Craving a delightful morning treat to pair with your coffee? Look no further than classic coffee cake recipes. While the name might suggest a coffee-infused confection, these cakes are actually meant to complement your cup of joe. Typically featuring a moist vanilla base, a generous dusting of cinnamon, and a crumbly topping, coffee cakes are a staple for cozy breakfasts or brunches.
One defining feature of coffee cakes is the absence of frosting, often replaced by a light drizzle of icing or a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar. The addition of a crumb topping, though optional, adds a sweet and buttery contrast to the soft cake. Whether you opt for a caramel pecan twist, a double crumb indulgence, or a classic brown sugar variation, these recipes promise a delightful treat that’s perfect for any morning occasion. So, grab a slice, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and savor the comforting flavors of a homemade coffee cake.
Ingredients
For this decadent coffee cake recipe, you’ll need a scrumptious combination of ingredients to create the perfect treat. Get ready to gather everything you need to make a moist and flavorful coffee cake that will tantalize your taste buds.
Cake Base
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Required Tools and Equipment
When preparing a delicious coffee cake, having the right tools and equipment makes the baking process smoother. Here are the essential items you will need to create a perfect coffee cake:
1. Mixing Bowls:
Use a set of mixing bowls in various sizes to mix the cake batter, the streusel topping, and any additional fillings or icings.
2. Electric Mixer:
An electric mixer, whether handheld or stand, will help you effortlessly combine the ingredients for the cake batter and the streusel topping, ensuring a smooth and well-mixed texture.
3. Pastry Cutter:
A pastry cutter is essential for cutting the cold butter into the streusel mixture to create a crumbly and delicious topping for your coffee cake. This tool helps maintain the right consistency for the streusel.
4. Baking Pan:
Choose a suitable baking pan, such as a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or a round cake pan, to bake your coffee cake. Make sure to grease and line the pan for easy removal.
5. Cooling Rack:
Having a cooling rack on hand is crucial for letting your coffee cake cool properly after baking. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and helps it set before serving.
6. Oven Thermometer:
To ensure an accurate baking temperature, use an oven thermometer to monitor the heat inside your oven. This tool guarantees that your coffee cake bakes evenly and perfectly.
Preparation Steps
As I prepare to bake my delicious coffee cake, there are several key steps that ensure the perfect outcome. From preparing the baking pan to creating the cinnamon filling, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a moist and flavorful coffee cake.
Preparing the Baking Pan
I start by preheating the oven to 350F and greasing my 8×8 pan. I prepare parchment paper to line the pan, allowing it to overhang for easy removal later. This step ensures that my coffee cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out effortlessly.
Mixing the Cake Batter
For the moist and rich cake batter, I combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, I cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Adding eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, I mix until well combined. Finally, I fold in the dry ingredients, ensuring a smooth and lump-free batter.
Making the Streusel Topping
To create the buttery and crumbly streusel topping, I whisk together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Cutting in softened butter with a pastry cutter, I blend the mixture until it resembles large crumbs. Sprinkling the topping evenly over the batter adds a delightful crunch to the coffee cake.
Creating the Cinnamon Filling
For the sweet and aromatic cinnamon filling, I prepare a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of butter. Layering this filling between the cake batter adds a burst of flavor and richness to every bite of the coffee cake.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Now that we have prepared the coffee cake batter with its delicious layers of cinnamon and streusel, it’s time to bake this delightful treat to perfection. Follow these simple steps to bake your coffee cake:
Step 1: Preparing the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure the ideal baking temperature for your coffee cake.
- Adjust the oven rack to the center position to allow for even baking.
Step 2: Baking the Coffee Cake
- Carefully place the prepared coffee cake into the preheated oven.
- Bake the coffee cake at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep a close eye on the cake to prevent overbaking, which can result in a dry or dense texture. If needed, you can perform the toothpick test to check for doneness.
- Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the warm, aromatic flavors.
- Slice the coffee cake into generous portions to reveal the beautiful layers of cinnamon filling and streusel crumb topping.
- Serve the warm coffee cake alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or your favorite tea for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.
- The coffee cake pairs perfectly with savory dishes like frittatas or scrambled eggs for a complete brunch experience.
- Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful for future servings.
Assembling the Coffee Cake
When it comes to assembling a delicious coffee cake, the process involves layering the batter and filling to create a flavorful and moist treat that is perfect for any time of day.
Layering the Batter and Filling
Begin by spreading half of the prepared cake batter in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This forms the base for the delightful layers of flavors to come.
For the filling, sprinkle a cinnamon sugar mixture over the first layer of batter, ensuring an even distribution to infuse each bite with warm and sweet notes.
Add the remaining batter on top of the cinnamon filling, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface. This layering technique will create pockets of cinnamon sweetness throughout the coffee cake.
Adding the Streusel Topping
To finish off the coffee cake, generously sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping over the top layer of batter. This crumbly mixture of butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the cake.
Once assembled, bake the coffee cake in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing the flavors to meld together and the streusel topping to become golden brown and crisp.
The layering of batter, filling, and streusel topping ensures that each bite of the coffee cake is a perfect balance of moist cake, sweet cinnamon filling, and crunchy streusel topping, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Baking Tips and Tricks
When baking coffee cake, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your final product turns out perfect every time. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:
Tip 1: Room Temperature Ingredients
For the best texture and consistency in your coffee cake batter, make sure your butter, eggs, and any dairy ingredients are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
Tip 2: Mixing Technique
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough or dense coffee cake. Use a gentle hand and mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Tip 3: Streusel Perfection
To achieve that irresistible crunchy streusel topping, make sure your streusel mixture resembles large crumbs as you sprinkle it over the batter. The crumbly texture will add a wonderful contrast to the soft cake beneath.
Tip 4: Baking Time and Temperature
Every oven is different, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your coffee cake as it bakes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the cake with foil to prevent over-browning while the center finishes baking.
Tip 5: Cooling and Serving
Allow your coffee cake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into it. This helps the flavors meld and ensures clean slices. If desired, drizzle with a glaze once the cake has cooled for an extra touch of sweetness before serving.
By following these baking tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect coffee cake that is moist, flavorful, and a delightful treat any time of day.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve Coffee Cake
To serve coffee cake, slice it into individual portions using a sharp knife. Place the slices on serving plates or a platter. Coffee cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The warm, buttery crumb and sweet cinnamon filling create a delightful flavor combination that is sure to please.
Storing and Freezing Tips
To store coffee cake, ensure it is completely cooled before handling. Store the cooled cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you need to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
I’ve shared a variety of classic coffee cake recipes and baking tips to help you create the perfect coffee cake every time. From mastering the streusel topping to serving it with your favorite hot beverage, these recipes are sure to impress. Remember to store your coffee cake properly to enjoy it fresh for days. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these coffee cake recipes are versatile and delicious. Happy baking!
