How to Make a Coffee Cake Recipe?
To make a delicious coffee cake, you’ll need to prepare a buttery cake base, top it with a cinnamon-sugar streusel, and optionally finish with a sweet glaze. The process involves combining wet and dry ingredients for both the cake and streusel, assembling the layers, and baking until golden brown.
The Allure of Coffee Cake: A Timeless Treat
Coffee cake, despite its name, isn’t actually made with coffee. Instead, it’s a cake traditionally enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Its appeal lies in its simple elegance, offering a comforting combination of sweet cake, crumbly streusel, and often, a tangy glaze. From cozy breakfasts to afternoon pick-me-ups, coffee cake is a versatile treat that fits any occasion. The aroma alone, wafting from the oven, is enough to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
The Key Components of a Perfect Coffee Cake
A truly exceptional coffee cake hinges on mastering three essential elements: the cake itself, the streusel topping, and (optionally) the glaze. Each component contributes uniquely to the final product.
- The Cake: This is the foundation of your coffee cake, providing a moist and tender base. Common variations include sour cream cake, buttermilk cake, and even a simple vanilla cake.
- The Streusel: The signature feature of coffee cake, streusel is a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, often enhanced with cinnamon or nuts. It adds texture and a delightful sweetness.
- The Glaze (Optional): A sweet glaze, typically made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice, adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. It complements the cake and streusel perfectly.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Delicious Coffee Cake
Here’s a classic recipe for a coffee cake with streusel topping:
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- For the Streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Make the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Glaze (Optional): While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Avoiding Common Coffee Cake Pitfalls
Even seasoned bakers can encounter issues when making coffee cake. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Dry Cake: Overbaking is the primary culprit. Check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s ready. Using sour cream or buttermilk helps to keep the cake moist.
- Dense Cake: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Streusel Too Dry: The butter in the streusel needs to be cold to create the crumbly texture. If the streusel is too dry, add a small amount of melted butter until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Streusel Too Soggy: If the streusel is soggy, it could be due to too much butter or baking in a humid environment. Ensure the butter is cold and consider adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the streusel mixture.
Exploring Coffee Cake Variations
The basic coffee cake recipe serves as a fantastic canvas for experimentation. Consider these variations:
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or peaches into the cake batter or streusel.
- Nutty Delights: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel for extra crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to the cake batter or glaze for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spice Sensations: Experiment with different spices in the streusel, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of pan is best for coffee cake?
A 9×13 inch rectangular pan is ideal for a standard coffee cake recipe, providing ample space for the cake to rise and bake evenly. However, you can also use a 9-inch square pan or a 10-inch round springform pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coffee cake is a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake a day in advance, cool it completely, and then store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving for the best results. The streusel can even be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge!
How do I store coffee cake?
To prevent it from drying out, store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I use oil instead of butter in coffee cake?
While butter contributes significantly to the flavor and texture of coffee cake, you can substitute it with oil in a pinch. Use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. Be aware that the cake may have a slightly different texture.
Can I make coffee cake without sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These ingredients add moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cake, similar to sour cream.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?
A few things can cause streusel to sink. Make sure your streusel is well-chilled and that your cake batter isn’t too thin. Sometimes, gently pressing the streusel into the batter can help.
What is the best way to cut the butter into the streusel?
Using a pastry blender is the easiest way to cut cold butter into the flour mixture for streusel. You can also use two knives or your fingertips. The goal is to create coarse crumbs.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done?
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. Also, the edges of the cake should be lightly golden brown.
Can I add nuts to the coffee cake batter?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts to the cake batter or streusel is a great way to add flavor and texture. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are all excellent choices.
Can I freeze coffee cake batter?
Freezing coffee cake batter is not recommended, as the texture and leavening may be affected. It is best to bake the cake fresh.
Is there a gluten-free coffee cake recipe?
Yes, there are many gluten-free coffee cake recipes available. These recipes typically use a gluten-free flour blend and may require xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.
How can I make my coffee cake healthier?
You can make your coffee cake healthier by using whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Reduce the amount of sugar, substitute applesauce for some of the butter, and add fresh fruit for extra nutrients.