Are you craving a comforting, delicious treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This butter coffee cake recipe is the perfect blend of moist, tender cake and a delightful crunchy crumble topping. It's the ultimate homemade comfort food, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a coffee cake that will impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have a lot of time. It's a quick dinner idea that's far from ordinary!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. 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.
Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for the Best Butter Coffee Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use cold butter for the crumble: Cold butter creates a flakier crumble topping.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool slightly: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to both the cake and crumble topping.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the crumble.
- Add chocolate chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips would add a delightful twist.
- Make mini muffins: This recipe can easily be adapted to make individual muffins.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This butter coffee cake is a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy!