Coffee cake recipes have an irresistible charm that draws you in with their sweet, cinnamon-infused aromas wafting through the kitchen. Just imagine sinking your fork into a fluffy slice with a crumbly topping that crumbles ever so slightly as you lift it to your mouth. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, like hugging your favorite pillow after a long day.
I remember the first time I made coffee cake for my friends. They were skeptical at first; who could resist the allure of a good donut or muffin? But after one bite, I was greeted with delighted gasps and declarations of love for this magical creation. Coffee cake is perfect for brunches, lazy Sunday mornings, or any occasion where people gather to share laughter and stories over a cup of coffee. Trust me when I say it will elevate your gatherings and create delightful memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This coffee cake recipe is easy to prepare, even for novice bakers, ensuring everyone can join the fun
- With its rich flavor profile combining sweet and spicy notes, every bite is heavenly
- The visual appeal is stunning with its golden-brown crust and sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top
- Versatile enough to enjoy any time of day, this coffee cake pairs perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea
Every time I pull this coffee cake out of the oven, my family’s eyes light up with sheer joy as they anticipate a slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your coffee cake.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar works well to sweeten the batter and topping.
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Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rising.
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Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice; it adds warmth and flavor that defines coffee cake.
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy blending into the batter.
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Eggs: Choose large eggs for optimal moisture and richness in your cake.
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Milk: Whole milk offers creaminess; however, any milk will do if you’re in a pinch.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all flavors beautifully.
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Brown Sugar: For the crumb topping, brown sugar adds a deeper caramel-like flavor.
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Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts provide an added crunch and nuttiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create Your Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well mixed. Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
Add Eggs and Milk: Stir in eggs and milk into dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy cake magic.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped nuts (if using). Use cold butter to create crumbly topping consistency.
Assemble Your Cake: Pour half of the batter into your prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture over it. Pour remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the crumb topping.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of freshly brewed coffee; trust me; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss! Enjoy each bite as you revel in how easy it was to create such a delightful treat right from home!
You Must Know
- Coffee cake recipes are delightful for breakfast or dessert; they pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee
- The fluffy texture and sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone feel at home
- Experiment with flavors to find your perfect slice of joy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while preparing your batter for optimal baking results. Mix dry ingredients first, then gradually incorporate wet ingredients for a smooth consistency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts for chocolate chips or add seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or vanilla for an extra kick.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for warm enjoyment.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness in your batter
- Don’t overmix, as it can lead to a dense cake; mix just until combined
- Adding a crumb topping right before baking enhances the texture and flavor significantly
Sharing my first attempt at coffee cake still makes me chuckle; I forgot the sugar! My friends were kind but suggested I stick to savory dishes instead.
FAQ
What is the best type of coffee to pair with coffee cake recipes?
A medium roast coffee balances well with sweet flavors in coffee cake recipes.
Can I make coffee cake recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coffee cakes freeze well and can be enjoyed later after thawing.
What variations can I try with my coffee cake recipes?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or change toppings based on your preference.
Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is a delightful treat that perfectly combines sweet, cinnamon flavors with a light, fluffy texture. Ideal for any gathering, it invites laughter and warmth as friends and family come together over a cup of coffee. This simple recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create an irresistible masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Blend in softened butter until crumbly.
- Stir in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined; do not overmix.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and nuts (if using) for the topping.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish and sprinkle half of the topping mixture over it. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with the rest of the topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with freshly brewed coffee!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
