Delicious Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe
Attention coffee and pastry lovers! Today, I am excited to share with you an all-time favorite recipe – the Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe. Nothing beats the aroma of fresh cinnamon and the buttery goodness of coffee cake straight from the oven, paired with a rich cup of coffee.
As a barista, I know how much you love Starbucks classics, and this copycat recipe is no exception. In this article, I’m going to guide you through making your own Starbucks-style coffee cake at home. This recipe is easy to follow and requires basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Not only will you save money by making this coffee cake at home, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of having made it yourself. Plus, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast at home or any time when your sweet tooth needs satisfying.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, let’s get started and make a delicious cup of coffee cake together. Keep reading to discover why this recipe is perfect for you or skip straight to the ingredient list if you’re ready to get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Starbucks Coffee Cake? If so, then you are in for a real treat with this recipe. Not only is it an affordable alternative to splurging at the cafe every morning, but it also tastes just as delicious.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because of its ability to satisfy your sweet tooth without being overwhelmingly sugary. The cinnamon and brown sugar combination gives this cake a warm, comforting flavor that will remind you of cozy mornings at home. Plus, the crunchy topping made with pecans adds an extra layer of texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how easy it is to customize according to your taste preferences. For example, if you’re a fan of blueberry coffee cakes, add some blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. Or try swapping out Greek yogurt for sour cream or using different nuts instead of pecans. The possibilities are endless!
And finally, this coffee cake recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting brunch with family and friends or need a quick breakfast on the go, this recipe can be adapted to fit any situation. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you’ll love this Starbucks Coffee Cake copycat recipe: its delicious flavor, easy customization options, and versatility make it a must-try dish for any coffee lover. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Starbucks Coffee Cake recipe:
- For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Optional add-ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the topping for a nutty crunch.
- For a healthier version:
- The recipe can be made with low-fat Greek yogurt instead of butter for a slightly healthier twist. Also, blueberries can be used as an alternative to the cinnamon topping for a delicious and fresh flavor.
Make sure you have all these ingredients before starting to make your very own Starbucks Coffee Cake!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to the main part of this recipe article – The Recipe How-To! Follow these easy steps and you will have yourself a delicious Starbucks Coffee Cake in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 180°C. Then, take an 8×8 inch greased baking pan, put parchment paper on top, and grease again.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in three large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Alternately, add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup of milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
Take a medium bowl and mix together 3/4 cup of light brown sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spoon half of cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula, then sprinkle half of cinnamon sugar mixture all over. Spoon the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing out again gently with a spatula. Remind yourself that you’re doing great!
Sprinkle the rest of cinnamon sugar mixture evenly all over the top layer. Lastly, sprinkle a handful (or two!) of chopped pecans on top.
Step 5: Bake Your Starbucks Coffee Cake
Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Once it’s done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and powdered sugar if you’d like, and enjoy your homemade Starbucks coffee cake.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest things about this Starbucks coffee cake recipe is that there are so many ways to customize it to fit your tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Pecans: If you don’t like pecans or have a nut allergy, feel free to substitute them with another type of nut like walnuts or almonds, or simply leave them out altogether.
– Greek yogurt: If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could substitute the Greek yogurt with non-fat Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
– Gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– Vegan: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs or vegan egg replacer, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
– Blueberry coffee cake: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter to create a delicious blueberry coffee cake.
– Sweet cinnamon coffee cake: Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter for a full cinnamon flavor.
– Healthy Starbucks copycat: Use low FODMAP sugar and butter alternatives as per requirement. Substitute regular milk with almond milk or any other nut-based milk in case you’re lactose-intolerant.
With these substitutions and variations, you can create different versions of this delicious Starbucks coffee cake recipe that suits your palate and dietary needs. The possibilities are endless! So don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different combinations until you find the perfect variation for you.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made your delicious Starbucks Coffee Cake, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it. Starting with serving suggestions, this cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and also makes a great dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
To enjoy the full cinnamon flavor in every bite, serve it warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or lightly sweetened whipped cream on top. If you are looking for something less sweet, try topping it with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
In terms of pairing, nothing goes better with coffee cake than a great cup of coffee. You can make your own brew at home or grab a coffee from the nearest Starbucks store to elevate the experience.
