Simple Coffee Cake Recipe: A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion
Are you craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious coffee cake? Look no further! This simple coffee cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
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For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
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For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Coffee Cake Dream Come True
Let's get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your perfect coffee cake:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
2. Create the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans (if using), and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
4. Cool and Enjoy!
- Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set properly.
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional) for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage!
Tips for Coffee Cake Perfection:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs will create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough coffee cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding different nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to the crumble topping.
This simple coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results! Remember to share your baking adventures with us – we'd love to see your creations! Happy baking!
