The Easiest Coffee Cake Recipe (Even If You Can’t Cook)

Introduction of the Easiest Coffe Cake

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that perfectly pairs with a warm cup of coffee, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Despite its impressive flavors and texture, coffee cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for those who might consider themselves kitchen novices. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, ensuring that anyone can create a delicious coffee cake without prior baking experience.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of making the easiest coffee cake from scratch. The recipe is simple and uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive coffee cake, regardless of your baking experience. Let’s get started and enjoy the journey of baking a scrumptious coffee cake that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for the Easiest Coffee Cake

Creating a delicious coffee cake from scratch starts with gathering the right ingredients. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and is designed to be beginner-friendly. Here are the ingredients you’ll need, complete with measurements and nutritional macros per serving.

Dry Ingredients

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g)
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 130 calories, 0.3g fat, 27g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 1g sugar, 3g protein
2. Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g)
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 80 calories, 0g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 20g sugar, 0g protein
3. Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): negligible calories and macronutrients
4. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): negligible calories and macronutrients

Wet Ingredients

1. Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), softened
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 80 calories, 9g fat, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein
2. Eggs: 2 large
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 35 calories, 2.5g fat, 0.3g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 3g protein
3. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): negligible calories and macronutrients
4. Milk: 1 cup (240ml)
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 50 calories, 2.5g fat, 6g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 6g sugar, 2g protein

Streusel Topping (Optional)

1. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 50 calories, 0g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 13g sugar, 0g protein
2. All-Purpose Flour: 1/3 cup (40g)
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 20 calories, 0.1g fat, 7g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 1g protein
3. Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): negligible calories and macronutrients
4. Butter: 1/4 cup (56g), melted
   • Macros per serving (1 slice): 40 calories, 4g fat, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein

Nutritional Macros per Serving

Assuming the coffee cake is cut into 12 equal slices, the approximate macros per slice (including optional streusel topping) are:

• Calories: 435
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 8g

By using these simple ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful coffee cake that is sure to impress. Having all the ingredients measured and ready before you start will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coffee Cake

Creating a delicious coffee cake doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these easy, detailed steps to ensure a perfect cake every time. This guide will take you from preparing the batter to the final baked product, with tips to help you along the way.

Preparing the Batter for coffee cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.
2. Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup (113g) of softened butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated and adds flavor to the cake.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup (240ml) of milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.

Creating the Streusel Topping (Optional)

1. Mix Streusel Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup (100g) of brown sugar, 1/3 cup (40g) of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
2. Add Melted Butter: Pour 1/4 cup (56g) of melted butter into the streusel mixture. Use a fork to mix until it forms a crumbly texture. The streusel adds a sweet, crunchy topping to the cake, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Assembling and Baking the Coffee Cake

1. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Add Streusel Topping: If using the streusel topping, sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
3. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so start checking around the 30-minute mark.
4. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving the Coffee Cake

1. Slice and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges. Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.
2. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for longer freshness, up to a week.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious, moist coffee cake that’s perfect for any occasion. The simple process ensures that even those new to baking can achieve great results.

Baking Tips for Beginners

Baking can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have the right guidance. Here are some essential tips for beginners to help ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time:

Understanding Your Ingredients

1. Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with dry ingredients like flour. When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method—spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and better rise. Take your ingredients out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and flour. Old or expired ingredients can affect the texture and rise of your cake. To test baking powder’s freshness, add a teaspoon to hot water—it should bubble vigorously.

Mixing Techniques

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar: Creaming is the process of beating butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise. Use an electric mixer and beat for at least 2-3 minutes.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a dense and tough cake. Gently fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon.
3. Fold Ingredients Gently: If your recipe includes delicate ingredients like berries or nuts, fold them into the batter gently to avoid breaking them apart. Use a spatula and mix just until they are evenly distributed.

