Coffee cake is a delightful treat that many enjoy at breakfast or as a snack. Whether you sip your favorite coffee or tea, this cake complements it perfectly. The soft texture of the cake, combined with the sweet streusel filling and a simple drizzle, makes it irresistible. If you’re looking for a comforting recipe that’s simple to follow and fun to bake, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this delicious coffee cake. First, it is easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. With simple ingredients found in most kitchens, you won’t need any fancy items. The process is clearly laid out, allowing anyone to follow along step by step.
Second, the taste is incredible. The sweet and slightly spicy flavor from the cinnamon combined with the rich buttermilk makes every bite enjoyable. This cake is not just for coffee lovers; it can be a hit at gatherings and family events.
Additionally, the textures in this cake are wonderful. With a soft base, a crumbly topping, and a sweet drizzle, your mouth will be treated to different sensations that keep you coming back for more. The recipe also allows for variations, so you can adjust it to suit your taste and preferences.
Finally, baking this coffee cake brings warmth and joy to your home. The aroma while it bakes fills your kitchen with a wonderful scent that brings everyone running to take a bite. It’s a simple way to create happy memories with family and friends.
How to Make Coffee Cake
Making coffee cake is quite straightforward. Below are the detailed steps and ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious dessert.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel filling)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon (for crumb topping)
- ¼ cup butter (cubed, for crumb topping)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (for crumb topping)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for drizzle topping)
- 2½ teaspoons milk (for drizzle topping)
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper will help ensure that your cake comes out easily after baking.Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 egg, and 1½ cups of room temperature buttermilk. Beat this mixture until it is smooth and well combined.Prepare Cake Batter
Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; wet and dry ingredients should just come together.Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.Make the Streusel Filling
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of light brown sugar. Mix until it forms a streusel-like texture.Add Streusel Layer
Sprinkle the streusel filling over the first layer of cake batter in the baking dish. After that, add the remaining batter on top of the streusel filling.Prepare the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix ½ cup of flour, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup of cubed butter, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Work with your fingers until a crumbly mixture forms. Then, sprinkle this crumb topping over the batter.Bake the Cake
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.Make the Drizzle
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. Mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with 2½ teaspoons of milk until you achieve a smooth drizzle consistency.Cool and Drizzle
Once the cake is done, let it cool slightly before drizzling the icing on top. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Coffee Cake
Serving coffee cake is as easy as you can imagine. You can place the cut squares on a beautiful platter to create an appealing presentation. This cake is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea to enhance the flavors. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an added treat. If you wish to add some freshness, you can serve slices with fresh fruit like strawberries or berries.
How to Store Coffee Cake
Once you make this delicious coffee cake, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers. Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. You can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It will stay fresh and delicious, ready for snacking.
For longer storage, consider refrigerating it. When kept in the fridge, the cake can last up to a week. To keep it even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you wish to enjoy a piece, simply thaw it at room temperature.
Tips to Make Coffee Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing. This keeps the cake light and fluffy.
- Add Nuts: If you like a crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel filling or crumb topping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract for a twist on the traditional flavor.
Variation
You can customize this coffee cake easily. For a fruity version, consider adding blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples to the batter. Simply fold the fruit gently into the batter before pouring it into the baking dish.
Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar in the streusel. For a chocolate lover’s treat, mix in chocolate chips with the batter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1½ cups of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
While it’s best to bake the cake right after preparing the batter, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. However, be mindful that this may affect the rise of the cake.
How can I make my coffee cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
With its delightful taste and easy instructions, this coffee cake will surely brighten your day. Enjoy baking and sharing this wonderful treat with friends and family!
Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk to mix thoroughly.
- In another bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 egg, and 1½ cups of buttermilk. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ½ cup of flour, and both types of sugar. Mix until a streusel-like texture forms.
- Sprinkle the streusel filling over the first layer of cake batter, then add the remaining batter on top.
- In another bowl, mix ½ cup of flour, ½ tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup of cubed butter, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle this over the top of the batter.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- While the cake is baking, mix ½ cup of powdered sugar with 2½ teaspoons of milk until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling with icing. Cut into squares and serve.