The allure of coffee cake lies in its delightful combination of a moist, tender crumb and the irresistible coffee flavor, often accompanied by a streusel topping or perhaps a creamy glaze. For those who savor their mornings with a warm slice of this comforting cake, here's a comprehensive guide to baking your own perfect coffee cake.
Ingredients You'll Need
The essence of any great recipe begins with quality ingredients:
- Coffee: Use ground or instant coffee for that authentic taste.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is commonly used for a lighter texture.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness.
- Eggs: For structure and richness.
- Baking Powder: To ensure your cake rises properly.
- Baking Soda: For additional leavening, especially with acidic ingredients.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle aromatic enhancement.
- Milk: Whole milk for richness or buttermilk for a tangier taste.
- Streusel Topping:
- Flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
1. Pre-heat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, or for a round cake, use an 8 or 9-inch springform pan. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick to the sides, making it easier to serve.
☕ Note: Allow the oven to fully heat for consistent baking results.
2. Make the Streusel
While your oven heats up, prepare the streusel topping:
- Mix 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cut in ½ cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill this mixture until you’re ready to use it, ensuring it stays crumbly.
3. Mix the Batter
Now, for the cake:
- In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with 1 cup of milk and ⅓ cup of strong brewed coffee or instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water.
4. Assemble and Bake
Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle with half of the streusel, then top with the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
If you wish to experiment, consider these modifications:
- Coffee Variations: Try different types of coffee like espresso, latte, or even flavored coffee.
- Swirls and Streaks: Swirl in caramel, Nutella, or fruit preserves for added flavor layers.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts to your streusel for extra texture.
By following this detailed recipe, you're set to create a masterpiece that will evoke warmth and comfort, perfect for any time of the day. Each step has been laid out to ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and distinctly coffee-flavored.
Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
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Yes, decaffeinated coffee works well if you want to enjoy the coffee flavor without the caffeine. Remember to adjust the strength if using instant coffee to match the flavor intensity.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
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If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle slightly before using.
How long will the coffee cake stay fresh?
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When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake will keep its freshness for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for a week or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a binder like cornstarch or tapioca flour to help mimic the texture of regular flour.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
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You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of molasses to create an equivalent amount of brown sugar.
