Are you craving a moist, flavorful coffee cake that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat? Look no further! This almond coffee cake recipe is your answer. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers a delicious homemade treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. The subtle almond flavor, enhanced by the addition of almond paste, elevates this classic coffee cake to new heights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet sophisticated dessert! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (although it's more of a delightful dessert!), or healthy meals (in moderation, of course!).
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- ¼ cup (30g) almond paste, finely grated
- ½ cup (60g) sliced almonds, for topping
For the Crumble Topping:
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons (30g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake comes out cleanly.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure the leavening agents are evenly distributed, resulting in a perfectly risen cake.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but a good workout with a hand mixer works too!
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to a tough cake.
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Almond Paste Magic: Gently fold in the grated almond paste. The fine grating ensures it distributes evenly throughout the cake, delivering a wonderful subtle almond flavor.
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Prepare the Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and sliced almonds for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter. Scatter the remaining sliced almonds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. This coffee cake is delicious on its own or paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract for an even more intense almond flavor.
- Substitute milk for buttermilk if needed. Just add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk to create a buttermilk substitute.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts in the crumble topping, such as pecans or walnuts.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This almond coffee cake recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable through simple homemade cooking. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize to your preferences. Enjoy baking and savor every bite!