze in slices for up to three months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bran Apple Coffee Cake contains roughly 945 calories, with 14g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cereal in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Bran Buds are recommended for their texture, you can substitute with any whole grain cereal, such as All Bran or even oatmeal. Just ensure it maintains a similar moisture level to achieve the right consistency in the cake.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your bran cereal is also gluten-free, as not all brands are. This will keep the texture similar while accommodating dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this coffee cake vegan, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use a plant-based butter alternative. Additionally, substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar acidity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).