So here we are, it is November, and we can smell the sweet air of the holidays. The evenings are a bit nippy and we crave cakes and hot coffee, correct?
Some say the first coffee cake originated in Germany, and some say it was in the Netherlands, but it was definitely first baked in Europe that is for sure. But there is no evidence as such to suggest that the first coffee cake emerged in the 17th century, this could also be because Coffee was first introduced in Europe in the 17th century, but is safe to say that Dutch and Germans living in the United States became particularly famous for their coffee cakes. Around the 17th century, a ritual emerged called kaffeeklatsch , where people would gather, like a social gathering for caffeine, and gossip. I have a feeling that must have eventually led to the culture of cafes.
Usually, a coffee cake is less sugary, this is because a coffee cake is supposed to be enjoyed best with a tall cup of freshly brewed coffee. Even in my recipe the amount of sugar isn’t too much.
Classic coffee cake:
A classic Coffee cake, also known as kaffekuchen, is classically a single-layer cake with a cinnamon-infused flavor. This cake definitely has a crispy streusel topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Variations:
There can be very many variations – one can have a totally different topping, or add fruits and nuts to it. Or add icing on top, and fill the middle part of the cake with some kind of jam or marmalade. The options are many.
Is making this cake too tough?
None of my recipes are tough, I keep a new baker image in mind while making my recipes. A lot of you are gluten intolerant and are looking to start baking. Adding a complicated, expensive recipe or a dish will only discourage you. So this coffee cake is simple to make, even if today is the first time you have come to the kitchen to bake, you can still make a decent cake if you just stick to the recipe. Check out the video, it will help with the process.
Are the ingredients easy to find?
Yes, pick your best gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for this. I am sure you have vanilla, sugar, coffee powder at home. So ya you are sorted. In case you have no idea what brands to buy for these items, check out the ‘Shop’ category on my blog. It has all my favourite brands listed at one place.
Ingredients:
For Streusel (crumb topping):
Brown Sugar- 1/4 cup
Cinnamon or nutmeg powder- 1/2 tsp (adjust according to taste)
Butter- 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1/4 tsp
GF all-purpose flour- 1/4cup
Yogurt mix:
Yogurt- 1 cup
baking soda- 1/2 tsp
Cake mix:
Sugar: 1 cup
Any neutral tasting vegetable oil – 1/2 cup
Vanilla: 1tsp ( you can add vanilla extract or bean for a much better result)
GF all-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
Baking powder: 1 tsp
Coffee Mix:
Instant coffee: 4 tablespoons ( You can adjust according to taste)
Walnuts (optional)
Method:
Make Streusel:
- In a bowl, add sugar, cinnamon powder, butter, flour, salt. Mix and keep aside.
Make Yogurt Mix:
- In another bowl, add yogurt, and baking soda. Mix and set it aside for 5 mins to fluff up.
Make Cake Mix:
- In another bowl add sugar, oil and mix. ( I used whole sugar if you wanna make this faster use powdered sugar)
- If you are using a hand whisk and not an electric mixer then please which for 4-5 mins.
- Add vanilla
- Add yogurt to it and mix it all very well.
Make Coffee Mix:
- In a bowl, add some instant coffee power, hot water and mix it.
Add this coffee blend to the cake mix. Mix well.
Add flour, and baking powder, mix it well. But DO NOT OVER MIX. OVERMIXING WILL DEFLATE YOUR CAKE MIX/BATTER.
Add walnuts (optional)
Transfer it to a cake tin. Make sure you have lined the cake tin with butter or oil.
Sprinkle the streusel that you made earlier on the cake batter.
Bake at 180C for 40-45 mins.
After 45 mins, use a sharp needle to check the middle part of the cake. If the needle comes out dry then the cake is done. But if you see cake batter on the needle then bake again for 4-5mins.
After the cake is done, let it cool down properly. GLUTEN-FREE CAKES ARE DELICATE. If you cut it immediately, the cake will crumble and fall apart.
Tip: Sprinkle some coffee power on top of the cake before serving. The strong flavour of coffee adds to the overall taste.
More cake recipes:
Christmas fruit cake:
