I have always been a fan of coffee cake. The combination of rich coffee flavor and the moist, tender cake is simply irresistible. However, I recently discovered that I was out of brown sugar and had no intention of going to the store just for that one ingredient. But a true coffee cake lover doesn’t give up easily, so I decided to experiment and see if I could make a delicious coffee cake without brown sugar. And let me tell you, the results were better than I could have ever imagined!
The Secret Ingredient Swap
No brown sugar? No problem!
When it comes to baking, sugar plays a vital role in providing sweetness and moisture to the final product. In many traditional recipes, brown sugar is preferred over white sugar for its distinct flavor and ability to retain moisture. However, if you find yourself without any brown sugar, there is a simple ingredient swap that can save the day – molasses!
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup-like substance that is obtained during the sugar refining process. It has a rich, robust flavor that adds a deep caramel note to baked goods. By combining molasses with white sugar, you can create a homemade substitute for brown sugar that works perfectly in coffee cake.
Mixing the Perfect Substitute
To make the brown sugar substitute, you will need 1 cup of granulated white sugar and 1 tablespoon of molasses. Simply combine the two ingredients in a bowl and mix them together until well incorporated. The resulting mixture will have the same texture and color as brown sugar, making it an excellent replacement in your coffee cake recipe.
A Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that we have solved the brown sugar conundrum, let’s dive into a classic coffee cake recipe that you can easily make with our homemade substitute. You will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated white sugar
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them well until evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and the homemade brown sugar substitute until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Adding Moisture and Flavor
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure a tender cake texture.
Lastly, add in the strong brewed coffee and mix it in gently. The coffee not only enhances the flavor but also adds a subtle aroma to the cake, perfectly complementing the coffee cake concept.
Step 3: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Adding a Sweet Twist
Now that you have successfully made a coffee cake without brown sugar, it’s time to elevate the flavor even further with some tasty additions. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
To create a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping, mix together 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cut in 3 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel over the cake batter before baking for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Glaze Drizzle
For a sweet finishing touch, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake for a beautiful presentation and an added burst of sweetness.
Chocolate Swirls
If you are a chocolate lover like me, consider adding some chocolate swirls to your coffee cake. Melt half a cup of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cake batter before baking. Use a toothpick or a knife to create swirl patterns. The melted chocolate will create a lovely marbled effect and add a decadent twist to your classic coffee cake.
Conclusion
Who knew that you could make a delicious coffee cake without brown sugar? By simply substituting molasses for brown sugar, you can create a moist and flavorful coffee cake that will satisfy your sweet cravings. So the next time you find yourself without brown sugar, don’t panic. Just reach for some molasses, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a mouthwatering coffee cake that will impress everyone lucky enough to taste it. Enjoy!