Making coffee cake is not only a delightful activity but also a great way to indulge in a scrumptious treat. Coffee cake is a perfect companion for a cozy afternoon or a delightful breakfast. The combination of moist cake, rich cinnamon swirls, and a buttery crumb topping is purely irresistible. If you are wondering how to make coffee cake, then you have come to the right place. In this article, I will walk you through a delicious coffee cake recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients required to make this delectable coffee cake. You will need the following:
For the Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Crumb Topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
You may already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, making it convenient to whip up this coffee cake anytime.
Preparing the Coffee Cake Batter
Now that we have all the ingredients ready let’s move on to preparing the coffee cake batter. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that the cake doesn’t stick to the pan while baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use either an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a dense and dry cake. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
The cinnamon swirl is what gives the coffee cake its distinctive flavor and appearance. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will be sprinkled between the layers of coffee cake batter to create the swirls.
Now it’s time to assemble the coffee cake. Take half of the prepared batter and spread it evenly onto the greased baking pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter. Then, carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
Add the Crumb Topping
To add an irresistible crunch and richness to the coffee cake, we will finish it off with a delectable crumb topping. In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Slowly pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms crumbs.
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the coffee cake batter, covering the entire surface. Gently press the crumbs into the batter to ensure they stick while baking.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Now that our coffee cake is assembled and topped with the delicious crumb topping, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the coffee cake bakes, the heavenly aroma of cinnamon and butter will fill your kitchen, making it even more enticing. Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will allow the cake to set and make it easier to slice.
Serving and Enjoying the Coffee Cake
After the cooling period, you can remove the coffee cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Slice it into generous pieces and serve it warm or at room temperature. The tender cake, delicate swirls of cinnamon, and crunchy crumb topping will surely tantalize your taste buds.
You can enjoy coffee cake as is or pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The richness and sweetness of the cake beautifully complement the flavors of these warm beverages. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Conclusion
Making coffee cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that results in a delicious treat. With this simple recipe, you can create a coffee cake that is moist, flavorful, and visually appealing. The combination of the moist cake, cinnamon swirls, and crumb topping is a match made in heaven. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade coffee cake that will surely become a household favorite.