Baking Essentials

1. Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures the cake starts cooking at the right temperature, leading to an even rise. An oven thermometer can help verify your oven’s accuracy.
2. Proper Pan Preparation: Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it comes out of the pan easily.
3. Oven Placement: Bake your cake on the center rack of the oven. This allows for even air circulation and consistent baking. Avoid placing it too close to the top or bottom of the oven.

Monitoring and Adjusting

1. Check for Doneness: Start checking your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes.
2. Cooling the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.
3. Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can make the cake dry and crumbly. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

By keeping these tips in mind, even beginners can bake a delicious and perfectly textured coffee cake. Baking is both a science and an art, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. With practice, you’ll gain confidence and improve your skills.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here, we explore some serving suggestions and creative variations to help you customize your coffee cake and make it even more enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Beverages:
   • Coffee: As the name suggests, coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich, slightly bitter notes of coffee complement the sweet, buttery flavors of the cake.
   • Tea: If you’re a tea lover, enjoy your coffee cake with a hot cup of tea. Whether you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal tea, the combination will be delightful.
   • Hot Chocolate: For a decadent treat, serve your coffee cake with a mug of hot chocolate. The creamy, chocolaty drink enhances the cake’s sweetness and adds a cozy touch.
2. Fruit and Cream:
   • Fresh Berries: Serve slices of coffee cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the cake.
   • Whipped Cream: Top your coffee cake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The light, airy texture of the cream pairs beautifully with the dense cake.
   • Yogurt: For a healthier option, serve the cake with a spoonful of Greek yogurt. The tanginess of the yogurt adds a refreshing contrast to the cake’s rich flavors.
3. Warm and Toasted:
   • Toasted Slices: Warm up slices of coffee cake in the toaster oven for a few minutes. This gives the cake a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
   • Microwave: For a quick warm-up, microwave a slice of coffee cake for 10-15 seconds. This softens the cake and enhances its flavors.

Variations

1. Flavor Additions:
   • Cinnamon Swirl: Add a cinnamon swirl to your coffee cake by mixing cinnamon and sugar and swirling it into the batter before baking. This creates a beautiful marbled effect and adds extra flavor.
   • Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter or streusel topping. The nuts add a crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor.
   • Chocolate Chips: For a chocolaty twist, fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the batter. The melted chocolate adds a delightful surprise in every bite.
2. Fruit Infusions:
   • Apple Coffee Cake: Add finely chopped apples to the batter. The apples add moisture, natural sweetness, and a hint of tartness to the cake.
   • Blueberry Coffee Cake: Gently fold in fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. The blueberries burst with flavor and create beautiful purple streaks throughout the cake.
   • Banana Coffee Cake: Use mashed bananas in the batter for added moisture and a natural sweetness. Bananas also add a subtle fruity flavor that pairs well with the cake.
3. Dietary Adjustments:
   • Gluten-Free: Make a gluten-free version of the coffee cake by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
   • Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil and use non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) to make the coffee cake dairy-free. You can also use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative for any yogurt-based variations.

By exploring these serving suggestions and variations, you can tailor the coffee cake to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re enjoying it with a warm beverage, adding fruits and nuts, or making dietary adjustments, coffee cake is a versatile and delightful treat that everyone can enjoy.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baking, especially for beginners, can sometimes lead to unexpected results. Understanding common issues and how to fix them can help ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time. Here are some typical problems you might encounter, along with practical solutions:

Problem: Dense or Heavy Cake

Cause: Overmixing the batter, too much flour, expired leavening agents, or using cold ingredients can all contribute to a dense cake.

Solution:

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Test baking powder by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
• Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a dense cake. Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth blend.

Problem: Sunken Center

Cause: Opening the oven door too early, underbaking, too much liquid, or too much leavening agent can cause the center of the cake to sink.

Solution:

• Avoid Peeking: Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently. This can cause the temperature to drop and disrupt the baking process.
• Bake Thoroughly: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Balance Ingredients: Ensure the correct ratio of dry to wet ingredients. Too much liquid can make the batter too heavy to rise properly. Follow the recipe’s measurements carefully.

