Are you dreaming of cozy nights in, filled with the warmth of delicious homemade treats and the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods? Then look no further! This Eggnog Coffee Cake recipe is the perfect blend of holiday spirit and classic comfort food. Imagine the rich, creamy eggnog flavor infused into a moist and tender cake, topped with a crunchy streusel topping – pure bliss! It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe makes for a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas or simply a delicious dessert anytime.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your coffee cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the eggnog and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans (if using), 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 streusel 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 cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) for an extra touch of elegance. This cake is best served warm, but delicious at room temperature as well.
Tips for the Best Eggnog Coffee Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Get creative with toppings: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of eggnog glaze for extra festive flair.
Variations:
- Spiced Eggnog Coffee Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cake batter for a warmer, more spiced flavor profile.
- Chocolate Eggnog Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Cranberry Eggnog Coffee Cake: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a burst of tartness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This Eggnog Coffee Cake is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious and easy recipe that’s sure to become a holiday favorite, providing a delightful experience for everyone. Enjoy this festive treat with your loved ones and create lasting memories!