Peach Jam Coffee Cake: A Sweet Start to Your Day
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked coffee cake wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s infused with the sweet, summery flavor of peaches. This Peach Jam Coffee Cake recipe combines the comforting warmth of a classic coffee cake with the vibrant taste of homemade or store-bought peach jam, creating a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. The moist, tender crumb, the streusel topping’s irresistible crunch, and the burst of peach flavor in every bite make this cake an instant favorite.
This recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find the instructions clear and easy to follow. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the batter to assembling the streusel topping and finally, baking the cake to golden perfection. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a delicious baking adventure!
## Why Peach Jam Coffee Cake?
Coffee cake is a beloved classic for good reason. It’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. The addition of peach jam elevates this humble cake to new heights. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
* **Flavor Combination:** The sweetness of the peach jam complements the buttery, slightly tangy flavor of the coffee cake perfectly. It’s a delightful balance that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Texture Contrast:** The moist, tender crumb of the cake is beautifully contrasted by the crunchy, crumbly streusel topping. This textural interplay adds another layer of enjoyment to each bite.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Even beginner bakers can achieve excellent results.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack any time of day. It’s also a great make-ahead option, perfect for entertaining.
* **Perfect for Peach Season:** If you have an abundance of fresh peaches, making peach jam and then using it in this cake is a fantastic way to savor the flavors of summer all year round.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and the streusel topping:
### For the Cake:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g). Provides the structure for the cake. Use good quality all-purpose flour.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 ½ cups (300g). Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness.
* **Baking Powder:** 2 teaspoons. Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy.
* **Baking Soda:** ½ teaspoon. Helps to tenderize the cake and reacts with the buttermilk to create a lighter texture.
* **Salt:** ½ teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (1 stick, 113g), softened. Adds richness and flavor to the cake. Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the cake.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 ¼ cups (300ml). Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ¼ cups of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
* **Peach Jam:** 1 cup (280g). The star of the show! Use your favorite homemade or store-bought peach jam.
### For the Streusel Topping:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** ¾ cup (90g).
* **Brown Sugar:** ½ cup (100g), packed. Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the streusel.
* **Granulated Sugar:** ¼ cup (50g). Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp topping.
* **Cold Unsalted Butter:** ½ cup (1 stick, 113g), cut into small cubes. The cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly streusel.
* **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional):** ½ cup (50g). Adds extra crunch and flavor to the streusel. These can be omitted for a nut-free version.
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and spice to the streusel.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the streusel.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** This is the standard size for a coffee cake. You can also use two 8-inch square pans.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the batter and the streusel topping.
* **Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld):** To cream the butter and sugar and mix the batter.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Rubber Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the peach jam.
* **Whisk:** For combining the dry ingredients.
* **Pastry Blender or Fork:** For cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients for the streusel.
* **Oven:** Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious Peach Jam Coffee Cake.
### Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process involves pressing and blending the butter into the flour until small, pea-sized clumps form. If using your fingers, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
5. Set the streusel topping aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the cake batter. This will help keep the butter cold and prevent the streusel from melting during baking.
### Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures even leavening and a consistent texture.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a tender cake. Use an electric mixer (stand or handheld) for best results. Creaming should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter. If the batter looks curdled at any point, don’t worry. It will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. For example, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then 1/2 of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then the remaining 1/2 of the buttermilk, and finally the remaining 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser texture.
8. Gently fold in the peach jam. Use a rubber spatula to gently incorporate the jam into the batter, being careful not to overmix. You want to distribute the jam evenly throughout the batter without completely blending it in. This will create pockets of delicious peach flavor in the finished cake.
### Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Cake
1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake with the streusel for maximum flavor and texture.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake and check it frequently. The cake should be golden brown on top and the streusel topping should be nicely browned.
4. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the cake to set slightly and make it easier to cut.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, will help the batter come together more easily and create a more even texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Cold Butter for the Streusel:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly streusel topping. If the butter is too soft, the streusel will melt during baking and won’t have the desired texture.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let the Cake Cool Before Slicing:** Letting the cake cool slightly before slicing will make it easier to cut and prevent it from crumbling.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Use Different Jams:** Feel free to experiment with other types of jam, such as apricot, raspberry, or strawberry. Each jam will impart a unique flavor to the cake.
* **Add Fresh Peaches:** For an even more intense peach flavor, add diced fresh peaches to the batter along with the peach jam.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that is specifically designed for baking.
* **Add a Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Substitute Yogurt for Buttermilk:** If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute plain yogurt. Use the same amount as the buttermilk in the recipe.
## Serving Suggestions
This Peach Jam Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Warm:** Serve the cake warm, either straight from the oven or reheated slightly.
* **With Ice Cream:** Top a slice of warm coffee cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** This cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **For Brunch:** Include it as part of a brunch spread with other savory and sweet dishes.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Peach Jam Recipe (Optional)
If you want to make your own peach jam for this recipe, here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups peeled and chopped peaches
* 4 cups granulated sugar
* ¼ cup lemon juice
* 1 package powdered pectin
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine the peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and pectin.
3. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring constantly.
4. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
6. Ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
7. Wipe the jar rims clean and place the lids and rings on the jars.
8. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
9. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Check for proper sealing.
## Conclusion
This Peach Jam Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb, crunchy streusel topping, and burst of peach flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and bake up a batch of this delicious Peach Jam Coffee Cake today! You won’t be disappointed.
Happy Baking!