Problem: Dry or Crumbly Cake

Cause: Overbaking, too much flour, or not enough liquid or fat can result in a dry cake.

Solution:

• Monitor Baking Time: Set a timer and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Every oven is different, so adjust as needed.
• Measure Carefully: Accurately measure the flour and other dry ingredients. Too much flour can dry out the cake. Ensure you’re using the correct amount of liquid and fat to keep the cake moist.
• Add Moisture: Incorporate ingredients that add moisture, such as yogurt, sour cream, or applesauce, to the batter.

Problem: Uneven Baking

Cause: Incorrect oven temperature, improper pan placement, or unevenly mixed batter can lead to uneven baking.

Solution:

• Preheat Properly: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Even Placement: Place the cake pan in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. Avoid placing it too close to the top or bottom heating elements.
• Mix Evenly: Ensure the batter is well-mixed but not overmixed. Unevenly mixed batter can cause inconsistent texture and rise.

Problem: Sticking to the Pan

Cause: Insufficient greasing or lining of the pan can cause the cake to stick.

Solution:

• Grease Well: Thoroughly grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also dust the pan with flour after greasing for extra assurance.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the cake out.

Problem: Overly Browned Top

Cause: High oven temperature or placing the cake too close to the top heating element can cause the top to brown too quickly.

Solution:

• Lower Temperature: If the top is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and extend the baking time slightly.
• Tent with Foil: If the cake’s top starts to brown too much before it’s fully baked, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to protect it from direct heat.

By understanding these common baking issues and their solutions, you can troubleshoot and perfect your coffee cake. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with each baking attempt, you’ll gain more confidence and skill.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve embarked on a delightful journey to create the easiest coffee cake, suitable for both beginners and seasoned bakers. This recipe is designed to be simple, yet incredibly satisfying, with a rich, moist cake that pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage.

From gathering the ingredients to the final bite, making a coffee cake from scratch can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The detailed steps, from preparing the batter to creating an optional streusel topping, ensure that even those new to baking can achieve great results. The inclusion of baking tips provides valuable insights, helping you avoid common pitfalls and perfect your technique.

We hope this guide has inspired you to try your hand at baking the easiest coffee cake. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, add your own twist, and make the recipe your own. Baking is a journey of discovery, and each attempt brings you closer to mastering the art.

As you savor your homemade coffee cake, remember that every baker started somewhere. With each recipe you try, you’ll gain more confidence and skill. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious coffee cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ensure you have all the information you need to make the easiest coffee cake, here are some frequently asked questions along with their answers. This section addresses common concerns and provides additional tips for a successful baking experience.

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this coffee cake. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture and taste should be very similar to the original recipe.

Can I use a different type of milk for my coffee cake?

Absolutely! You can use any type of milk that you prefer. For a dairy-free option, substitute the regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk. The flavor and texture of the cake will remain delicious.

How should I store the coffee cake?

To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. For extended storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave before serving.

Can I add fruit or nuts to the batter?

Yes, adding fruit or nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of your coffee cake. You can fold in fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or even mashed bananas into the batter. Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can also be added. Just be sure to gently fold them in to avoid overmixing the batter.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?

To check if your coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I make this coffee cake vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version of this coffee cake by using the following substitutions:

• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• Use plant-based butter or margarine instead of regular butter.
• Substitute regular milk with any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

What can I do if my coffee cake turns out dry?

If your coffee cake turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. To fix this, you can:

• Add a drizzle of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) over the cake to add moisture.
• Serve the cake with a side of yogurt or whipped cream to enhance the moisture.
• Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and follow the recommended baking time.

Can I use a different type of sugar for my coffee cake?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of sugar to suit your taste preferences. Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or even a sugar substitute like erythritol can be used in place of granulated sugar. Keep in mind that different sugars may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.

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