Taste of Scandinavia: Perfectly Fluffy Coffee Cake Recipe
Are you in the mood for a warm and cozy coffee cake? Look no further than this Scandinavian Coffee Cake Recipe. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a lazy weekend breakfast, a midday treat or even as dessert after dinner.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is that it incorporates warm spices such as cardamom, which is commonly used in Scandinavian baking. The result is a comforting and fragrant cake that will leave your taste buds feeling satisfied.
Not only does this recipe produce a delicious cake, but it’s also relatively simple to make. With just a few staple ingredients such as all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, you’ll have everything you need to whip up an impressive cake without breaking the bank.
So why settle for generic store-bought pastries when you can enjoy the homemade goodness and unique flavors of this Scandinavian Coffee Cake recipe? Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of coffee cakes, then you’re in for a treat with this Scandinavian Coffee Cake recipe! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Firstly, this coffee cake is unique to the Scandinavian region and it’s packed with traditional flavors. You won’t find a cake like this in your local bakery, so it’s perfect for impressing your friends and family.
Secondly, this coffee cake is easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. With just a few basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, yeast, milk, and eggs – you can whip up an impressive cake in no time.
Thirdly, this coffee cake is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds by adding nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips. Or if you want to go for something more traditional, you can make a version with cardamom which is popular in Scandinavia.
Lastly, this coffee cake is perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to brunches. It’s delicious on its own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it looks stunning when served on a cake stand or plate.
So why not try this Scandinavian Coffee Cake recipe today and experience the best that Scandinavia has to offer? We guarantee that you’ll love it!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the ingredients you need to make this Scandinavian Coffee Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Sugar: 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- Butter: 1/2 cup (room temperature)
- Eggs (room temperature): 2
- Cardamom: 1 tablespoon, ground
- Almond Flour: 1/2 cup
You will also need an optional ingredient, which is the Swedish Cardamom coffee. However, it can be replaced with water if you don’t have any on hand.
With these ingredients, you can make a buttery and flavorful Scandinavian Coffee Cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part – let’s get baking! Follow the step-by-step directions below to create a delicious Scandinavian Coffee Cake.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup water
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
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Heat milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds and stir in softened butter. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
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Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, stir in eggs until fully incorporated.
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Gradually mix in water, adding more if necessary to reach dough consistency.
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Knead the dough until it becomes elastic before placing it in a greased bowl and covering with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest for an hour or until it has doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Grease three cake tins or one bundt pan.
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On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into thirds to form a tri-colored masterpiece. For example, try using one section of dough with coffee flavoring and another infused with almond paste!
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Once you’ve separated your dough into desired flavors, roll out each section to roughly a quarter-inch thickness and create a braid or twist alternating colors on each layer (you can really get creative here).
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Fold and gently place braided dough into cake tin/ring or bundt pan, making sure to stretch the bottom layer across evenly without breaking up any decorative lines on top of the twisted dough. Use any scraps to create visual interest on top!
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Alternatively, take a peek at other time-honored traditions and try your hand at crafting a tea ring or Almond Puff Pastry.
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Allow braided dough to sit for an additional 30 minutes, giving it a chance to rise.
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Bake for approximately 30 minutes, glazing with powdered sugar and butter mixture when done.
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Let cool completely before slicing into thick, decadent pieces – sit back, savor each bite, and have another cup of joe!
Substitutions and Variations
There are various substitutions and variations that you can try with this Scandinavian coffee cake recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:
– Flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier option.
– Butter: You can substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option, or swap half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version.
– Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, try reducing the amount of sugar. Alternatively, you can use brown sugar, honey or maple syrup as a substitute.
– Milk: You can use any type of milk, including almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a vegan option.
– Cardamom: If you don’t have cardamom on hand, you can replace it with cinnamon for a classic cinnamon coffee cake.
– Eggs: For an eggless version, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg), mashed bananas, or applesauce.
– Almond Flour: In place of all-purpose flour and to add more nutty flavor in the cake try using almond flour
Additionally, you can add some extra ingredients to change up the flavor of your coffee cake. Some popular variations include:
– Swedish Blueberry Cake: Fold in fresh blueberries into batter before pouring into the cake ring
– Scandinavian Almond Cake Pan: Instead of coffee add almond extract to batter at around 1 teaspoon
– Gold Cake with Cardamom Coffee Glaze: Top cake with gold leaf & brush glaze of cardamom syrup on top
Whatever substitution or variation you choose, always remember to measure ingredients accurately and adjust cooking time as necessary to ensure perfect results every time!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing the delectable Scandinavian coffee cake, there are several ways to get creative. This cake has a unique taste and texture that can make it a versatile pairing option. It is perfect for breakfast, as a snack or even a dessert.
The Swedish coffee cake can be served as is or with different toppings. Some people prefer a dusting of powdered sugar on top, while others go for a drizzle of sweet glaze. Alternatively, you could serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, which would pair perfectly with the cake’s rich and nutty flavors.
Another option is to pair this coffee cake with a cup of aromatic coffee or tea. The cardamom in the recipe makes it an excellent match for spicy chai tea or even cardamom coffee. Black coffee lovers may also enjoy the taste contrast between the dark-roasted coffee and the light sweetness of almond flour in the cake.
If you want to take things to another level, try serving this cake in the traditional way – as a tea ring! A tea ring is a wreath-shaped pastry that has been filled with various fillings. In this case, you can fill it up with any preserves of your choice such as raspberry or blueberry jam to further enhance its sweet taste.
Lastly, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, pair this Scandinavian almond cake with other Swedish delicacies such as frasvåfflor (Swedish waffles) or semlor (cardamom almond buns).
In conclusion, feel free to experiment and think outside the box when it comes to serving and pairing your Scandinavian Coffee Cake! It is undoubtedly an indulgent treat that can be appreciated all year round.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Scandinavian coffee cake is perfect for making ahead of time, as it can stay fresh for a few days. To store the coffee cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature. However, if you want to keep it longer or prevent it from becoming hard, place it in the fridge.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and cover the coffee cake with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake it for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. Alternatively, if you prefer to reheat individual slices of the coffee cake, you could use the microwave on low heat for about 20 seconds. However, make sure not to overheat it, as it could dry out.
If you decide to make this coffee cake ahead of time or store leftovers, note that powdered sugar should only be added right before serving. The same goes for any toppings or glazes; only add them right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Overall, with its long shelf life and easy reheating process, Scandinavian coffee cake takes away much of the stress involved in preparing special treats ahead of time. It’s the perfect recipe for busy people who want delicious options at hand!
Tips for Perfect Results
Scandinavian Coffee Cake Recipe comes with its own unique baking techniques that require a little bit of attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure that your Scandinavian Coffee Cake will be perfect every time.
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For best results, take the eggs and butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before using them in this recipe. Allow them to come to room temperature as this will help them blend together more easily.
2. Don’t Overmix
When mixing the batter, use a spatula or wooden spoon and mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a denser cake.
3. Use Fresh Yeast
Using fresh yeast instead of instant yeast is recommended for this recipe as it will give the cake a lighter texture and a more delicate flavor.
4. Measure Your Ingredients Properly
Be sure to accurately measure out all of your ingredients using measuring cups and spoons. Especially when it comes to flour, too much or too little can significantly affect the end result.
5. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients used in this recipe will have a significant impact on the final result. Try to use high-quality butter, flour, and other ingredients for the best taste.
6. Adjust the Oven Temperature
Different ovens cook differently, so you may need to adjust your oven temperature up or down slightly to get perfect results. Try reducing the oven temperature by 25 degrees F and increase baking time slightly if you find that your cake is browning too quickly.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Scandinavian Coffee Cake recipe turns out perfectly every time – deliciously moist, soft, and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Scandinavian Coffee Cake Recipe is a delectable treat that should not be missed. With its buttery, soft texture and delicious cardamom flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion or as an indulgent treat for yourself. The recipe is easy to follow with plenty of room for substitutions and variations. It is also easy to store and reheat, making it a great option for meal prep.
If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying coffee cake recipe that will surely delight your taste buds, try this Scandivanian Coffee Cake recipe today! Don’t hesitate to make this recipe a regular in your baking repertoire as it is one of the best Scandinavian cake recipes out there.
So, whether you choose to serve it at a party or indulge in it on your own, this cake is sure to bring happiness into your life. Treat yourself or surprise your friends and loved ones with this scrumptious dessert – they won’t be disappointed!
Scandinavian Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup lingonberry preserves (or your favourite)
Topping
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almond meal (just grind up some blanched almonds in your processor to a coarse crumb)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or 1 tablespoon cream
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Place 1 1/2 cups flour in large bowl; cut in 3/4 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3 tablespoons water with fork until flour mixture is just moistened. Press dough into a ball. Pat dough into 10-inch circle onto ungreased baking sheet. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge. Set aside.
- Combine 1 1/4 cups water and 1/2 cup butter in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and butter is melted (careful milk does not overflow). Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup flour, almond meal, sugar and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture forms a ball (about 1 minute). Remove from heat. Add eggs, one at a time, beating with wire whisk or wooden spoon until smooth and glossy.
- Spread egg mixture over pastry and preserves. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until surface is crisp and golden. Cool completely (topping rises during baking and shrinks during cooling, forming custard-like layer).
- Stir powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in small bowl until well mixed. Add enough milk or cream for desired glazing consistency. Drizzle glaze over puff; sprinkle with sliced, toasted almonds.