Coffee cake is one of my favorite treats to bake at home. There’s something so comforting about the aroma of freshly brewed coffee combined with the sweet flavors of a moist cake. Today, I want to share with you my delicious homemade recipe for coffee cake from scratch. This recipe is simple to follow and requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. So, put on your apron and let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients
Flour and Sugar
To begin, gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable coffee cake. Start by measuring out 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar. These two ingredients will form the base of our cake and provide the perfect texture and sweetness.
Baking Powder and Salt
Next, you’ll need 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Baking powder is essential in helping our cake rise and become light and fluffy. Salt, on the other hand, enhances the flavors in our cake and brings out the rich coffee tastes.
Eggs and Butter
You’ll also need 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. Eggs add moisture and richness to the cake, while butter helps create a tender crumb. Remember to take the butter out of the fridge in advance to ensure it reaches the right consistency for easy mixing.
Milk and Vanilla Extract
To make our coffee cake moist and flavorful, we’ll need 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The milk adds moisture to the batter, while the vanilla extract brings out the warm and comforting flavors. Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk.
Ground Cinnamon and Brown Sugar
One of the best parts of a coffee cake is its crumbly streusel topping. For this, we’ll need 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. The cinnamon adds a delightful warmth, and the brown sugar creates a sweet and caramelized flavor.
Nuts and Streusel Topping
If you enjoy a bit of crunch in your coffee cake, you can also add some chopped nuts to the streusel topping. Walnuts, almonds, and pecans all work wonderfully and add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Preparing the Coffee Cake Batter
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, it’s time to start making our coffee cake batter.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round or square baking pan. This will ensure our cake doesn’t stick to the pan once it’s done baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure everything is properly incorporated.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, stirring well after each addition. This step helps prevent lumps and creates a well-mixed batter.
5. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse our cake with that wonderfully aromatic flavor.
Creating the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is what truly sets this coffee cake apart. It adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite. Let’s make it now!
1. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts if desired. Mix everything together until well blended.
2. Take half of the streusel mixture and sprinkle it over the bottom of your greased baking pan. This will create a lovely surprise at the bottom of your cake.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Our coffee cake batter is ready, and the streusel topping is prepared. Now, let’s bring them together and bake our cake to perfection.
1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly over the streusel layer.
2. Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the batter. This will create a beautiful and crumbly top layer.
3. Pour the remaining batter on top of the streusel layer, spreading it carefully to cover all the cinnamon-sugar goodness.
4. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cake towards the end.
5. Once the coffee cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to transfer to a wire rack for further cooling.
Serving and Enjoying the Coffee Cake
Congratulations! You’ve successfully baked a delicious coffee cake from scratch. Now it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor.
1. Once the cake has fully cooled, you can slice it into individual servings. The streusel and cinnamon layers will create a stunning pattern that is sure to impress.
2. Serve the coffee cake with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea, such as a rich dark roast or a comforting chamomile blend. The flavors of the cake and the hot beverage will complement each other perfectly.
3. If you’re feeling extravagant, you can even add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. This will elevate your coffee cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
4. Enjoy the cake with friends and family, or savor it as a delightful treat for yourself during a cozy afternoon at home. Coffee cake is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday snack.
Conclusion
Making coffee cake from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a simple recipe and basic ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade coffee cake that will fill your home with irresistible aromas and satisfy your taste buds. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – your friends, family, and most importantly, your stomach, will thank you!