Coffee cake is a wonderful treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through the air. Making coffee cake at home is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. In this article, I will share with you a simple and delicious recipe for making coffee cake from scratch. So, put on your apron and let’s get baking!
Gathering the Ingredients
Flour and Sugar
The first step in making coffee cake is to gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results.
Baking Powder and Salt
Next, you will need 1 and a half teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. The baking powder will help the cake rise and give it a light and fluffy texture, while the salt will enhance the flavors.
Butter and Eggs
To add richness and moisture to the cake, you will need half a cup of unsalted butter, softened, and 2 large eggs. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so that it mixes well with the other ingredients. As for the eggs, crack them into a separate bowl to check for freshness before adding them to the batter.
Sour Cream and Vanilla Extract
To give the coffee cake a creamy and tangy flavor, you will need half a cup of sour cream. Additionally, you will need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a hint of sweetness and fragrance to the cake.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
To spice up the coffee cake, you will need 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. These warm spices will add depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Optional Toppings
You can also choose to add any toppings you desire, such as chopped nuts, streusel, or powdered sugar. These toppings will add texture and visual appeal to your coffee cake.
Mixing and Baking the Cake
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients let’s move on to mixing and baking the coffee cake.
Preparing the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is preheating, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and ensure easy removal.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the cake.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step. Creaming the butter and sugar together helps create a tender and moist cake.
Adding the Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until everything is well incorporated.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.
Adding the Spices
Finally, add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter and gently fold them in. These spices will give your coffee cake a delightful aroma and flavor.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle any toppings of your choice over the batter. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serving and Storing the Coffee Cake
Once the coffee cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Coffee cake tastes best when it’s served warm. You can enjoy it as is or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of glaze. The choice is yours!
If you have any leftovers, store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it up before serving.
A Final Note
Making coffee cake at home is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with delicious aromas and your taste buds with pure delight. With this simple and delicious recipe, you can create a moist and flavorful coffee cake from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a sweet treat, this coffee cake is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and enjoy the process of baking a homemade coffee cake that will make any coffee break extra special!