Coffee cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee. It is a moist, cake-like dessert with a cinnamon streusel topping. Coffee cake is easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
History of Coffee Cake
Coffee cake is thought to have originated in Germany in the 17th century. It was originally a simple cake made with flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. The cake was often flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.
Coffee cake became popular in the United States in the 19th century. It was often served at breakfast or brunch. Coffee cake was also popular as a snack or dessert.
Different Types of Coffee Cake
There are many different types of coffee cake. Some of the most popular types include:
- Cinnamon coffee cake: This is the classic type of coffee cake. It is made with a cinnamon streusel topping.
- Nut coffee cake: This type of coffee cake is made with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Fruit coffee cake: This type of coffee cake is made with chopped fruit, such as berries or apples.
- Chocolate coffee cake: This type of coffee cake is made with cocoa powder.
- Marble coffee cake: This type of coffee cake is made with two different batters, such as a vanilla batter and a chocolate batter.
Ingredients for Coffee Cake
The basic ingredients for coffee cake are:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Sour cream
For the cinnamon streusel topping:
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Butter
Instructions for Making Coffee Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Add the sour cream and milk to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping.
- Add the melted butter to the streusel topping mixture and mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the baking pan.
- Pour the remaining batter over the streusel topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Tips for Making Coffee Cake
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk.
- To make a chocolate coffee cake, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- For a fruity coffee cake, add 1/2 cup of chopped berries to the batter.
- For a nutty coffee cake, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter.
- To make a marble coffee cake, divide the batter in half. Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to one half of the batter. Pour the two batters into the prepared baking pan, alternating between the two batters.
Serving Coffee Cake
Coffee cake can be served warm or at room temperature. It is often served with coffee or tea. Coffee cake can also be served with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit.
Variations on Coffee Cake
There are many different ways to vary the coffee cake recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients for a spiced coffee cake.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate chip coffee cake.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruit to the batter for a fruit and nut coffee cake.
- Drizzle the coffee cake with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Top the coffee cake with crumbled bacon for a savory variation.
No matter how you choose to make it, coffee cake is a delicious and satisfying dessert. Enjoy!
