Easy Coffee Cake Recipe: Best Homemade Treat
Introduction
Coffee cake, despite its name, doesn’t actually contain coffee. Its popularity stems from being the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee. This delightful cake, often enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, is characterized by its moist crumb and a generous streusel topping. The “coffee cake recipe” is beloved worldwide for its ease of preparation and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
The classic coffee cake recipe generally includes the following:
- For the Cake: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, sour cream (plain yogurt can be substituted), unsalted butter (melted), vanilla extract.
- For the Streusel Topping: All-purpose flour, brown sugar (light or dark), unsalted butter (cold and cubed), ground cinnamon, chopped nuts (optional – pecans or walnuts).
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the streusel topping. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use. For the cake batter, whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. 2. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. 3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. 4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back lightly when touched. 5. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Coffee cake is traditionally served warm or at room temperature, alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It can also be paired with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced apples. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an extra indulgent treat. For a more elegant presentation, dust the coffee cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Tip: For a moister cake, add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter. Tip: Toast the nuts for the streusel topping to enhance their flavor. Mistake: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix only until just combined. Mistake: Opening the oven door frequently during baking can cause the cake to sink. * Tip: If the streusel is browning too quickly, tent the cake loosely with foil.
Explore More Cooking Guides
Mastering the “coffee cake recipe” opens doors to delightful baking experiences. Its comforting flavor and adaptable nature make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to please. Embark on your baking journey today and discover more culinary delights at foodrecipestory.com!