How to Bake Moist and Rich Coffee Cake: A Beginner’s Guide
Do you love the aroma of coffee in the morning? What if you could combine the comfort of your morning brew with the indulgence of a cake? Enter the world of coffee cake – not just a cake to eat with your coffee, but a delightful treat that infuses the flavors of coffee into each bite. Baking a moist and rich coffee cake is easier than you think, and today, I’m here to guide you through each step to ensure your success.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
For the crumb topping (because what’s a coffee cake without a delicious crumb?):
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan or lining it with parchment paper will help you easily remove the cake once it’s baked. It’s also a good time to mix your instant coffee with hot water and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This not only combines your dry ingredients but also aerates the flour, making for a lighter cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer (a stand or handheld will do), beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for creating a tender crumb in your cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, contributing to the richness of your cake.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
On a low speed, gradually add your dry ingredients mix and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This method helps maintain a balanced moisture level in the batter. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed!
Step 6: Add Coffee
Now, gently fold in the cooled coffee mixture. This will give your cake that irresistible coffee flavor, making it a hit with coffee lovers and cake aficionados alike.
Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup flour, and melted butter. This mixture should clump together when squeezed, forming crumbs to sprinkle over your cake.
Step 8: Assemble
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle your crumb topping over the batter, covering it completely. The crumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast to the moist cake.
Step 9: Bake
Place your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s best to start checking at the 35-minute mark.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cutting into a warm cake might be tempting, but letting it cool will give you cleaner slices.
Coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting snack. Serve it as is, or for an extra treat, pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You now have a moist and rich coffee cake that’s not only delicious but also a testament to your baking skills. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a cup of your favorite coffee, and bask in the perfect harmony of flavors. Happy baking!
