Coffee cake, a classic breakfast or brunch treat, is a staple in many households. With its sweet, buttery aroma and crumbly texture, it’s no wonder why people love it so much. But instead of relying on store-bought coffee cake, why not try making it at home? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious coffee cake from scratch, complete with a crumbly streusel topping and a sweet glaze.
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 combination of all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil. The streusel topping is made with a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, which is crumbled into small pieces and sprinkled on top of the bread base.
The Importance of Ingredients
When it comes to making coffee cake, the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference. Here are some tips for choosing the best ingredients:
- Use high-quality flour: All-purpose flour is the best type of flour to use for coffee cake. It has a neutral flavor and a light texture that works well with the other ingredients.
- Choose the right sugar: Granulated sugar is the best type of sugar to use for coffee cake. It dissolves easily and adds a sweet flavor to the bread base.
- Select the right type of butter: Unsalted butter is the best type of butter to use for coffee cake. It has a mild flavor and a high fat content that works well with the other ingredients.
- Use large eggs: Large eggs are the best type of eggs to use for coffee cake. They have a rich, creamy flavor and a high moisture content that works well with the other ingredients.
The Recipe
Now that we’ve talked about the basics of coffee cake and the importance of ingredients, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple recipe for coffee cake that yields a delicious and moist bread base, topped with a crumbly streusel topping and finished with a sweet glaze.
Bread Base
To make the bread base, you’ll need the following 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
To make the bread base, follow these steps:
- 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 the bowl aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- 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.
Streusel Topping
To make the streusel topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
To make the streusel topping, follow these steps:
- 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 bread base.
Glaze
To make the glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the glaze, follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the coffee cake after it has cooled.
Baking the Coffee Cake
To bake the coffee cake, follow these steps:
- 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 make the best coffee cake ever:
- Use a combination of white and brown sugar: Using a combination of white and brown sugar will give your coffee cake a richer flavor.
- Add nuts or fruit: Adding nuts or fruit to your coffee cake will give it extra texture and flavor.
- Try different types of milk: Using different types of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, will give your coffee cake a unique flavor.
- Make individual coffee cakes: Making individual coffee cakes is a great way to serve a crowd. Simply divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making coffee cake:
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing the batter will result in a dense coffee cake.
- Not using the right type of flour: Using the wrong type of flour will affect the texture and flavor of your coffee cake.
- Not baking the coffee cake long enough: Not baking the coffee cake long enough will result in a raw or undercooked center.
Conclusion
Making coffee cake at home is easier than you think. With this simple recipe and a few tips and variations, you can create a delicious and moist coffee cake that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overmix the batter, and bake the coffee cake long enough to ensure a golden brown crust and a cooked center. Happy baking!
What are the essential ingredients for making a classic coffee cake at home?
The essential ingredients for making a classic coffee cake at home include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, large eggs, milk, active dry yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts or pecans. You will also need brown sugar and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Additionally, you can customize your coffee cake with other ingredients such as dried fruits, chocolate chips, or orange zest.
It’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients to achieve the best flavor and texture. Fresh yeast is vital for the dough to rise properly, while real butter and pure vanilla extract will enhance the overall taste. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, to create a unique flavor profile.
How do I prepare the streusel topping for my coffee cake?
To prepare the streusel topping, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also add chopped nuts, cinnamon, or other spices to the streusel topping to give it extra flavor.
It’s essential to keep the butter cold, as this will help create a crumbly texture. You can also make the streusel topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply sprinkle the streusel topping over the coffee cake batter before baking, and it will create a delicious, crunchy topping.
What is the best way to mix the coffee cake batter?
The best way to mix the coffee cake batter is to use a stand mixer or a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt, and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk.
It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense coffee cake. Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy dough, then let the dough rest for a few minutes before kneading. This will help the gluten develop, resulting in a tender and fluffy crumb.
How do I know when my coffee cake is fully baked?
To determine if your coffee cake is fully baked, check the internal temperature with a thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C). You can also check the coffee cake by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the coffee cake is done.
Another way to check is to look for visual cues, such as a golden-brown crust and a firm, springy texture. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the coffee cake to dry out. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of underbaking, as the coffee cake will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.
Can I customize my coffee cake with different flavors and ingredients?
Absolutely, you can customize your coffee cake with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some ideas include adding dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist, using orange or lemon zest for a burst of citrus flavor, or adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the streusel topping. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations to find your favorite flavor.
How do I store my coffee cake to keep it fresh?
To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the coffee cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven.
It’s essential to keep the coffee cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause it to dry out. You can also store the coffee cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be aware that the texture may become slightly denser due to the cold temperature.
Can I make individual coffee cakes or muffins using this recipe?
Yes, you can make individual coffee cakes or muffins using this recipe. Simply divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups or 6-8 ramekins, depending on the size you prefer. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as individual coffee cakes will take less time to bake than a large coffee cake.
Keep an eye on the individual coffee cakes while they’re baking, as the baking time may vary depending on the size and your oven’s temperature. You can also customize the toppings for each individual coffee cake, making it a great option for brunches or breakfast gatherings.