Kate Smith Coffee Cake

I lived in an orphanage 50 years ago and helped out in the kitchen. Back then, I often made this wonderful coffee cake, dutifully following the recipe in the cookbook they used in that kitchen. Years later, when I saw Kate Smith on television, I realized that I had been using her cookbook to make this coffee cake. I was delighted to know I had been using one of Kate's favorite recipes! —Ruth Nast, Waterford, Connecticut

Kate Smith Coffee Cake
Kate Smith Coffee Cake

I lived in an orphanage 50 years ago and helped out in the kitchen. Back then, I often made this wonderful coffee cake, dutifully following the recipe in the cookbook they used in that kitchen. Years later, when I saw Kate Smith on television, I realized that I had been using her cookbook to make this coffee cake. I was delighted to know I had been using one of Kate's favorite recipes! —Ruth Nast, Waterford, Connecticut

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 32.1604484653628 g
  • Cholesterol 60.2329861293904 mg
  • Fat 10.4465040908342 g
  • Fiber 1.93210548476473 g
  • Protein 4.90056663977188 g
  • Saturated Fat 6.17056650463334 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 servings. (92g)
  • Sodium 2754.05152701901 mg
  • Sugar 30.2283429805981 g
  • Trans Fat 0.888126550601177 g
  • Calories 236 calories

Step-by-step

  • In a bowl, combine egg, butter and milk.
  • Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into batter.
  • Add bran flakes.
  • Spread into a greased 8-in. round baking pan or 8-in. ovenproof skillet.
  • Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter.
  • Bake at 375 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Serve warm.
Kate Smith Coffee Cake: A Taste of Nostalgia

Kate Smith Coffee Cake: A Recipe from the Heart

This isn't just a coffee cake recipe; it's a journey through time, a testament to the enduring power of simple pleasures, and a heartwarming story woven into every crumb. I first encountered this recipe decades ago, in the bustling kitchen of an orphanage. As a young girl, I spent countless hours assisting the cooks, learning the rhythm of the kitchen and absorbing the aromas of countless meals. Among them, this coffee cake stood out. Its comforting sweetness, its simple yet satisfying taste, and the warmth it exuded made it a favorite among the children and staff alike.

The cookbook we used was old, its pages worn and stained with the evidence of countless meals prepared. Years later, while watching a television program, I saw a familiar name – Kate Smith. The realization washed over me: the very cookbook I had used all those years was, in fact, one of her own! I was filled with a sense of wonder and nostalgia. This wasn't just some random recipe; it was a link to a beloved entertainer, a piece of culinary history handed down through the generations, and a cherished memory from my childhood. The thought fills me with a sense of peace and contentment.

The recipe itself is remarkably simple, a reflection of the resourcefulness and practicality of the time. The ingredients are common, readily available, and require no special skills or equipment. It's the kind of recipe you can easily make on a busy weekday morning, yet it delivers a level of flavor and satisfaction that belies its simplicity. The cake itself is moist and subtly sweet, with a delightful crunch from the bran flakes. The topping adds a touch of extra sweetness and texture, providing a beautiful contrast to the cake's tender crumb.

The magic of this coffee cake, however, lies not just in its taste, but in the memories it evokes. It's a reminder of simpler times, of community, and of the enduring power of kindness and simple acts of shared food. It’s a recipe that transcends mere ingredients; it's a recipe for connection, for warmth, for happiness. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most cherished moments in life are the ones we share around a table, with loved ones, savoring a simple but meaningful treat. This coffee cake has become more than just a recipe for me; it's a comforting friend, a tangible piece of my past, and a testament to the power of simple pleasures and the enduring bonds of shared experience.

More than just a recipe, it's a story – a story of a young girl in an orphanage, a chance encounter with a beloved entertainer's name, and the discovery of a recipe that has become a cherished part of my life's tapestry. It’s a reminder that even the simplest of things can hold profound meaning and evoke powerful memories.

I invite you to try this recipe, not just for the delicious taste, but also for the opportunity to create your own memories. Perhaps it will become a treasured family recipe for you, too, a link to your own history, a symbol of comfort, and a delicious reminder of simpler times. Bake it for a friend, share it with family, or simply enjoy a slice with a warm cup of coffee – and let the memories begin.

Making this Kate Smith Coffee Cake is more than just following instructions; it’s about experiencing a connection to the past, to the simplicity of life, and to the people who have touched our lives along the way. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delicious aroma transport you to a time of simpler joys, shared moments, and the comforting warmth of a truly special coffee cake.