Coffee cake is a classic treat that has been enjoyed for generations. The perfect combination of a soft, moist cake and a sweet, crumbly topping makes it irresistible. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, coffee cake is always a crowd-pleaser. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the perfect coffee cake with your taste buds singing.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Cinnamon Filling
● 2/3 cup (147g) light brown sugar
● 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
● 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping
● 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
● 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar
● 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
● 1/4 teaspoon salt
● 6 tablespoons cold butter
For the Cake
● 1 1/2 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
● 3/4 teaspoon salt
● 2 teaspoons baking powder
● 10 tablespoons (142g) butter, softened
● 3/4 cup granulated sugar
● 1/4 cup light brown sugar
● 2 eggs
● 2/3 cup sour cream at room temperature
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze
● 1 cup powdered sugar
● 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
● 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Filling
Combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
Combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix well with a fork, breaking up any lumps of brown sugar. Add the cold butter and work it into the mixture with your fingers until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
In the stand mixer bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Coffee Cake
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with greaseproof paper. Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the pan using a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling over the batter, covering the entire surface. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Step 5: Bake the Coffee Cake
Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is baked and cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Slice and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cake
● Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your coffee cake. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
● Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
● Use room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, can help them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother, more even texture.
● Experiment with different flavours: While cinnamon is the classic flavour for coffee cake, don’t be afraid to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom. You can also add nuts, fruit, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavour and texture.
● Enjoy with a cup of coffee: Coffee cake is the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee. Try brewing your coffee with freshly ground raw coffee beans using a cafetiere for an extra special treat. The rich, bold flavour of the coffee will perfectly complement the sweet, spicy flavours of the coffee cake.
Conclusion
Making the perfect coffee cake is easier. With this ultimate guide, you’ll have all the tips and tricks to create a delicious, moist, and flavourful coffee cake that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will surely become a favourite in your household. So preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate coffee cake experience!
