Classic Breakfast Coffee Cake
This is a cake I would wake up to periodically as a kid. It will send hypnotic aroma waves through the whole house, waking everyone up. As far as the process of making this cake goes, I really like to begin by making the topping. Combining the flavors that will top the cake provides motive to hurry and bake the cake and get to the eating part!
This is a cake I would wake up to periodically as a kid. It will send hypnotic aroma waves through the whole house, waking everyone up. As far as the process of making this cake goes, I really like to begin by making the topping. Combining the flavors that will top the cake provides motive to hurry and bake the cake and get to the eating part!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter plus additional for greasing the pan
- Carbohydrate 37.163173955567 g
- Cholesterol 87.4144791810751 mg
- Fat 39.7908586365829 g
- Fiber 2.0883600359167 g
- Protein 8.90940121520032 g
- Saturated Fat 20.5366270701932 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 12 serving (166g)
- Sodium 902.53227055048 mg
- Sugar 35.0748139196503 g
- Trans Fat 3.20216529268867 g
- Calories 531 calories
Step-by-step
- For the topping: Prepare a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the nuts, flour, sugars, cinnamon and salt. Stir to blend. Stir in the butter. The topping should form sandy clumps. Sprinkle the topping onto the baking sheet to break it up into smaller clumps. Refrigerate.
- For the coffee cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Use butter to thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, "cream" the butter and sugar together until light yellow and smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, this can be done with an electric hand mixer. Add the eggs, one by one, and beat until thoroughly integrated.
- Remove the topping from the refrigerator so it has a few minutes to come to room temperature before baking. Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream until smooth. Turn the mixer on low and alternate adding some of the flour mixture with some of the sour cream. Add the lemon zest. When all has been mixed, give the sides and the bottom of the bowl a scrape and blend to make sure the batter is thoroughly integrated.
- Transfer the batter to the greased baking pan and "tap" it lightly on the sides so it falls evenly in the pan and removes any air bubbles. Liberally sprinkle the cake with all of the topping. Take care to cover the whole top. Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 22 to 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before serving.
A Classic Coffee Cake: A Taste of Home
The aroma of freshly baked coffee cake. That's the scent of home, of cozy mornings, and of cherished memories. For me, it’s the memory of waking up to the irresistible, hypnotic fragrance wafting through the house, a promise of a delicious breakfast awaiting. This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey back to simpler times, a comforting hug in the form of a golden-brown cake studded with crunchy nuts and spices.
The best part about this coffee cake, besides the obvious deliciousness, is the simplicity of its preparation. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, this recipe is approachable. It's a perfect weekend project, a chance to slow down and savor the process, from creaming the butter and sugar to the satisfying sprinkle of the crunchy topping. Each step is a small act of self-care, a moment to focus on the present, the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious.
The beauty of this cake lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts— pecans, almonds, or even a mix of several varieties could elevate the flavor profile. Likewise, you could substitute the lemon zest with orange or even a touch of vanilla extract for a different flavor experience. Ultimately, the recipe is a canvas upon which your culinary creativity can flourish. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
More than just a recipe, this coffee cake is a reminder that sometimes the most profound moments are the simplest ones. It’s a celebration of comfort, a symbol of warm gatherings, and a delicious way to start the day, or any day for that matter. The memory of that comforting aroma remains a powerful one, and each time I bake this cake, I'm transported back to those childhood mornings, filled with the simple pleasure of family and the anticipation of a delicious breakfast.
The recipe itself is incredibly straightforward, and the results are always impressive. The cake is moist and tender, with a perfectly balanced sweetness. The topping provides a lovely textural contrast to the cake, adding a touch of crunch and spice. This isn’t just a breakfast cake, it’s a versatile treat that’s perfect for any time of day. A slice with a warm cup of coffee makes for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It's also a fantastic dessert to share with friends and family, bringing a touch of home-baked warmth to any occasion.
Making this cake isn't just about following instructions; it's about creating a sense of warmth and connection. Whether you're sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice by yourself, this coffee cake offers a delicious escape into the heart of home. The simple act of baking, the fragrance that fills your kitchen, and the final product itself all contribute to a sense of well-being and contentment. It's a reminder that the simple pleasures in life are often the most rewarding.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of this classic coffee cake fill your kitchen with the warmth and comfort of home. This isn't just a cake; it's a memory, a feeling, a taste of happiness baked to perfection. Enjoy!
