Coffee cake is a sweet, crumb-topped cake that is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. But what exactly makes a coffee cake a “coffee cake”? There are a few key ingredients and preparation methods that distinguish coffee cakes from other cakes. In this article, we’ll explore the history of coffee cake, look at the typical ingredients that go into coffee cakes, discuss the two main styles of coffee cake, and identify what sets coffee cakes apart from other cakes. Read on to learn what makes a cake a true coffee cake!
Brief History of Coffee Cake
Coffee cakes originated in the Middle East and Europe in the 17th century. Back then, coffee was still a relatively new import and was expensive. Cakes were seen as a complementary treat to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee – hence the name “coffee cake.” The cakes were often flavored with nuts, spices, and dried fruits to complement the bitter taste of coffee.
Coffee cakes grew in popularity throughout Europe and were eventually brought over to the Americas by European settlers. In the U.S., coffee cakes became a breakfast staple in the early 20th century. American-style coffee cakes tend to be simpler than European versions, often featuring just a sweet crumb topping. Today, coffee cake remains a beloved morning treat. The aroma and flavor bring back nostalgic feelings of cozy mornings and special weekend breakfasts for many people.
Common Ingredients
While recipes can vary, coffee cakes have some standard ingredients that help give them their distinctive texture and flavor:
Flour: All-purpose or cake flour provide the base and structure. Some recipes also incorporate whole wheat flour.
Leavening agent: Baking powder and/or baking soda give coffee cakes a light, tender crumb.
Butter and eggs: Butter adds rich flavor and tenderness. Eggs help bind the batter and provide more moisture.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar or brown sugar sweetens the cake and complements the crumb topping.
Sour cream or yogurt: Sour cream or yogurt helps make the crumb moist and tender.
Vanilla and cinnamon: These are two of the most common coffee cake flavorings.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are often mixed into the batter or used in streusel toppings.
Streusel topping: A sweet crumbly topping, usually with butter, sugar, flour, spices, and nuts.
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Flour | Provides structure |
| Leavening agent | Creates light, tender crumb |
| Butter | Adds richness |
| Eggs | Binds batter, adds moisture |
| Sugar | Sweetens and complements topping |
| Sour cream/yogurt | Keeps crumb moist and tender |
| Vanilla, cinnamon | Classic coffee cake flavors |
| Nuts | Provides crunch and flavor contrast |
| Streusel topping | Sweet, crumbly topping |
Main Styles of Coffee Cake
There are two predominant ways that coffee cakes are prepared:
Yeast Coffee Cakes
Yeast coffee cakes use yeast as a leavening agent. The yeast helps create a tender, airy texture. Yeast coffee cakes are made by:
– Proofing the yeast in warm liquid to activate it
– Mixing in sugar, eggs, butter, flour, and other ingredients to form a dough
– Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic
– Letting the dough rise for 60-90 minutes
– Shaping the dough and letting it rise again before baking
Yeast coffee cakes have a richness and density similar to bread, with a fine, moist crumb. Common additions include raisins, cinnamon swirls, streusel, and glazes.
Quick Bread Coffee Cakes
Quick bread coffee cakes get their rise from baking powder and/or baking soda rather than yeast. The batter comes together quickly, without requiring time for rising. Quick coffee cakes are made by:
– Mixing flour, leavening agent, sugar, butter, eggs, and other wet ingredients into a thick batter
– Pouring the batter into a pan and spreading out evenly
– Adding streusel, fruit, nut, or other toppings
– Baking right away in the oven
Quick coffee cakes have a more tender, cake-like crumb. They’re faster to prepare but may not have as much complex flavor as yeast versions.
What Sets Coffee Cakes Apart
There are a few key factors that distinguish coffee cakes from other breakfast cakes and dessert cakes:
serving size and shape: coffee cakes are usually made in a large sheet, bundt, or tube pan. They’re meant to be sliced and served in wedges or pieces rather than individual servings.
crumb topping: the crunchy streusel topping is an iconic part of coffee cake appeal and texture.
not overly sweet: while containing sugar, coffee cakes tend to be less sweet than birthday or chocolate cakes. They complement bitter coffee rather than stand alone as a dessert.
moist, dense crumb: the use of sour cream or yogurt keeps the crumb tender and prevents dryness.
cozy flavors: warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla evoke comfort and nostalgia.
intended as a breakfast/snack food: coffee cakes are treated as an informal morning or afternoon snack cake rather than a formal dessert.
Classic Coffee Cake Recipes
Here are two classic coffee cake recipes, one yeast-based and one quick bread, that exemplify the quintessential coffee cake flavors and textures:
Sour Cream Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
Makes one 9×13″ sheet cake; 16 servings
Ingredients:
Cake batter:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 cup (240g) sour cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumb topping:
– 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (115g) brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ baking pan and set aside.
2. Make crumb topping: mix together flour, brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir with fork until mixture forms clumps. Mix in chopped nuts. Set aside.
3. Make cake batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, until incorporated.
5. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla on low speed until combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated. Spread half the batter evenly into prepared pan.
7. Sprinkle half the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter over topping, then spread into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the remaining topping over batter. Bake 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let coffee cake cool at least 30 minutes before serving. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 3-4 days. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Swirl Yeast Coffee Cake
Makes one 9″ tube pan; 12 servings
Ingredients:
Dough:
– 2 1/4 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
– 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp salt
– 3 1/2 cups (438g) all-purpose flour
Filling:
– 1/2 cup (115g) brown sugar
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Make dough: Combine yeast and warm milk in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, butter, and salt until combined. Stir in yeast mixture.
3. Add flour 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, turn out onto a floured surface.
4. Knead dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Make filling: Mix together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 16×12″ rectangle. Spread dough with 2 tbsp softened butter, leaving a 1″ border. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over buttered layer.
7. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough. Pinch seam together to seal. Slice roll into 12 equal pieces.
8. Butter a 9″ tube pan and place rolls cut-side down in pan. Cover and let rise 45 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake coffee cake 35-40 minutes until deep golden brown. Let cool 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Enjoy!
What Makes It a Coffee Cake?
When you take a bite of a warm, tender coffee cake topped with crunchy streusel, the name says it all. From the history to the ingredients to the preparation methods, there are clear factors that distinguish coffee cakes from other breakfast cakes. While many delicious variations exist, a true coffee cake contains a bread-like crumb, subtle flavorings like vanilla and cinnamon, a generous crumb topping, and a speckled interior crumb perfect for dunking in your morning coffee. These characteristics come together to create a cozy, comforting cake meant for snacking alongside a hot cup of joe.