Coffee cake – the perfect breakfast or brunch treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of sugar, and the comfort of a crumbly crust. While it may seem like a daunting task to make a coffee cake from scratch, fear not! With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering coffee cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Understanding the Basics of Coffee Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what makes a coffee cake a coffee cake. A traditional coffee cake typically consists of:
- A sweet, buttery dough
- A crumbly streusel topping
- A sweet glaze or drizzle
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or other spices
The key to making a great coffee cake is to balance these elements and create a harmonious flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to making a coffee cake, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. Here are a few tips for choosing the right ingredients:
- Use high-quality flour: All-purpose flour is a great choice for coffee cake, but you can also experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour.
- Don’t skimp on the butter: European-style butter or cultured butter will give your coffee cake a richer, more complex flavor.
- Choose the right sugar: Granulated sugar is a classic choice, but you can also try using brown sugar or honey for a deeper flavor.
The Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get started with the recipe! Here’s a simple coffee cake recipe that yields a delicious and moist cake with a crumbly streusel topping.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 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
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
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 2-3 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 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.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Once your coffee cake is cool, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Here are a few ideas for glazes and toppings:
- Simple Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cooled coffee cake.
- Chopped Nuts or Fruit: Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit over the cooled coffee cake for added texture and flavor.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your coffee cake to the next level:
- Use different types of sugar: Try using brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to give your coffee cake a deeper flavor.
- Add-ins are your friend: Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even candy pieces to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a crumb cake: Omit the streusel topping and instead sprinkle a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter over the batter before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a coffee cake, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Not using the right pan: Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the coffee cake cooks evenly and doesn’t overflow.
- Not letting it cool: Let the coffee cake cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure it sets properly.
Conclusion
Making a coffee cake from scratch may seem daunting, but with this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious breakfast treat that’s sure to impress. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, don’t skimp on the butter, and add your own personal touches to make the recipe your own. Happy baking!
What is the best type of flour to use for making coffee cake?
The best type of flour to use for making coffee cake is all-purpose flour. This type of flour has a neutral protein content, which makes it ideal for creating a tender and delicate crumb. All-purpose flour is also versatile and can be used for a variety of coffee cake recipes, from classic to creative variations. Additionally, it is widely available in most supermarkets and is often the most affordable option.
While bread flour or cake flour can also be used to make coffee cake, they may affect the texture and flavor of the final product. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can result in a denser coffee cake, while cake flour has a lower protein content, which can make the coffee cake more tender but also more prone to crumbling. All-purpose flour strikes a balance between the two, making it the best choice for most coffee cake recipes.
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, while a gentle folding of the ingredients will help to preserve the delicate texture of the flour and the tenderness of the butter and sugar. Additionally, using buttermilk or sour cream can add moisture and tenderness to the coffee cake, as the acidity in these ingredients helps to break down the starches in the flour.
Another key factor in achieving a moist and tender coffee cake is to not overbake it. Coffee cake is best baked until it’s lightly golden brown and still slightly tender in the center. Overbaking can cause the coffee cake to dry out and become tough, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s done. A toothpick inserted into the center of the coffee cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
What is the best way to make a crumb topping for coffee cake?
The best way to make a crumb topping for coffee cake is to use a combination of cold butter, flour, and sugar. The cold butter is essential, as it helps to create a crumbly texture when it’s mixed with the flour and sugar. To make the crumb topping, simply combine the cold butter, flour, and sugar in a bowl and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
The key to a great crumb topping is to not overmix it. You want the mixture to remain crumbly and uneven, as this will help to create a delicious texture contrast with the tender coffee cake. Additionally, you can customize the crumb topping to your taste by adding different spices, nuts, or seeds. For example, you could add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the crumb topping a warm and aromatic flavor.
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 freshness and flavor of the coffee cake. To freeze coffee cake, simply bake it as directed and allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
When you’re ready to serve the coffee cake, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature. You can also thaw the coffee cake in the refrigerator overnight and then serve it in the morning. Frozen coffee cake will keep for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep or for making ahead for a special occasion.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?
To determine if your coffee cake is done baking, there are several signs to look for. First, check the color of the coffee cake. It should be lightly golden brown on top and around the edges. Next, check the texture of the coffee cake. It should be firm to the touch and spring back when pressed gently.
Another way to check if the coffee cake is done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the coffee cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the coffee cake is done. If the toothpick is covered in wet batter, the coffee cake needs to bake for a few more minutes. Finally, check the internal temperature of the coffee cake. It should be around 190°F to 200°F when it’s fully baked.
Can I customize the recipe for coffee cake to suit my tastes?
Absolutely, you can customize the recipe for coffee cake to suit your tastes. One of the best things about coffee cake is that it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit a wide range of flavors and ingredients. For example, you could add different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
You could also try adding different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the batter to give the coffee cake a warm and aromatic flavor. Additionally, you could try using different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to give the coffee cake a richer and more complex flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique flavor combinations.
How do I store leftover coffee cake to keep it fresh?
To store leftover coffee cake and keep it fresh, it’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This will help to preserve the moisture and flavor of the coffee cake and keep it fresh for several days.
You can store the coffee cake at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep the coffee cake fresh for longer, you can also freeze it. Simply wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen coffee cake will keep for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature or in the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve it.