This Traditional Coffee Cake is a cozy classic that promises to warm your heart and home. With its perfectly spiced, crunchy walnut topping and tender, moist cake base, it's a delightful treat for any occasion.
The granulated sugar sweetens the cake gently without overpowering the other flavors. Unsalted butter, when softened, helps create a light, fluffy texture by incorporating air when creamed with the sugar. The eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness. All-purpose flour provides structure to the cake, while sour cream keeps it moist and adds a slight tang. Milk helps to thin the batter just enough to keep it soft. A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. Baking powder gives the cake its rise, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. The brown sugar, with its molasses notes, complements the ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced topping. Finally, chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch.
This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent brunch, serve it alongside fresh fruit and a steaming pot of your favorite tea.
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent any sticking mishaps later. Now, in a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until it's light and fluffy — think of it as whisking air into the batter. Once that's done, beat in the eggs, one at a time. This ensures each egg is well incorporated before the next one joins the party. Stir in the vanilla extract, giving it a chance to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed concoction, alternating with the sour cream and milk. This back-and-forth helps maintain the batter's consistency. Be gentle, we're aiming for a smooth, lump-free mix.
Now, for the star of the show: the topping. Mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts in another bowl. This trio is what gives our coffee cake its signature flavor. Pour half of your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture over this layer, then spread the remaining batter on top. Finish with the rest of the topping, ensuring you cover the surface evenly.
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When it's ready, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it — a traditional coffee cake ready to be enjoyed!
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