Coffee cake, a classic dessert loved for its soft texture, sweet crumb topping, and delightful cinnamon flavor, is a perfect companion for a steaming cup of coffee or tea and, perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This coffee cake strikes the perfect balance between moist cake and crumbly topping. With a hint of cinnamon and a buttery streusel layer, it’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a sweet snack, this coffee cake will steal the show.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Coffee Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter blend evenly, resulting in a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Layering is Key: For an added twist, layer half the batter, sprinkle some of the streusel topping, then add the remaining batter and finish with more streusel on top.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Chill the Streusel: Before sprinkling, let the crumb topping chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes. This keeps it crunchy and prevents it from melting into the cake.
Variations of Coffee Cake
- Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake: A timeless version with cinnamon-spiced crumb topping.
- Blueberry Coffee Cake: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Coffee Cake: Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a celiac-friendly option.
- Vegan Coffee Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk.
- Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Add a layer of sweet cream cheese filling between the batter for extra decadence.
How to Serve Coffee Cake
- Warm from the Oven: Freshly baked coffee cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- As Part of a Brunch Spread: Include coffee cake in a spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and other pastries.
- With a Drizzle of Glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a simple glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
How to Store Coffee Cake
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled to prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness by storing it in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature or warm slices in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Recipe FAQs
1. Does coffee cake contain coffee?
Traditionally, coffee cake doesn’t include coffee as an ingredient. Its name stems from its pairing with coffee, making it a delightful companion to your morning or afternoon brew.
2. Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! Coffee cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Bake it the day before, store it in an airtight container, and serve when ready.
3. How do I keep the crumb topping crunchy?
Chilling the topping before adding it to the cake helps retain its crunch. Additionally, avoid overbaking, as this can make the topping hard rather than crumbly.
4. What type of pan should I use?
A 9-inch square or round cake pan works well. For larger gatherings, a 9×13-inch pan is ideal.
5. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the streusel topping.
Coffee Cake
Coffee cake, a classic dessert loved for its soft texture, sweet crumb topping, and delightful cinnamon flavor, is a perfect companion for a steaming cup of coffee or tea and, perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (335 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Streusel Topping:
- 1 ⅓ cup (175 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (225 g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 10 Tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 13×9 baking pan.
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add brown and granulated sugar; beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture until combined.
- Spread half the thick batter into the prepared pan. Whisk together sugar and cinnamon for the swirl and sprinkle it over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter on top and spread gently. Swirling with a knife is fine if needed!
Make the Streusel Topping
- Melt butter until just melted (not too hot). Use a fork to mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Let the cake cool before cutting.
- For an extra touch, whisk powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Nutrition Information
Yield
24Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 190Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 38mgSodium 223mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 5g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Coffee cake is a simple yet impressive treat that never goes out of style. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with exciting variations, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. Follow these tips, serve it with your favorite coffee, and watch as your guests (or family!)
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