Ah, the aroma of warm spices and tender crumb cake… nothing quite evokes the comfort of home like a classic New England coffee cake. This isn't just any recipe; this is my grandma's recipe, passed down through generations, and it's a treasure I'm thrilled to share with you. This recipe isn't just about baking; it's about connecting with family history and creating delicious memories. Get ready to bake a piece of New England history into your kitchen!
What Makes a New England Coffee Cake Special?
Before we dive into the recipe itself, let's talk about what truly defines a New England coffee cake. While variations exist across the region, several key elements usually stand out:
- Crumb Topping: The defining characteristic is the generous, buttery, and often spiced crumb topping. This isn't a simple streusel; it's a substantial layer of delightful crunch.
- Spices: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes even cardamom, are integral to the flavor profile. They add depth and complexity that perfectly complements the cake's sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: New England cooking often emphasizes simplicity and using high-quality, readily available ingredients. This cake is no exception.
- Moist Crumb: The cake itself should be moist and tender, providing a wonderful contrast to the crisp crumb topping.
My Grandma's Secret Ingredient: A Touch of Love (and maybe a bit of sour cream)
Grandma always said the secret ingredient was a pinch of love, and while that's undeniably true, she also added a dollop of sour cream to the batter. This little addition contributes significantly to the cake's incredible moistness and subtle tang. It's a game-changer!
Grandma's New England Coffee Cake Recipe
Yields: 12 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
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 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients gradually: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in sour cream: Gently fold in the sour cream.
- Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk provides the best flavor and texture, you can substitute it with 1 cup of regular milk mixed with 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 cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What variations can I make to this recipe?
You can experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice. Adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping or batter is another delicious option. You could also use different types of sugar, such as coconut sugar, for a unique twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, making it unsuitable for those with gluten sensitivities. However, you can adapt it by substituting gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be aware that results might slightly differ.
This recipe is more than just a coffee cake; it's a piece of my family's history, baked with love and shared with you. Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how your Grandma's New England Coffee Cake turns out!
