Have you ever walked into a bakery and been hit with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods? That warm, comforting scent that beckons you to indulge in a sweet treat with your morning coffee? Well, now you can recreate that magic right in your own kitchen with Zingerman’s Coffee Cake recipe. Get ready to awaken your inner baker and embark on a delightful culinary journey.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring your coffee cake won’t stick.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you love nuts, toss in those chopped pecans for extra flavor and crunch. Set this delightful mixture aside.
3. Whip Up the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Assemble Your Coffee Cake:
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of the streusel topping over the batter. Then, add the remaining batter and top it off with the remaining streusel mixture.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your coffee cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be positively enchanting!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once your coffee cake is done, allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then, cut it into squares and serve it up warm. Brew a fresh cup of coffee and savor each bite of your homemade delight.
FAQs – Zingerman’s Coffee Cake Recipe
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this coffee cake recipe?
Using salted butter is fine, but adjust the recipe’s salt accordingly to balance flavors.
2. Can I substitute sour cream with something else in this recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt or plain yogurt can be used as a substitute in equal amounts. The taste and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
3. I’m not a fan of pecans. Can I leave them out of the streusel topping?
Absolutely! The pecans in the streusel topping are optional. You can omit them if you have allergies or simply prefer your coffee cake without nuts.
4. How should I store leftovers of this coffee cake?
For freshness, store your coffee cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic. It stays good at room temperature for two days. To extend its life, refrigerate for a week or freeze for a few months.
6. Can I add other ingredients like berries or chocolate chips to the coffee cake batter?
Absolutely! Use your creativity while making coffee cakes by mixing in chocolate chips, fresh berries, or other favorite ingredients before baking. Just watch the baking time because additions can change it.
7. Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
Of course! You may use a gluten-free flour mix to make this coffee cake gluten-free. Make sure that other components, such as soda and baking powder, are gluten-free. For those who are gluten intolerant, it’s a fine option, maybe the flavor and texture could change somewhat.
8. What’s the best way to reheat leftover coffee cake?
To reheat leftover coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and warm the slices in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are heated through. This will help maintain the cake’s texture and flavor.
Conclusion Zingerman’s Coffee Cake Recipe
Zingerman’s Coffee Cake is a true testament to the joy of baking. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can transform your kitchen into a bakery, filling your home with the intoxicating aroma of a freshly baked masterpiece. So, go ahead, unleash your inner baker, and share the love by treating your family and friends to a slice of this delectable coffee cake. You’ll find that the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is truly unbeatable. Happy baking!