Moist and Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you a coffee lover looking for a delightful treat to complement your morning brew? Look no further! This moist and delicious coffee cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weekend brunch to a sophisticated afternoon tea. It's easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and the aroma alone will entice everyone in the house. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields a generous 12-serving coffee cake, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before you begin:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (essential for that coffee flavor!)
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss Awaits!
Follow these simple steps to create a coffee cake that will be the talk of the town (or at least your kitchen!).
1. Preparing the Batter: A Symphony of Flavors
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is the dry ingredient base for our cake.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In a small bowl, gently whisk together the buttermilk and cooled coffee. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
2. Crafting the Crumble Topping: The Golden Crown
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assembling and Baking: The Final Act
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The golden-brown crust and irresistible aroma are your cues!
4. Cooling and Serving: The Grand Finale
Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips for Coffee Cake Perfection:
- Use freshly brewed coffee: The flavor of freshly brewed coffee significantly enhances the cake's taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different additions, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, to create your own unique coffee cake masterpiece. Enjoy baking and happy eating!
