I love baking, and one of my favorite treats to make is coffee cake. The soft, moist texture combined with a delicious crumb topping and a hint of cinnamon makes it the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee. However, I recently found out that a friend of mine is allergic to eggs. This got me thinking – is it possible to make a coffee cake without eggs? After a bit of research and experimentation, I am happy to share with you an easy recipe for making a delicious coffee cake without eggs.
Gathering the Ingredients
What you’ll need:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup room temperature unsalted butter
¾ cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
For the crumb topping:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup room temperature unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step 1: Preparing the Crumb Topping
To begin, we need to make the crumb topping that will add a delicious crunch to our coffee cake. In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside while we prepare the cake batter.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand using a whisk. Next, add the milk and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well combined.
Step 3: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this may result in a dense and tough cake.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Step 5: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake on the center rack. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cake towards the end to avoid over or undercooking.
Step 6: Letting it Cool
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
The coffee cake is now ready to be enjoyed! The absence of eggs does not compromise the taste or texture of this delicious treat. The crumb topping adds a delightful sweetness, while the moist cake base provides the perfect balance.
Why Choose an Eggless Coffee Cake?
Some may wonder why one would choose to make an eggless coffee cake when eggs are such a common ingredient in baking. There could be several reasons for this, including allergies or dietary restrictions. Eggs are a common allergen, and many people are unable to consume them due to intolerances or personal choices.
Another reason to make an eggless coffee cake is for vegans or those who follow a plant-based lifestyle. By omitting the eggs, this recipe becomes suitable for vegans while still retaining its delicious taste and texture.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe provides a fantastic base for an eggless coffee cake, feel free to make substitutions and variations to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
1. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free coffee cake.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk, instead of regular milk.
3. Flavor Variations: Add your favorite flavors to the batter, such as lemon zest, almond extract, or shredded coconut, for a unique twist.
4. Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the crumb topping for an extra crunch.
Conclusion
Who says you need eggs to make a scrumptious coffee cake? With this easy recipe, you can savor the delightful flavors of a homemade coffee cake without any eggs. Whether you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or simply want to try something new, this eggless coffee cake is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, put on an apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of fluffy goodness paired with your favorite cup of coffee.