If you love a sweet treat with your morning coffee, I have the perfect recipe for you: Maple Walnut Streusel Coffee Cake. Imagine a soft, moist cake topped with crunchy walnut streusel and the warm flavor of maple syrup. In this article, I will share the simple steps to create this delightful dish and some handy tips along the way. Let’s dive into baking a masterpiece that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Coffee Cake
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 3/4 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
– 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients for Streusel Topping
– 1 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
Gather these ingredients for a delightful and tasty coffee cake. The walnuts give it a lovely crunch, while the maple syrup adds a sweet depth. I love the smell of cinnamon mixed with brown sugar. It makes my kitchen feel cozy and warm.
Each ingredient plays a key role. Flour makes the cake rise. Sugar sweetens it. Butter gives it a rich taste, while eggs help it hold together. Milk keeps the cake moist. Walnuts add texture and flavor.
The streusel topping is just as important. It adds a crunchy layer on top. Brown sugar combined with cinnamon creates a sweet, warm flavor. Cold butter makes the streusel crumbly and delicious. This topping contrasts perfectly with the soft cake below.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. When you bake with love, every bite tastes better. Enjoy this process and share the joy of baking with others!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cake rise well. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to stop it from sticking.
– Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
– Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs to the creamed mixture one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure it is fully combined.
Mixing and Baking Steps
– Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. This helps the leavening agent mix evenly with the flour.
– Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Do this while alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– Add Walnuts and Maple Syrup: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and maple syrup using a spatula. This ensures they are spread throughout the batter.
– Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cubed cold butter, and ground cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the extra chopped walnuts.
– Layer Cake Batter and Streusel: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
– Add Remaining Batter and Topping: Pour the rest of the batter over the streusel layer. Smooth it out gently. Then, sprinkle the remaining streusel topping on top.
– Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the center.
– Cool the Cake: After baking, let the coffee cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– How to avoid dense cake: To keep your cake light, mix the batter gently. Overmixing adds air and can make it tough.
– Importance of room temperature ingredients: Using eggs, butter, and milk at room temperature helps them blend well. This creates a smooth batter and better texture.
– Checking doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer.
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation tips for serving: Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Adding whole walnut halves or a sprinkle of cinnamon gives it extra charm.
– Best pairing options (coffee/tea): This coffee cake pairs well with coffee or a warm cup of tea. The flavors of maple and walnut shine through with both drinks.
– How to store and serve leftovers: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for several days. To enjoy, simply slice and serve, or warm it up in the microwave.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavors in this cake. Here are some fun ideas:
– Adding chocolate chips: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips. This adds a rich, sweet taste and pairs well with the maple flavor.
– Using different nuts: Try using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. Each nut brings its own unique crunch and flavor.
– Adding fruits: You can fold in fruits like blueberries or apples. They add moisture and a burst of flavor to each bite.
Dietary Alternatives
Need to make some swaps? No problem! Here are some great options:
– Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cake light while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
– Vegan substitutions for eggs and butter: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use coconut oil instead of butter. This change keeps the cake moist and tasty without animal products.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps avoid dryness. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Slice it first for easier thawing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice anytime!
Shelf Life
At room temperature, the cake lasts about 3 days. If you refrigerate it, it stays fresh for up to a week. For frozen cake, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving. This keeps the texture nice and moist.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, you can use seeds instead. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great options. They add crunch without the nut worries. You can also use oats for texture.
How can I make the cake more moist?
To make the cake more moist, use sour cream or yogurt. These dairy products add moisture and flavor. You can also add an extra egg for richness. Baking for the right time helps too; avoid overbaking.
Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour. Just skip the baking powder and salt in the recipe. Self-rising flour already has these added. This change will still give you a nice rise.
Storage and Serving Questions
Should I refrigerate maple walnut coffee cake?
You do not need to refrigerate the cake if you eat it within a few days. Keep it covered at room temperature. If you want to store it longer, then refrigerate it.
Can I reheat leftovers, and how?
Yes, you can reheat leftovers easily. Use the microwave for quick heating. Warm it for about 20-30 seconds. For a crispier texture, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
This blog post covered making a delicious coffee cake with walnuts and maple syrup. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your bake. Variations and storage ideas also ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty.
In the end, coffee cake is versatile and fun to make. Enjoy trying different flavors and sharing with friends. Happy baking!
