Coffee cake

Coffee Cake: An Explosion of Flavors and a Delight for the Senses

If you are a coffee and dessert lover, then this coffee cake recipe is exactly what you desire! Delicate and full of flavor, this cake is perfect for serving with coffee to friends or as a personal treat. I will guide you through the steps with explanatory details and useful tips, ensuring that the result is exceptional.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

A Brief History

Coffee cake became popular due to the unique combination of the sweetness typical of cakes and the bitterness of coffee, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Its origins are lost in history, inspired by pastry traditions from many cultures. Whether it’s a gathering with loved ones or moments of indulgence, this cake proves to be a reliable companion.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of ground nuts (approximately 100 g)
- 10 tablespoons of brewed coffee (approximately 250 ml)
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the syrup:
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 400 ml water

For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 50 g butter

Step by Step

1. Preparing the batter

Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a mixer to beat the yolks with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture. It is essential that the sugar completely dissolves at this stage to avoid sugar crystals in the cake.

Practical tip: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.

2. Add the coffee

Once the yolks are well beaten, gradually add the 10 tablespoons of brewed coffee. Make sure it is not too hot to avoid cooking the mixture.

3. Dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ground nuts, and baking powder. This mixture will add a delicious texture to your cake. Add the dry ingredients to the yolk and coffee mixture, gently mixing to avoid lumps.

4. Whipped egg whites

Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until you get a stiff foam. This step is essential for giving the cake a fluffy texture. Fold the whipped egg whites into the above mixture using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions.

5. Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tip: Do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid the layers sinking.

6. Preparing the syrup

While the cake is in the oven, you can prepare the syrup. Caramelize the 6 tablespoons of sugar in a saucepan until golden, then extinguish with 400 ml of water. Then, add 2 more tablespoons of sugar and let it boil for 5-7 minutes. This syrup will add moisture and an intense flavor to your cake.

7. The glaze

To prepare the glaze, add 3 tablespoons of cocoa, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, and 50 g of butter in a saucepan. Mix over low heat until all ingredients are fully integrated and the glaze becomes smooth and shiny.

8. Assembling the cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, evenly soak it with the warm syrup. This step is essential for giving it a rich flavor and keeping it moist. Then, pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to spread evenly.

Serving and Variations

This coffee cake is perfect to be served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a contrast of textures. Add some toasted nuts on top of the glaze for a more sophisticated look.

Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds. Also, by replacing the coffee with a coffee liqueur, you can add a touch of elegance to your dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

This coffee cake is a source of antioxidants due to the coffee and nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, providing a healthy snack. Additionally, coffee can boost metabolism and improve mood.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use instant coffee? Yes, you can use instant coffee, but make sure to prepare it according to the instructions on the package.

- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for a longer period.

- Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by replacing the eggs with a vegan substitute, such as applesauce or plant-based yogurt.

Conclusion

This coffee cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will delight you with every bite. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to indulge yourself, the result will always be a reason for joy. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s enjoy this delicacy together! Enjoy your meal!