Baking a coffee cake is like wrapping your whole kitchen in a cozy blanket of warm, sweet aromas and delightful flavors. Imagine the scent of cinnamon wafting through the air, mingling with the rich essence of freshly brewed coffee. It’s the perfect companion for lazy Sunday mornings or those spontaneous afternoon tea parties where you impress friends while secretly wondering how you pulled it off.
One bite of this delightful cake transports you to a simpler time, perhaps when your grandmother would bake in her sunlit kitchen. The moist, tender crumb paired with that irresistible crumb topping creates a flavor explosion that simply begs to be savored. Whether you’re gathering around the table for brunch or just indulging during a Netflix binge, this coffee cake will elevate any occasion to extraordinary heights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This coffee cake strikes the perfect balance between ease of preparation and deliciousness
- Its warm spices and sweet crumb topping make it an instant favorite
- The inviting aroma fills your home while baking, creating an atmosphere of pure comfort
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite fruits or nuts for an extra twist!
Everyone at my last family gathering was convinced I had some secret baking talent when I revealed this coffee cake. In truth, it was my trusty recipe doing all the magic!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A staple for any baking project; sift for light and fluffy results.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal perfectly; you can substitute half with brown sugar for depth.
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Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise; always check expiration dates to avoid flat cakes.
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Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; feel free to experiment with nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it brings richness and flavor to your cake.
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Large Eggs: Bind everything together beautifully; let them reach room temperature for best results.
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Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness; whole milk works best but substitutes are fine too.
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Vanilla Extract: A must-have flavor enhancer; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
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Crumble Topping Ingredients (Brown Sugar, Flour, Butter): Combine these for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. You want it to look like clouds on a sunny day—light and airy!
Add Eggs and Vanilla : Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth like a puppy’s belly after a good rub.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Gradually mix in your dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—think gentle folding rather than aggressive kneading!
Prepare Crumble Topping : In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. You want it to resemble wet sand—perfectly imperfect!
Bake Your Cake : Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Enjoy every slice of this delightful coffee cake as you sip your favorite brew! It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up that will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).
You Must Know
- Coffee cake is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack
- Its rich flavors and moist texture can easily elevate your coffee or tea time
- Just wait until you smell it baking; it’s simply irresistible!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best coffee cake, start by creaming butter and sugar well, then gradually add eggs and dry ingredients. This sequence ensures a fluffy texture that’s key to making your cake rise beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your coffee cake with different fruits like blueberries or apples. Adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the flavor profile for a cozy touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect coffee cake, use room-temperature ingredients for better blending
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour to keep it tender and light
- Finally, let it cool completely before slicing; warm slices tend to crumble more easily!
Sharing my first attempt at baking coffee cake brings back fond memories of my friends devouring it within minutes, begging for the recipe! The joy on their faces was priceless and made all the flour-covered chaos worth it.
FAQ
What makes coffee cake different from regular cake?
Coffee cake is designed to be enjoyed with coffee, often featuring a streusel topping.
Can I bake coffee cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake it one day before serving for optimal flavor.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your coffee cake is ready!
Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Baking a coffee cake is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. This easy-to-make coffee cake features a moist crumb and a crunchy crumble topping, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. With rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, this cake will impress friends and family alike, bringing back cherished memories of cozy gatherings. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday or at a festive brunch, this coffee cake is sure to elevate any occasion.
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 (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup brown sugar (for crumble topping)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (for crumble topping)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (for crumble topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with milk until just mixed; avoid over-mixing.
- For the crumble topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle crumble topping evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
