Coffee Cake: A Perfect Pairing for Your Morning Brew

Introduction

Coffee Cake is a classic morning delight that pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee. With its tender, buttery crumb and sweet cinnamon streusel topping, it’s no wonder this cake has been a beloved breakfast treat for generations. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet morning, Coffee Cake is a delightful way to start your day.

Who Is This Recipe For?

Coffee Cake is for anyone who appreciates the combination of a buttery, crumbly cake and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for:

  • Morning People: If you love a cozy, indulgent breakfast to start your day, this cake is your match.
  • Coffee Lovers: The subtle cinnamon flavors in this cake pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee.
  • Baking Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

What Makes Coffee Cake So Special?

Buttery Crumb

Coffee Cake is known for its tender, buttery crumb that practically melts in your mouth.

Cinnamon Streusel

The sweet and cinnamon-infused streusel topping adds a delightful layer of flavor and texture.

Versatile Snack

This cake is suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat any time of day.

Homemade Comfort

Baking this Coffee Cake at home fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the process of making Coffee Cake, let’s gather our ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

Now, let’s get into the heart of creating this delicious Coffee Cake:

Prepare the Streusel Topping

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping.
  2. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mixture.
  3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this streusel topping aside.

Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Cake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the cake batter.
  3. Pour the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer and spread it evenly.
  4. Top the cake with the remaining streusel mixture.

Bake the Coffee Cake

  1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Allow the Coffee Cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
  2. It’s best enjoyed warm with a hot cup of coffee.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

  • 9×9-inch Baking Pan: For baking the cake.
  • Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cake batter and streusel topping.
  • Pastry Cutter or Fork: For blending the streusel topping.
  • Electric Mixer (optional): To cream the butter and sugar for the cake batter.
  • Parchment Paper (optional): For lining the baking pan for easy removal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any Coffee Cake leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before serving to bring back the fresh-baked goodness.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

While classic Coffee Cake is delightful, you can experiment with variations:

  • Fruit-Filled: Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or berries, between the cake and streusel layers.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the streusel topping for a delightful crunch.
  • Glaze Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the cake with a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
  • Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the streusel for a sweet and chocolatey variation.

FAQ

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While butter provides a rich, buttery flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute if desired.

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Certainly! Coffee Cake can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Warm it slightly before serving.

Q: Can I use other spices in the streusel topping?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add unique flavors to your streusel topping.

Q: Can I use buttermilk instead of whole milk?
A: Buttermilk can be used for a tangier flavor and moisture, but whole milk works perfectly as well.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that enhances your morning routine, making it a perfect companion to your daily cup of coffee. With its tender crumb and sweet cinnamon streusel topping, this cake is the epitome of comfort. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast or a leisurely brunch, Coffee Cake is sure to brighten your day. So, gather your ingredients, bake this lovely cake, and savor the delicious flavors with your favorite coffee. Don’t forget to share this delightful recipe with your friends and family and subscribe to my blog for more culinary inspirations. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment