Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's also bursting with fresh fruit? Look no further! This fruit coffee cake recipe is the perfect answer. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade delight – it’s one of those delicious dishes you'll want to make again and again!
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mixed fruit (berries, peaches, apples – your choice!), chopped
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even leavening throughout your cake.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
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!
Step 5: Fold in Fruit
Gently fold in the chopped fruit.
Step 6: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: 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.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips for the Best Fruit Coffee Cake:
- Use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- For a crispier crumble topping, bake the cake for a few extra minutes.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Fruit Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter.
- Citrus Fruit Coffee Cake: Substitute orange zest and juice for some of the vanilla extract and add segments of oranges or mandarins.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or walnuts from the crumble topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
This fruit coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert or breakfast option, perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist cake, sweet crumble, and juicy fruit makes it a truly delightful treat. Enjoy!