Coffee cake, a classic breakfast or brunch treat, is a staple in many households. The combination of a moist and fluffy cake, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet glaze is a match made in heaven. While store-bought coffee cakes are convenient, making one from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious coffee cake from scratch, covering the essential ingredients, equipment, and techniques.
Understanding the Components of a Coffee Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the components of a coffee cake. A traditional coffee cake consists of three main parts:
The Cake
The cake is the foundation of the coffee cake, providing a moist and fluffy base for the streusel topping and glaze. A good coffee cake recipe should have a balance of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour to create a tender crumb.
The Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter that’s crumbled and sprinkled over the cake before baking. The streusel adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor to the coffee cake.
The Glaze
The glaze is a sweet and sticky topping that’s drizzled over the coffee cake after it’s baked. The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the cake.
Gathering Ingredients and Equipment
To make a coffee cake from scratch, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
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
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Pastry blender or food processor
Preparing the Cake
To prepare the cake, follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
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.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Prepared Baking Dish
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Preparing the Streusel Topping
To prepare the streusel topping, follow these steps:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
Step 2: Add the Cold Butter
Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or food processor to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Streusel Topping over the Cake
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
Baking the Coffee Cake
To bake the coffee cake, follow these steps:
Step 1: Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake the coffee cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Remove from the Oven and Let Cool
Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
To prepare the glaze, follow these steps:
Step 1: Mix the Glaze Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 2: Drizzle the Glaze over the Coffee Cake
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your coffee cake:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, will result in a better-tasting coffee cake.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense coffee cake. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Add-ins: Consider adding in nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Streusel topping variations: Try adding different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the streusel topping for added flavor.
Conclusion
Making a coffee cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a delicious coffee cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. Happy baking!
What are the essential ingredients for making a classic coffee cake from scratch?
The essential ingredients for making a classic coffee cake from scratch include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, large eggs, milk, active dry yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. You will also need chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you’ll need confectioners’ sugar for the glaze and streusel topping.
It’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the butter and vanilla extract, as they will significantly impact the flavor and aroma of your coffee cake. Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, to ensure they mix smoothly and evenly. This will result in a tender and moist crumb.
How do I prepare the streusel topping for my coffee cake?
To prepare the streusel topping, combine 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, such as walnuts or pecans, to the streusel topping for added texture and 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 or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the coffee cake batter before baking.
What’s the best way to mix the coffee cake batter to ensure it’s smooth and even?
To mix the coffee cake batter, start by whisking together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, and yeast, in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, including milk, eggs, and melted butter. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough coffee cake. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until they’re just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can also cause the yeast to become overworked, leading to a coffee cake that doesn’t rise properly.
How do I know when my coffee cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven?
To determine if your coffee cake is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the coffee cake is ready. You can also check the internal temperature of the cake, which should be around 190°F to 200°F.
It’s also essential to check the coffee cake’s appearance. A fully baked coffee cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. If the cake is still pale or jiggly in the center, it needs more baking time. Keep an eye on the coffee cake during the last 10 minutes of baking, as it can quickly go from underbaked to overbaked.
Can I customize my coffee cake recipe with different flavors and ingredients?
Absolutely, you can customize your coffee cake recipe with different flavors and ingredients. Some popular variations include adding dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, or using different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds. You can also add a teaspoon of espresso powder or a shot of brewed coffee to intensify the coffee flavor.
Other options include using different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, or adding a hint of citrus zest, such as orange or lemon. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as muscovado or turbinado, to create a unique flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly, as some ingredients can add extra moisture to the batter.
How do I store my freshly baked coffee cake to keep it fresh for a longer period?
To store your freshly baked coffee cake, let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store the coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen coffee cake can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the coffee cake overnight at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven.
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. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as individual coffee cakes will bake faster than a large coffee cake.
For muffins, bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For individual coffee cakes, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the coffee cakes during the last 5 minutes of baking, as they can quickly go from underbaked to overbaked.