Coffee cake – the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack any time of the day. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and crumbly topping, it’s no wonder why coffee cake is a favorite among many. But what if you’re not a skilled baker or don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to make easy coffee cake that’s quick, simple, and delicious.
Understanding the Basics of Coffee Cake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what makes a good coffee cake. Here are the key components:
The Cake
The cake is the foundation of a good coffee cake. It should be moist, flavorful, and have a tender crumb. To achieve this, you’ll want to use a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter. You’ll also need to add some leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda, to help the cake rise.
The Topping
The topping is what sets coffee cake apart from other sweet breads. It’s typically made with a mixture of granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter. The topping should be crumbly and sweet, with a nice texture that complements the cake.
The Flavorings
Coffee cake is often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices. You can also add in nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s a simple and delicious coffee cake recipe that’s perfect for beginners:
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
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- 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 aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 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 topping, combine the granulated sugar, flour, 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.
- If using walnuts, fold them into the topping mixture.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter in the baking dish.
- 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 a few tips and variations to help you make the best coffee cake ever:
Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cake
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the flavor and texture of your coffee cake. Use fresh spices, real vanilla extract, and high-quality chocolate chips (if using).
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough coffee cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined.
- Use the right pan: A 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a smaller or larger dish, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Don’t overbake: Coffee cake is best when it’s lightly golden brown and still tender in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry, crumbly cake.
Variations
- Add-ins: Try adding in different nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, or dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give your coffee cake a unique flavor.
- Chocolate: Add in some chocolate chips or chocolate chunks for a mocha-flavored coffee cake.
- Glaze: Top your coffee cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra-sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making coffee cake:
Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing can result in a dense, tough coffee cake. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined.
Not Using the Right Pan
Using the wrong pan can affect the texture and flavor of your coffee cake. A 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a smaller or larger dish, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Overbaking
Coffee cake is best when it’s lightly golden brown and still tender in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in a dry, crumbly cake.
Conclusion
Making easy coffee cake is a breeze with this simple and delicious recipe. By following the tips and variations outlined in this article, you can create a moist, flavorful, and crumbly coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of homemade coffee cake!
What is the key to making a moist and delicious coffee cake?
The key to making a moist and delicious coffee cake is to use a combination of ingredients that provide tenderness, flavor, and texture. This includes using buttermilk or sour cream to add moisture, brown sugar to add depth of flavor, and a blend of all-purpose and cake flour to create a tender crumb. Additionally, using a moderate amount of sugar and spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, will enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
Another important factor is not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense and tough coffee cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together until just combined. This will help to preserve the delicate structure of the cake and ensure it remains moist and tender. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and moist coffee cake that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
What type of flour is best for making coffee cake?
The type of flour best suited for making coffee cake is a combination of all-purpose flour and cake flour. All-purpose flour provides structure and texture, while cake flour adds tenderness and a delicate crumb. Using only all-purpose flour can result in a dense and heavy coffee cake, while using only cake flour can make it too delicate and prone to breaking. By combining the two, you can achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
If you don’t have cake flour, you can also use all-purpose flour with a small amount of cornstarch or tapioca flour to help tenderize the cake. However, keep in mind that this substitution may affect the overall texture and flavor of the coffee cake. For the best results, it’s recommended to use a combination of all-purpose and cake flour.
Can I customize the recipe with different flavors and toppings?
Absolutely, one of the best things about this coffee cake recipe is that it can be easily customized with different flavors and toppings. You can try adding different spices, such as cardamom or ginger, to give the coffee cake a unique flavor. You can also add different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to provide texture and flavor.
In addition to spices and nuts, you can also try adding different types of fruit, such as blueberries or cranberries, to create a fruity and delicious coffee cake. For the topping, you can use a crumbly streusel topping, a sweet glaze, or even a crunchy pecan praline topping. The possibilities are endless, and you can experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
How do I store and freeze coffee cake?
Coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the coffee cake 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, simply thaw the coffee cake at room temperature or reheat it in the microwave or oven. If you’re reheating in the oven, wrap the coffee cake in foil and heat it at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make coffee cake ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake it just before serving. However, you can prepare the streusel topping and the cake batter ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply assemble the coffee cake and bake it as directed.
If you want to make the coffee cake a day ahead, you can bake it and store it at room temperature overnight. However, keep in mind that the coffee cake may become less fresh and the streusel topping may lose some of its crunch. For the best results, it’s recommended to bake the coffee cake just before serving.
What is the best way to serve coffee cake?
Coffee cake is best served warm, straight from the oven. You can serve it on its own or with a variety of toppings, such as a sweet glaze, a crunchy pecan praline topping, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch option.
In addition to serving it warm, you can also serve coffee cake at room temperature or even chilled. It’s a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for any occasion. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and serve them as a snack or dessert on-the-go.
Can I make coffee cake in a bundt pan or muffin tin?
Yes, you can make coffee cake in a bundt pan or muffin tin. To make a bundt coffee cake, simply pour the batter into a greased and floured bundt pan and bake as directed. You may need to adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
To make muffin-sized coffee cakes, simply divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake as directed. You can also top each muffin with a spoonful of streusel topping before baking. Keep in mind that the baking time will be shorter for muffins, so check them after 15-20 minutes to ensure they don’t overcook.