Coffee cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With its tender crumb, sweet streusel topping, and aromatic hints of cinnamon, it never fails to please. The beauty of coffee cake lies in its versatility—it’s easy to whip up and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re sharing it with friends during a cozy gathering or treating yourself on a quiet morning, this cake is sure to be a hit.
What You’ll Need for Coffee Cake
To make this scrumptious coffee cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (add more if needed for icing)
Step-by-Step Coffee Cake Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious coffee cake:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, oil, vanilla extract, sugar, and milk until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, 2 tbsp flour, and chopped walnuts (if using). Mix until crumbly.
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Layer the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
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Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Make Icing: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While it’s cooling, prepare icing by mixing powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled coffee cake and slice it into pieces for serving.
How to Serve Coffee Cake
Serving coffee cake is all about enhancing the experience. Here are some ideas:
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Warm Slices: Serve the coffee cake warm, right out of the oven, for a cozy treat. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a perfect match.
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Plate It Up: You can dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch before serving. Arrange slices on a pretty plate for gatherings, making it a centerpiece at brunch or any casual get-together.
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Add Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or slices of banana make a delightful addition. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture contrast beautifully with the cake’s crumb.
Helpful Tricks for Coffee Cake
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Make It Moist: If you prefer your coffee cake on the moist side, try adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt into the batter.
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Flavor Variations: Switch up the nuts by using pecans or leaving them out entirely. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique touch.
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Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!
Coffee Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coffee cake can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature. Just remember to apply the icing just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have walnuts?
You can omit the nuts entirely or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different flavor and crunch.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready!
There you have it! This coffee cake recipe is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this classic treat!