Coffee cakes are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, making them a beloved choice for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Known for their moist, tender crumb and sweet, buttery flavors, coffee cakes often feature a streusel topping or filling that adds texture and depth. In this article, we’ll explore some rich coffee cake recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your baking skills.
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
The classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a timeless favorite. It’s characterized by a moist, buttery cake base and a generous layer of cinnamon sugar streusel both inside and on top. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Prepare the Streusel: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cake
For a fruity twist, the lemon blueberry coffee cake is a delightful variation. The bright flavors of lemon and juicy blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich cake base.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Make the Streusel: Combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the yogurt, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the blueberries.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool before removing from the pan.
- Enjoy: This cake pairs beautifully with a citrusy or fruity tea.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Cakes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter mix more evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Streusel Variety: Experiment with different nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips in your streusel for a unique twist.
Coffee cakes are a versatile and satisfying treat that can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you prefer the classic cinnamon version or a fruity variation, these recipes are sure to delight. Enjoy baking and savor every delicious bite!