Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines a moist, buttery texture with a delicious cinnamon flavor. This cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack. With its streusel ribbon and crumb topping, it stands out at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet morning, this coffee cake will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This coffee cake recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon with a buttery cake ensures every bite is filled with warmth and sweetness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast item, dessert, or even a tasty snack throughout the day.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this coffee cake fits right in.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your baking adventure, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A good quality dish ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Mixing Bowls: Using different sizes allows you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

Coffee cake is a moist, buttery cake with a streusel ribbon in the center, a cinnamon crumb topping, and a sweet drizzle.

For the Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
• 3 Tablespoons soften butter

For the Streusel Filling

• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar

For the Crumb Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter cubed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2½ teaspoons milk

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Optionally, line your baking dish with parchment paper. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the cake batter including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, mix together melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Layer the Batter

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking dish evenly.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your coffee cake experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cake.
• Bananas: Slices of ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the coffee cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and Airy: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a luxurious touch and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost.

With Coffee or Tea

• Classic Pairing: Serve your coffee cake alongside a hot cup of coffee to enhance its flavors.
• Herbal Tea: For those who prefer tea, chamomile or mint can offer a soothing pairing that complements the cake’s sweetness.

As Part of Brunch

• Brunch Spread: Include coffee cake in your brunch menu along with quiches, fruit salads, and yogurt for a colorful assortment.
• Mini Portions: Cut the coffee cake into smaller squares for easy serving at gatherings.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake

To achieve the ultimate coffee cake, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your baking game.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Carefully combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking.
• Add Extra Cinnamon: For an enhanced flavor profile, sprinkle additional cinnamon in the batter or topping as desired.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing; this helps maintain its structure and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake

Pairing side dishes with coffee cake can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt: A creamy addition that offers protein and tanginess, perfect for balancing sweetness.
2. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal complements coffee cake nicely, providing hearty texture and flavor.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and richness, making it suitable for breakfast settings.
4. Sausage Links: Savory sausage links provide a satisfying contrast to the sweet notes of coffee cake.
5. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and color to your plate while enhancing flavors.
6. Granola Parfait: Layered with yogurt and fruits, granola parfaits offer crunchiness that pairs well with moist coffee cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making coffee cake, small errors can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the cake’s texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough coffee cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the streusel: The streusel topping is key for that perfect sweet crunch. Don’t skip it; it adds flavor and texture.
• Not measuring flour properly: Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Too much flour can make your cake dense.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your coffee cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time for doneness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Coffee Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing taste or texture.

Reheating Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm covered for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good coffee cake?

A good coffee cake should be moist, have a rich buttery flavor, and feature a delightful crumb topping.

Can I use other spices in my coffee cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s done.

Can I customize my coffee cake recipe?

Yes! Add nuts, fruits like blueberries or apples, or even chocolate chips for added variety.

How should I serve coffee cake?

Coffee cake pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. Enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This coffee cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic treat!

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Coffee Cake

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 9 slices 1x

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Description

Coffee cake is a delightful blend of moist, buttery goodness and aromatic cinnamon flavor, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon treat. This easy-to-make recipe features a rich streusel ribbon and a crumbly topping that adds texture and sweetness, ensuring it stands out at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a cozy weekend at home, this coffee cake will impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons softened butter
• Streusel filling: 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 cup brown sugar, and flour
• Crumb topping: ½ cup flour, ½ tablespoon cinnamon, and butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until combined.
4. Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients; stir gently until just mixed.
5. Pour half the batter into the prepared dish. Layer with streusel filling and remaining batter on top. Finish with crumb topping.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg