Ah, the aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake – a scent that evokes warmth, comfort, and cherished memories. This isn't just any coffee cake; this is my grandma's New England coffee cake recipe, a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations. It's a recipe steeped in tradition, a testament to simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This isn't just a recipe; it's a story.
This recipe embodies the essence of New England baking – simple, wholesome ingredients combined with a touch of magic to create something truly exceptional. It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly, leaving behind only happy sighs and requests for seconds. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with buttery crumbles, spiced sweetness, and the comforting warmth of family tradition.
What Makes This New England Coffee Cake So Special?
Unlike some overly fussy coffee cakes, Grandma's recipe emphasizes simplicity and quality ingredients. The result is a moist, tender cake with a perfectly balanced sweetness and a delightful crunchy streusel topping. The secret? It's all in the details – from the careful blending of spices to the precise ratio of butter and sugar in the crumble. And of course, a generous helping of love!
Grandma's New England Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Crumble Time: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the crumble. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk provides the best texture and tang, you can substitute it with 1 cup of regular milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
How can I store leftover coffee cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes! Wrap the cooled coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
What are some variations I can try?
Feel free to experiment! Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or different spices to the batter or crumble for a unique twist.
This New England coffee cake recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a piece of my family's history, a sweet reminder of Grandma's love, and a recipe I hope you'll cherish for years to come. Enjoy!
