Oh, coffee cake! Just saying the name brings a warm, fuzzy feeling to my heart. I have such fond memories associated with this delightful treat, especially those Sunday mornings when my family gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter over a fresh loaf of coffee cake with steaming mugs of coffee. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t need an occasion; it simply invites itself to the party! Perfectly spiced and sweet, with a crumbly topping that just melts in your mouth, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot in every home.
What I love most about coffee cake is its versatility. You can dress it up with fruits like blueberries or apples, or simply enjoy it in its classic form. It’s the perfect companion for coffee (obviously!) but truly shines as an afternoon snack or a casual dessert. Let’s dive in so we can recreate this cozy masterpiece together!
What’s in Coffee Cake?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cake, combining the perfect texture with a soft crumb. I always opt for unbleached flour for a richer flavor.
Sugar: We’re using granulated sugar for sweetness, but brown sugar works wonders to add some depth and moisture to the cake. Yum!
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that will give our cake that delightful rise! Just remember, they have different roles, so don’t get them mixed up!
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: This is where the comforting, warm aroma comes from! It’s the spice that makes coffee cake a staple in my baking repertoire.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is the secret to that tender crumb, and unsalted is my preference so I can control the saltiness.
Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Nothing beats that beautiful vanilla aroma, right? I’m a fan of pure vanilla extract – it makes a world of difference!
Milk: Just enough to keep our cake moist. You can use whole milk or even a non-dairy alternative if you prefer!
Is Coffee Cake Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Now, I’m not saying coffee cake is a health food, but there are a few highlights we can be gentle about:
Whole Ingredients: The primary ingredients are pretty wholesome, including flour, eggs, and milk. If you switch to whole-grain flour, it will add fiber, making it a bit more nutritious.
Cinnamon: Did you know that cinnamon has antioxidant properties and may help lower blood sugar levels? So while indulging in coffee cake, you could get a tiny health boost!
However, let’s be honest—coffee cake is still a treat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation to keep the sweetness and richness from being overbearing. Pairing it with something healthy, like nuts or a fruit salad, might balance things out nicely!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar (or split with brown sugar)
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
This recipe serves about 8-10 people, perfect for sharing!
How to Make Coffee Cake?
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly using a fork or pastry cutter.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Beware of overmixing – a gentle touch is key!
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Add a generous sprinkle of the crumb mixture on top.
7. Pour the remaining batter over and top with more crumb mixture.
8. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in – although I won’t judge if you sneak a slice right away!
Sweet Tips for the Perfect Cake
– If you fancy a twist, consider folding in your favorite fruits like blueberries or diced apples right into the batter for some fruity goodness!
– Cinnamon streusel topping can elevate your cake into a bakery-level treat. Just mix some flour, sugar, and butter, along with lots of cinnamon on top.
– This cake freezes beautifully! So if you find yourself with leftovers (although I’m skeptical), wrap it tightly in foil and store it for a future treat.
I can’t wait for you to try making this enchanting coffee cake! I know it may become one of those recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket to share with family and friends. And don’t forget to tell me how yours turned out; I’d love to hear all about your delicious coffee cake adventures! Enjoy every bite!