Introduction
Ever wished you could bake a coffee cake that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy? This recipe is your answer! We’re transforming simple, everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting treat the whole family will adore. Get ready to unleash your inner baker and create a coffee cake masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s perfectly balanced. The sweetness of the cake complements the rich coffee flavor, resulting in a delightful taste that’s neither too sweet nor too bitter. It’s also super easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, the variations are endless – making it perfect for any occasion!
Key Ingredients
- 🍪 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ☕ 1 teaspoon ground coffee
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🌰 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 🥣 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (🧈) and brown sugar (🍯) until light and fluffy. This is where your mixer comes in handy!
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs (🥚) one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract (🥣).
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (🍪), ground coffee (☕), baking soda (🥄), and salt (🧂).
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Stir in the milk (🥛) until the batter is smooth.
7️⃣ Fold in the chopped walnuts (🌰) if using.
8️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
9️⃣ Sprinkle the granulated sugar (🍬) evenly over the top.
🔟 Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Handy Tips
- For an extra moist cake, add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your cake will be tough.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or slicing.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. If your oven runs hot, you might need to reduce the temperature slightly and check for doneness a few minutes earlier. Always use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature control.
Crunch Factor
The optional chopped walnuts (🌰) add a delightful crunch to the cake, contrasting nicely with the soft, moist crumb. If you prefer a smoother texture, omit the nuts.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer coffee flavor, use freshly ground coffee beans.
- To make things even easier, use a box cake mix as a base and add your own coffee and nuts for a twist!
- A crumb topping made from brown sugar, flour, and butter adds another layer of delicious crunch.
Storage Tips
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap individual slices in pretty cellophane bags and tie them with ribbon. A small, handwritten tag adds a personal touch. You could also bake it in mini loaf pans for easy gifting.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Coffee Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Lemon Coffee Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and a teaspoon of lemon extract.
🌟 Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake: Mix cinnamon and brown sugar together and swirl it into the batter before baking.
🌟 Apple Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Cake is gummy: You may have underbaked it. Bake for a few more minutes.
- Cake is flat: You may not have creamed the butter and sugar enough.
FAQ
- Can I use instant coffee? Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- What kind of frosting can I use? Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze are all delicious options.
- Is this recipe gluten-free adaptable? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make coffee cake! It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know how you customized your coffee cake masterpiece! Happy baking!
Coffee Cake Remix: Fun Flavors the Whole Family Will Love!
A delicious and versatile coffee cake recipe that combines classic flavors with fun twists, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy coffee break.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350u00b0C (175u00b0C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed berries and chopped nuts gently into the batter.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with half of the brown sugar, followed by the remaining batter. Top with the rest of the brown sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of cream cheese or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a delightful finish.