Coffee cake, a classic breakfast or brunch treat, is a staple in many households. The combination of a moist cake, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet glaze is a match made in heaven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making an easy coffee cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Understanding the Basics of Coffee Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand the basics of coffee cake. Coffee cake is a type of sweet bread that is typically made with a yeast-based dough. However, our easy coffee cake recipe uses a simple batter made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The cake is then topped with a streusel topping made with flour, sugar, and butter, and finished with a sweet glaze.
The Importance of Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious coffee cake, the ingredients play a crucial role. Here are some key ingredients to focus on:
- High-quality flour: Using high-quality flour will result in a tender and moist cake. Look for all-purpose flour that is unbleached and unbromated.
- Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and tenderness to the cake. Use pure cane sugar for the best flavor.
- Large eggs: Large eggs provide moisture and richness to the cake. Use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter adds flavor and tenderness to the cake. Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
The Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for an easy coffee cake that serves 8-10 people:
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)
- Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a medium 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 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.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the 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.
Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is a crucial component of the coffee cake. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious streusel topping:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
- Add the cold butter to the bowl and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter before baking.
Glaze
The glaze is the final touch to the coffee cake. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best coffee cake ever:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients will result in a delicious coffee cake. Look for fresh and high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will result in a dense coffee cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Add-ins are optional: Add-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit can enhance the flavor and texture of the coffee cake. Feel free to add your favorite add-ins to the batter.
- Try different flavors: Try different flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to give the coffee cake a unique flavor.
Coffee Cake Variations
Here are some delicious coffee cake variations to try:
- Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: Add a cinnamon swirl to the batter for a delicious and flavorful coffee cake.
- Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a delicious and fruity coffee cake.
- Espresso Coffee Cake: Add a shot of espresso to the batter for a mocha-flavored coffee cake.
Conclusion
Making an easy coffee cake is a breeze with our simple recipe. With a moist cake, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet glaze, this coffee cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of a homemade coffee cake.
Final Tips
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first coffee cake doesn’t turn out perfectly. Practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you get the results you want.
- Experiment with new flavors: Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and ingredients to create a unique coffee cake.
- Share with friends and family: Coffee cake is best shared with friends and family. So go ahead, share your delicious coffee cake with your loved ones and enjoy the joy of baking together.
What is the best type of flour to use for a coffee cake?
The best type of flour to use for a coffee cake is all-purpose flour. This type of flour has a neutral protein content, which makes it ideal for baked goods that need to be tender and moist, yet still have some structure. All-purpose flour is also a good choice because it is versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including coffee cakes, muffins, and scones.
It’s worth noting that you can also use bread flour or cake flour to make a coffee cake, but all-purpose flour is generally the best choice. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can make the coffee cake more dense and chewy, while cake flour has a lower protein content, which can make it more tender but also more prone to crumbling.
How do I make a crumb topping for my coffee cake?
To make a crumb topping for your coffee cake, you will need to mix together some flour, sugar, and cold butter in a bowl until the mixture forms a crumbly mixture. You can also add in some chopped nuts or cinnamon to give the topping extra flavor and texture. The key to making a good crumb topping is to use cold ingredients and to not overmix the mixture, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.
Once you have made the crumb topping, you can sprinkle it evenly over the top of the coffee cake before baking. You can also use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture forms a crumbly mixture. This will help to create a nice texture and prevent the topping from becoming too dense or tough.
Can I make a coffee cake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, you can make a coffee cake ahead of time and freeze it. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve the freshness and flavor of the coffee cake. To freeze a coffee cake, simply bake it as you normally would, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing it in the freezer.
When you are ready to serve the coffee cake, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze the coffee cake before baking it, in which case you will need to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it in the morning. This is a great option if you want to make a coffee cake for a special occasion or holiday.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?
To determine if your coffee cake is done baking, you can use a few different methods. One way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the coffee cake and check to see if it comes out clean. If the toothpick is covered in batter or crumbs, the coffee cake is not yet done baking.
Another way to check if your coffee cake is done baking is to look for visual cues. A fully baked coffee cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also check the edges of the coffee cake, which should be lightly browned and set. If you are still unsure, you can always bake the coffee cake for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I customize my coffee cake with different flavors and ingredients?
Yes, you can customize your coffee cake with different flavors and ingredients. In fact, one of the best things about coffee cake is that it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes and preferences. Some ideas for customizing your coffee cake include adding different types of nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pecans, or using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey.
You can also add different spices or flavorings to your coffee cake, such as cinnamon or vanilla, or use different types of milk or yogurt to give it a unique flavor and texture. Additionally, you can try adding in some dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, or using a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, to give your coffee cake a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
How do I store a coffee cake to keep it fresh?
To keep your coffee cake fresh, you should store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to prevent the coffee cake from drying out or becoming stale. You can also store the coffee cake in the refrigerator, which will help to keep it fresh for a longer period of time.
If you want to keep your coffee cake fresh for an extended period of time, you can also consider freezing it. To freeze a coffee cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. When you are ready to serve the coffee cake, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Can I make individual coffee cakes instead of a large one?
Yes, you can make individual coffee cakes instead of a large one. In fact, individual coffee cakes are a great option if you want to serve a crowd or make a special treat for a breakfast or brunch gathering. To make individual coffee cakes, simply divide the batter evenly among a muffin tin or small baking dishes.
Keep in mind that individual coffee cakes will bake more quickly than a large coffee cake, so be sure to check them frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also customize individual coffee cakes with different toppings or flavorings, such as nuts or cinnamon, to give each one a unique flavor and texture.