Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. This moist, buttery cake features a wonderful streusel ribbon in the center and is topped with a cinnamon crumb layer, making it an inviting choice for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy brunch or sharing it with friends, this coffee cake stands out for its rich flavor and comforting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this coffee cake in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet ending to dinner. It’s versatile enough for any gathering.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and butter ensures a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
• Deliciously Sweet Topping: The cinnamon crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cake.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or fruits to make it uniquely yours!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools needed for making your Coffee Cake. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×9 inches)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without any mess, ensuring everything is well mixed.
• Baking dish: A 9×9 inch baking dish provides the perfect size for even baking of your coffee cake.
• Whisk: This tool helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake a light texture.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure no ingredients go to waste.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)

For the Streusel Topping

• 3 Tablespoons softened butter
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup butter (cubed)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2½ teaspoons milk

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Optionally line your baking dish with parchment paper. Grease a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides to ensure easy removal of the cake.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients:
1. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, egg, and buttermilk.
2. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Layering the Batter

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared dish:
1. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
2. Prepare your streusel topping while waiting.

Now you’re ready to enjoy making this sumptuous Coffee Cake!

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are having it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy contrast to the rich flavors of coffee cake.
• Bananas: Slices of banana provide a creamy texture that complements the crumbly cake.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee: The classic pairing; the bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Herbal Tea: A warm herbal tea offers a soothing complement to the cinnamon notes in the coffee cake.

Drizzle with Glaze

• Simple Sugar Glaze: A light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk adds extra sweetness and shine.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer experience, cream cheese frosting enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

How to Perfect Coffee Cake

Perfecting your coffee cake can elevate it to a whole new level. Follow these tips for an incredible result.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and buttermilk to room temperature ensures better mixing and a fluffier texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Add Extra Cinnamon: Sprinkle additional cinnamon in the batter or topping for enhanced flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Coffee Cake

Serving side dishes alongside coffee cake can create a well-rounded brunch spread. Here are some tasty options.

1. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with coffee cake.
2. Oven-Baked Eggs: Savory baked eggs add protein and balance out the sweetness of the cake.
3. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts provides crunch and healthy fats that complement the soft texture of coffee cake.
4. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings brightness and acidity, enhancing every bite of coffee cake.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with seeds and fruits makes for a nutritious addition.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses; their creaminess pairs well with the spiced notes in coffee cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking coffee cake can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can result in uneven mixing. Always let your eggs and buttermilk sit at room temperature before using them.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make your coffee cake dense and tough. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different; don’t rely solely on the dial. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.

• Neglecting to Grease the Pan Properly: A well-greased pan ensures easy removal of your coffee cake. Use butter or cooking spray generously.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store coffee cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Coffee Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; coffee cake will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Coffee Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making coffee cake:

What makes Coffee Cake different from other cakes?

Coffee cake typically features a crumb topping and is designed to be enjoyed with coffee. Its rich, buttery flavor makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Can I customize my Coffee Cake recipe?

Yes! You can add nuts, fruits like blueberries or apples, or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

How do I know when my Coffee Cake is done baking?

The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

What should I serve with Coffee Cake?

Coffee cake pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or tea. You may also consider serving it with whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Final Thoughts

This delicious Coffee Cake is not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings and flavors, making it perfect for breakfast gatherings or dessert after dinner. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful taste!