For those looking for something stronger to round out their meal, try pairing your cake with a glass of milk or iced tea. The rich spices and buttery layers of this cake work well with both sweet and savory flavors. You can also enjoy it as an afternoon snack alongside some fruit and cheese.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Starbucks Coffee Cake, you are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings for something sweet, cinnamon-infused, and deliciously homemade.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Coffee cake is a great make-ahead breakfast or dessert option. You can prepare the cake batter the night before and let it rest in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. This will save you some time and give you a freshly baked cake in the morning. Just pour the batter in the pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Once you have baked the coffee cake, you may store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It may become slightly dry over time, but its flavor will remain delicious. If you have leftovers that you want to preserve longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Reheating your coffee cake is simple and requires minimal effort. You may use your microwave or oven for this task. To reheat it in the oven, just preheat your oven to 350°F and place your desired portion of coffee cake on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can cut a thin slice of coffee cake, place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with damp paper towels, and heat it for about 10-20 seconds or until it’s warm enough for your liking.
One important thing to consider while reheating your coffee cake is not overheat it as it might turn dry or rubbery. A few seconds less or more can make all the difference in texture and flavor.
With these tips, you can enjoy freshly made coffee cake any time of day without worrying about wasting any leftover slices!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Starbucks Coffee Cake, you will need to pay attention to some tips that will make a significant difference in the outcome of your recipe.
First and foremost, always use high-quality ingredients that match the ingredients listed in the recipe. All-purpose flour, for example, is a must-have ingredient as it provides the necessary texture for the cake’s crumb. Using other types of flour may significantly affect the final product by altering its texture and taste.
Secondly, be precise with your measurements. Baking is an exact science, and even small variations in measurements can result in a cake that doesn’t turn out as expected. Use measuring cups and spoons when portioning the ingredients, and remember to level off with a knife or offset spatula.
When mixing your ingredients, take note not to overmix, especially when it comes to flour. Overmixing can result in tough, rubbery cake due to gluten formation. Mix until just combined and then stop.
Another critical tip is observing proper oven temperature to prevent under or over-baking the cake. Before starting your recipe, preheat your oven and place an oven thermometer inside to ensure that the set temperature matches the actual temperature inside.
Finally, brush melted butter on top of the cake after removing it from the oven; this will give it a tasty glaze as well as improve its appearance.
With these tips in mind, you’re on your way to achieving Starbucks Coffee Cake that is just as good or even better than what they offer at their stores!
FAQ
As we near the end of this Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe article, it’s time to address any lingering questions you may have. Here are some frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers to help pave the way for a successful baking experience.
Is Starbucks coffee cake made with coffee?
Starbucks coffee cake doesn’t actually contain any coffee. The main flavors in this cake are cinnamon and brown sugar, which are complemented by a rich and buttery sponge cake. The name “coffee cake” likely comes from the fact that it pairs well with a cup of coffee.
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
Coffee cakes are a unique kind of cake that distinguishes itself from the rest through the use of a streusel topping and the absence of frosting. These cakes can have a glaze on top, but it’s a minor addition. Sometimes, they incorporate a swirl of streusel, and some variations can be made with the inclusion of fruit, nuts, or chocolate.
Is coffee cake supposed to be dipped in coffee?
Coffee cake is not made with coffee as its main ingredient. Despite the name, the cake is typically a sweet and crumbly pastry that is meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, rather than being a coffee-flavored dessert. However, early versions of coffee cake did include coffee in their recipes, but the modern version of the dessert does not contain any coffee.
Why is coffee cake so good?
It’s been found by researchers that coffee and cake are a perfect combination because of the way caffeine affects our taste buds. The presence of caffeine numbs the receptors for sweetness, which leads to a craving for sugary treats to balance it out.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this delicious Starbucks Coffee Cake recipe is a must-try for coffee and cake lovers alike. With its full cinnamon flavor and delectable crumb topping, this cake is the perfect accompaniment to your morning cup of joe or afternoon tea. The best part? You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients.
So why not impress your family and friends with a homemade coffee cake that rivals even the best of Starbucks? With the easy-to-follow directions and helpful tips provided in this article, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients and get to baking!
And for those who require dietary restrictions such as low FODMAP or prefer healthy alternatives, there are many substitutions available that taste just as delicious. You can also experiment with variations such as blueberry coffee cake or try out the copycat recipes of other Starbucks favorites.
Remember, nothing beats the taste of a warm homemade coffee cake fresh from the oven. So ditch the store-bought cakes and try out this amazing Starbucks Coffee Cake recipe today!
Starbucks Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk
Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add this dry mixture to the moist ingredients a little at a time. Add milk and mix well.
- Spoon the batter into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan that has been buttered and dusted with a light coating of flour.
- Make topping by combining 1 cup flour with brown sugar, 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl. Mixture should have the consistency of moist sand. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter. Be sure the topping completely covers the batter. Bake 50 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. Cool.
- Enjoy!