Coffee cake, a classic breakfast or brunch treat, is a staple in many households. With its sweet, buttery flavor and crumbly texture, it’s no wonder why people love it. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a simple coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Understanding the Basics of Coffee Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes a good coffee cake. A traditional coffee cake typically consists of a sweet bread base, topped with a crumbly streusel topping, and finished with a sweet glaze. The bread base is usually made with a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, while the streusel topping is made with flour, sugar, and butter.
The Importance of Ingredients
When it comes to making a simple coffee cake, the ingredients you use are crucial. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh eggs, real butter, and high-quality flour will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your coffee cake.
- Don’t overmix: Mix your ingredients just until they come together in a ball. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough coffee cake.
- Use the right type of flour: All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for coffee cake. It has the right balance of protein and starch to produce a tender, yet sturdy, crumb.
The Simple Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple coffee cake recipe that yields a delicious and moist coffee cake:
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- Streusel topping (see below)
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour in the milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the coffee cake batter.
- Bake the coffee cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the coffee cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you take your coffee cake to the next level:
Tips for a Perfect Coffee Cake
- Don’t overbake: Coffee cake is best when it’s lightly golden brown and still tender. Overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly coffee cake.
- Use a water bath: Baking the coffee cake in a water bath can help it cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.
- Let it cool completely: Resist the temptation to slice into the coffee cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Letting it cool completely will help it retain its texture and flavor.
Variations
- Add-ins: Try adding different mix-ins to your coffee cake batter, such as nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
- Spices: Add a pinch of warm spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to give your coffee cake an extra boost of flavor.
- Glaze: Top your coffee cake with a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Conclusion
Making a simple coffee cake is easier than you think. With this recipe and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and moist coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet, buttery flavor of a freshly baked coffee cake.
What is the best type of flour to use for a simple coffee cake recipe?
The best type of flour to use for a simple coffee cake recipe is all-purpose flour. This type of flour is a versatile blend of hard and soft wheat flours and has a neutral protein content, which makes it suitable for a variety of baked goods, including coffee cakes. All-purpose flour will provide the necessary structure and texture to your coffee cake without overpowering the other ingredients.
While you can experiment with other types of flour, such as bread flour or cake flour, all-purpose flour is the most commonly used and recommended flour for coffee cakes. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor or texture, you can try substituting a small portion of the all-purpose flour with another type of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour.
How do I ensure that my coffee cake is moist and tender?
To ensure that your coffee cake is moist and tender, it’s essential to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough coffee cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined. Also, make sure to not overbake the coffee cake. Check it frequently during the baking time, and remove it from the oven when it’s lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Another tip to achieve a moist and tender coffee cake is to use buttermilk or sour cream. These ingredients will add a tangy flavor and tenderness to the coffee cake. If you don’t have buttermilk or sour cream, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
What is the purpose of the crumb topping on a coffee cake?
The crumb topping on a coffee cake serves several purposes. Firstly, it adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor to the coffee cake. The crumb topping is typically made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, which is crumbled and sprinkled over the top of the coffee cake before baking. As the coffee cake bakes, the crumb topping browns and crisps, creating a delicious contrast in texture to the soft and tender cake.
Secondly, the crumb topping helps to balance the flavors in the coffee cake. The sweetness of the crumb topping complements the savory flavors of the cake, creating a well-rounded and delicious taste experience. Finally, the crumb topping adds a decorative touch to the coffee cake, making it more visually appealing and perfect for serving to guests.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my taste preferences?
Absolutely, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. One of the best things about this simple coffee cake recipe is that it’s highly versatile and can be modified to suit your tastes. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can add more instant coffee powder or use brewed coffee instead of water. If you prefer a sweeter coffee cake, you can add more sugar or use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
You can also customize the recipe by adding different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the batter. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are all great options, as are dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create a unique flavor profile that you’ll love.
How do I store a coffee cake to keep it fresh for a longer period?
To keep a coffee cake fresh for a longer period, it’s essential to store it properly. Once the coffee cake has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
When storing the coffee cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. If you’re freezing the coffee cake, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the coffee cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Can I make a coffee cake ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can make a coffee cake ahead of time and bake it later. In fact, making the batter ahead of time can help the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to hydrate, resulting in a more tender and flavorful coffee cake. You can make the batter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
When you’re ready to bake the coffee cake, simply remove the batter from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking. This will allow the ingredients to come to room temperature and the baking powder to activate, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Then, simply pour the batter into a greased and floured pan and bake as directed.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making a coffee cake?
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when making a coffee cake is overmixing the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough coffee cake, so it’s essential to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined. Another mistake to avoid is overbaking the coffee cake. Check the coffee cake frequently during the baking time, and remove it from the oven when it’s lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Other mistakes to avoid include using old or low-quality ingredients, not adjusting the oven temperature correctly, and not greasing and flouring the pan properly. Using old or low-quality ingredients can result in a coffee cake that lacks flavor and texture, while not adjusting the oven temperature correctly can result in a coffee cake that’s overcooked or undercooked. Not greasing and flouring the pan properly can result in a coffee cake that sticks to the pan and is difficult to remove.