Coffee cake, a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. It’s a classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make coffee cake, including the ingredients, equipment, and techniques you’ll need to create a delicious and mouth-watering coffee cake.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make a basic coffee cake.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar (optional)
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Preparing the Ingredients
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment, let’s prepare them for the recipe.
Measuring and Sifting the Dry Ingredients:
- Measure out the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
- Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re well combined and there are no lumps.
Softening the Butter:
- Take the unsalted butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Once the butter is softened, use an electric mixer to cream it until it’s light and fluffy.
Beating the Egg:
- Crack the large egg into a small bowl and whisk it together with a fork until the whites and yolks are fully incorporated.
- Add the egg to the softened butter and mix until well combined.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract.
- Add the milk mixture to the butter and egg mixture, and mix until well combined.
Making the Coffee Cake Batter
Now that we have our ingredients prepared, let’s make the coffee cake batter.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense coffee cake.
Adding the Nuts and Cinnamon Sugar (Optional):
- If using nuts or cinnamon sugar, fold them into the batter until they’re evenly distributed.
Assembling and Baking the Coffee Cake
Now that we have our coffee cake batter, let’s assemble and bake the coffee cake.
Preparing the Baking Dish:
- Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Pouring the Batter into the Baking Dish:
- Pour the coffee cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Adding the Streusel Topping (Optional):
- If desired, add a streusel topping to the coffee cake. To make the streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the sugar and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Baking the Coffee Cake:
- Bake the coffee cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving the Coffee Cake
Now that our coffee cake is baked, let’s cool and serve it.
Cooling the Coffee Cake:
- Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the coffee cake out of the baking dish and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Serving the Coffee Cake:
- Once the coffee cake is cool, use a serrated knife to slice it into squares or rectangles.
- Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Variations and Tips
Here are some variations and tips to help you take your coffee cake to the next level.
Variations:
- Add different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to give the coffee cake a unique flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added spice.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh butter and pure vanilla extract, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense coffee cake.
- Let the coffee cake cool completely before serving, as this will help it to retain its texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making coffee cake is a fun and rewarding process that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With this recipe and guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious and mouth-watering coffee cake that’s sure to please. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overmix the batter, and let the coffee cake cool completely before serving. Happy baking!
What is the difference between a coffee cake and a regular cake?
A coffee cake is a type of sweet bread that is typically served as a breakfast or brunch item, often accompanied by a cup of coffee. Unlike a regular cake, a coffee cake is usually denser and moister, with a crumbly texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. It often features a streusel topping, which is a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that is crumbled and sprinkled on top of the cake before baking.
The streusel topping is a key component of a coffee cake, and it adds a delightful textural element to the dish. In addition to the streusel topping, coffee cakes often feature other sweet ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruit. These ingredients give the cake a warm, comforting flavor that is perfect for a chilly morning or afternoon.
What type of flour is best for making coffee cake?
When it comes to making coffee cake, it’s best to use all-purpose flour. This type of flour is versatile and can be used for a wide range of baked goods, from cakes and cookies to breads and pastries. All-purpose flour has a neutral flavor and a light texture, which makes it ideal for coffee cake. It also contains a moderate amount of protein, which helps to give the cake structure and texture.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can also use bread flour or cake flour as a substitute. However, keep in mind that these types of flour have different protein contents, which can affect the texture of the cake. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can make the cake more dense and chewy, while cake flour has a lower protein content, which can make the cake more tender and delicate.
How do I make a streusel topping for my coffee cake?
Making a streusel topping for your coffee cake is easy and only requires a few ingredients. To start, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture forms a crumbly mixture.
Once you have the streusel topping mixture, you can customize it to your liking by adding in other ingredients, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or chopped nuts. Simply sprinkle the streusel topping over the coffee cake batter before baking, and it will add a delicious, crunchy texture to the finished cake.
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can make coffee cake ahead of time and freeze it. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve the cake and keep it fresh for a longer period of time. To freeze the cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven. Keep in mind that freezing can affect the texture of the cake, so it’s best to freeze it as soon as possible after baking. You can also freeze the cake batter before baking, which can be a convenient option if you want to make the cake ahead of time.
How do I store leftover coffee cake?
If you have leftover coffee cake, you can store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. To store the cake at room temperature, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it on the counter. The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to store the cake for a longer period of time, you can refrigerate it. To refrigerate the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the leftover cake, which can be a convenient option if you want to keep it fresh for a longer period of time.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes?
Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes. One of the best things about coffee cake is that it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily modified to suit your preferences. For example, you can add in different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or use different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey.
You can also customize the recipe by adding in different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or using different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk. Additionally, you can try using different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or oat flour, to give the cake a nuttier flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique recipe.
What is the best way to serve coffee cake?
The best way to serve coffee cake is warm, straight from the oven. This allows the cake to retain its moisture and flavor, and it’s perfect for serving as a breakfast or brunch item. You can serve the cake on its own, or with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
In addition to serving the cake warm, you can also serve it at room temperature or chilled. This is a great option if you’re serving the cake as a snack or dessert. You can also try serving the cake with a cup of coffee or tea, which is a classic combination that’s perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon.