delicious little baked treats

You might not know that little coffee cakes have roots in the German baking tradition, where they became a staple for social gatherings. These moist, crumbly delights are not just a treat; they embody a sense of warmth and community. As you explore the nuances of creating your own version, you'll discover how simple ingredients can lead to endless variations. What makes these cakes so special? The answer lies in their versatility and the personal touches you can incorporate, making each bite a reflection of your unique taste.

Key Takeaways

  • Little coffee cakes are small, moist cakes typically flavored with cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel.
  • They originated from German baking traditions and became popular in America during the 19th century.
  • Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugars, butter, sour cream, and leavening agents.
  • Best enjoyed warm, they pair well with coffee or tea and are perfect for sharing.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

History

historical events and narratives

Coffee cakes have a rich history that dates back to their European roots, particularly in Germany, where they were a staple at social gatherings and afternoon teas.

The term "coffee cake" in America refers to a sweet cake, often flavored with cinnamon streusel, designed to accompany your coffee.

In the 19th century, the popularity of coffee cakes surged, influenced by European baking traditions and the coffee culture that blossomed during that time.

Many traditional recipes showcase a crumbly streusel topping, reminiscent of the German "streuselkuchen."

Today, you'll find coffee cakes in American bakeries and home kitchens, served at brunches, holiday gatherings, and as a comforting treat throughout the day, bringing people together over delicious flavors.

Recipe

cooking instructions for preparation

Little Coffee Cakes Recipe

Little coffee cakes are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a midday snack. Their small batch size makes them ideal for sharing with a loved one or enjoying all to yourself without the guilt of having too many leftovers. The moist crumb and sweet, buttery flavor are sure to make these cakes a favorite in your household.

With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these little delights in no time. To start, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F. The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives these cakes their signature sweetness while the addition of sour cream or yogurt ensures a tender crumb.

Topped with a crunchy streusel, these coffee cakes aren't only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (for streusel)
  • ¼ cup flour (for streusel)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)

Cooking Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt, until just combined.

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8×8-inch dish. For the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel over the batter and bake in the preheated oven for 28-34 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor and texture, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the butter cream better with the sugars and results in a fluffier cake.

If you like a bit of extra flavor, consider adding a handful of nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. While these coffee cakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Enjoy!

Cooking Steps

cooking made easy steps

To get started on your little coffee cakes, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F.

Next, mix your dry ingredients together before gradually adding the wet ingredients for a smooth batter.

Don't forget to fold in those chocolate chips and add any toppings you desire before baking!

Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F

preheat oven to 350 f

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential for achieving the perfect little coffee cakes.

Start by ensuring that your oven reaches this optimal temperature before placing your greased baking dish inside. Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, as even minor discrepancies can affect your baking results.

Allow the oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure consistent heat distribution, which is key for even baking.

Keep an eye on the baking time, since different ovens can vary. When you think they're done, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the small batch coffee cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Happy baking!

Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together

combine dry ingredients thoroughly

Once your oven is ready, it's time to gather your dry ingredients for the little coffee cakes. Start by measuring all-purpose flour accurately, using either a kitchen scale or the spoon and sweep method to avoid overpacking.

Combine this flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt for even distribution. Next, add granulated sugar to your flour mixture, adjusting for your preferred sweeten levels.

For a flavor boost, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Now, it's crucial to whisk together all these dry ingredients thoroughly to break up any clumps and ensure everything's well mixed.

This step is vital for achieving a light and tasty coffee cake. Get ready to add your wet ingredients next!

Step 3. Add Wet Ingredients Gradually

incorporate wet ingredients slowly

As you prepare to mix in the wet ingredients, make sure to do so gradually for the best results.

Start by creaming softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the sour cream.

It's key to alternate adding the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. This technique helps maintain a smooth batter and prevents clumping.

Step 4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

incorporate chocolate chips gently

Chocolate chips are the delightful finishing touch to your little coffee cakes, bringing a rich, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the fluffy batter.

To incorporate them, gently fold in the chocolate chips at the end of your mixing process. This prevents overmixing and ensures a uniform distribution without breaking the chips. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a deeper flavor, but feel free to experiment with milk or white chocolate.

If you have frozen chocolate chips, just fold them in directly—there's no need to thaw! Before folding, make sure the chocolate chips are evenly coated in flour to keep them from sinking. This step enhances both the texture and flavor of your delicious coffee cake during baking.

Step 5. Add Toppings Before Baking

add toppings before baking

Adding toppings before baking is essential for enhancing your little coffee cakes' flavor and texture.

To create a delicious streusel topping, mix your ingredients until they form a clumpy, crumbly texture that holds its shape during baking. As you layer the batter in your prepared loaf pan, ensure an even distribution of the streusel to achieve consistent flavor throughout.

If you love coffee cake with a crunchy topping, feel free to reserve some streusel to sprinkle on top just before the final bake.

Keep in mind that baking times may vary depending on how thickly you apply the toppings, so monitor closely. Don't forget to perform the toothpick test to ensure your cakes are perfectly baked! Additionally, consider pairing your coffee cake with a side of frozen yogurt to create a delightful dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

reflective concluding insights shared

While little coffee cakes are a delightful treat on their own, they truly shine when paired with your favorite cup of coffee. Made in small batches, these cakes yield around eight squares, perfect for intimate gatherings or personal enjoyment without excess waste.

Their moist texture and rich flavor come from key ingredients like sour cream and all-purpose flour, designed to complement the beverage rather than contain it. Remember, baking times can vary, so keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick.

For the best flavor and moisture, enjoy them fresh on baking day, but you can store them properly at room temperature for up to three days. In final thoughts, embrace the joy of little coffee cakes with your next coffee break!

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