There's something truly magical about a slice of Grandma's Classic Coffee Cake, isn't there? The comforting aroma, the perfect blend of flavors, and the memories it evokes make it more than just a dessert; it's a warm hug in cake form. Today, we'll walk through the five simple steps to recreate this timeless recipe, bringing a piece of nostalgia right into your kitchen. Whether it's for a family brunch, a cozy Sunday afternoon, or just because, this coffee cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Step 1: Gathering Your Ingredients
The first step in any baking project is to gather all your ingredients. For this coffee cake, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
- 1⁄4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (for the topping)
🍰 Note: Using room temperature ingredients ensures they mix better, giving you a smoother batter.
Step 2: Preparing the Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x9 inch baking pan. Now let’s mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until you achieve a consistent texture.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just blended. Do not overmix.
- Spread half of this batter into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
Now for the heart of the cake, the cinnamon swirl:
- Mix the chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1⁄2 cup of flour in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan.
- Spoon the remaining batter on top, spreading it evenly without disturbing the layer beneath.
- Top with the remaining cinnamon mixture.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
It’s time to bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on the top to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. If needed, tent it loosely with foil.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serving and Storing
Serve your Grandma’s Classic Coffee Cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful with a cup of coffee or tea:
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk if you prefer an extra touch of sweetness.
- Cut into generous slices. Remember, this cake is rich and often best shared.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze.
Recreating this classic coffee cake not only fills your home with irresistible aromas but also bridges the past with the present. The layers of tender cake and sweet, crunchy cinnamon swirl bring comfort and joy, making every bite a testament to cherished family recipes. Whether you share it at a gathering or savor it in solitude, this recipe is a nod to the loving legacy of home cooking.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
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Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream, although the texture and flavor might slightly vary.
How can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
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Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or a blend of almond flour and tapioca flour to maintain the cake’s structure.
What if I want a less sweet cake?
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You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter and the cinnamon mixture. Alternatively, omit the glaze if you make one.
