Craving a delightful morning treat to pair with your coffee? Look no further than coffee cake recipes! This classic baked good is a staple for breakfast or brunch, offering a moist and tender vanilla cake base with a hint of cinnamon swirl and a buttery crumble topping. Contrary to its name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee but is the perfect companion to a steaming cup of your favorite brew.
Ingredients for Coffee Cake
When preparing a delicious coffee cake, gather the following ingredients:
Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Crumb Topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients to create a delightful coffee cake that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Necessary Equipment
- Mixer: A mixer will help you achieve a smooth and well-blended batter for your coffee cake.
- Pastry Cutter/2 Forks/Food Processor: You will need one of these tools to cut the cold butter into the streusel mixture for the perfect crumbly texture.
- 9×9 Baking Pan: This pan size is ideal for baking your coffee cake to perfection.
- Small Bowl: Use a small bowl to mix the ingredients for the filling of the coffee cake.
- Food Processor/Pastry Cutter: These tools are handy for creating the coarse crumb topping that adds a delicious crunch to your coffee cake.
Prep Work
Before diving into the baking process, it’s important to ensure that your prep work is done efficiently. Here are the key steps to get everything ready for making this delicious coffee cake.
Preparing the Baking Pan
- For this recipe, you will need an 8-inch square pan. Make sure to line it with lightly greased parchment paper for easy removal or simply grease the pan.
- Take half of the cake batter and smooth it evenly into the bottom of the greased pan. It doesn’t need to be perfect, as it will bake up beautifully.
- Start by making the delicious cinnamon streusel and apple butter filling. Pinch together softened butter, flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until soft crumbs form.
- Next, prepare the crunchy crumb topping by mixing butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. This topping will add a delightful texture to your coffee cake.
By completing these prep steps efficiently, you’ll be all set to create a scrumptious pumpkin coffee cake with cinnamon streusel and apple butter filling that will impress your taste buds.
Instructions
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, I start by blending 2 eggs, 1 cup of oil, 1¼ cups of milk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Then, in a separate medium bowl, I combine 3 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Next, I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined. Once the batter is ready, I pour half of it into the prepared baking dish.
Assembling the Layers
After spreading half of the batter in the baking dish, I create the cinnamon streusel by mixing 1¼ cups of packed brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. I sprinkle half of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in the pan. Carefully, I pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer. To complete the layers, I sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top. Finally, I drizzle melted butter over the cake before baking to achieve a delicious, flavorful coffee cake.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Baking the coffee cake is a crucial step in ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful outcome. Follow these guidelines to bake your coffee cake to perfection.
Oven Temperature and Timing
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the coffee cake. This temperature is ideal for achieving a golden-brown crust and a fluffy interior.
- Bake the coffee cake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- To check if the coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Avoid overbaking the cake, as it can result in a dry or dense texture. Keep a close eye on the baking time to ensure a perfectly baked coffee cake.
Serving and Presentation
Cooling and Cutting
Once the coffee cake is baked to perfection and has filled your kitchen with a delightful aroma, it’s time for the crucial step of allowing it to cool. This resting period not only helps the flavors meld but also makes cutting and serving much neater. Be patient and let the cake sit and cool before proceeding to slice it into delicious portions.
Adding Glaze and Final Touches
To elevate the visual appeal and taste of your coffee cake, consider adding a glaze for the final touch. Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a simple and luscious glaze. Drizzle this sweet concoction over the cooled cake, adding a glossy finish that promises a touch of sweetness in every bite. This optional step can turn your ordinary coffee cake into an irresistible treat that will impress your guests.
Storage Tips
How to Store
After enjoying your delicious coffee cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake can stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 days, maintaining its moistness and flavor. If you prefer, you can also store the coffee cake in the refrigerator for longer storage, up to 1 week.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your coffee cake for longer-term storage, ensure it has completely cooled first. Wrap the cake tightly with a couple of layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, enclose it in aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight freezer container or a large food storage freezer bag. This will maintain the cake’s texture and flavor for up to around 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply let the coffee cake thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Coffee Cake Variations
When it comes to coffee cakes, there are endless possibilities for creativity and flavor exploration. Here are some delightful ways to switch up your traditional coffee cake recipe:
Alternative Toppings and Fillings
Enhance your coffee cake by experimenting with different toppings and fillings to add new layers of flavor and texture. Consider incorporating ingredients like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or even a creamy cheesecake swirl to make your coffee cake truly unique. Get creative and tailor your toppings and fillings to suit your taste preferences or seasonal inspirations.
Conclusion
Coffee cake recipes offer a delightful way to indulge in a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or as a dessert for any occasion. With a simple vanilla base, cinnamon swirl, and buttery crumble topping, these cakes are versatile and can be customized with various fillings and toppings to suit individual tastes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a delicious coffee cake to enjoy with family and friends. Remember to experiment with different flavor combinations to discover your favorite variation. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to try something new, coffee cakes provide endless possibilities for baking creativity. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and start baking your own delicious coffee cake today!
