This is a lovely cake is made with Herman starter and tart apples. The natural aroma of the Herman starter complements the flavors of apples and creates a lovely Coffee Cake perfect for breakfast. The apples, nuts and the sugars make it an energy boosting snack as well.
Lightly grease a 9 X 11 metal pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core and chop the apples.
Make the batter
In a mixing bowl mix the starter, eggs, and oil well. Mix in vanilla and sugar.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the flour to the wet ingredients in batches. Mix well after each addition, making sure that there are no large lumps. Once all the flour is used up fold in the apples and nuts (no need to dust them in flour).
Streusel Topping
Mix nuts (if using), rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl. Rub in the butter to make a slightly moist coarse mix. (Notes)
Assemble & Bake
Transfer the batter to the waiting pan. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes. When baked the top will be light brown and a toothpick inserted to the center of the cake will come out dry. If needed bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool in pan over a cooling rack.
Notes
Use refreshed, and bubbly starter that is at its peak.
All Purpose Flour works well in this recipe – there is no need to use cake flour.
Double the streusel topping if you like more crunch and sweetness. The amount used in the recipe is just enough to melt and form a thin crust over the cake.