Coffee Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

The coffee cake, a delightful treat inspired by classic European pastries, features coffee as a common ingredient in desserts. Appreciated for its distinctive aroma, coffee cake has become a staple in many cake and pastry recipes, especially in France and Italy. The rich, comforting flavor of coffee adds a unique depth to the cake, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a hint of coffee in their sweets.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g flour
• 150 g sugar
• 125 g melted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 packet baking powder (about 11 g)
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 100 ml hot milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. Dissolve the instant coffee in the hot milk and let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and foamy.
4. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, then mix well.
5. Fold in the sifted flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, alternating with the coffee and milk mixture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool before removing from the pan and serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a more intense coffee flavor, add an extra tablespoon of instant coffee.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts to the batter for some crunch.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Coffee and Chocolate Cake: Incorporate 50 g of dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent taste.
• Coffee and Nuts Cake: Add 100 g of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Bake Time 🔥

To bake the Coffee Cake, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the prepared cake batter into the oven and let it bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. This should give the cake enough time to rise and develop a golden-brown crust while ensuring the inside is fully cooked and moist. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool before serving.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This cake pairs wonderfully with an espresso or a cappuccino. For a more festive version, serve it with a coffee liqueur.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cake in slices and lightly dust with cocoa powder. For an elegant touch, decorate each slice with a chocolate-covered coffee bean.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Coffee cake, a delightful treat, is not only enjoyable but also offers some nutritional benefits. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which may help improve mental alertness and reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, the eggs and milk used in coffee cake provide essential nutrients, including protein and calcium, making it a more wholesome choice compared to other sweet indulgences.