Sourdough Coffee Cake: A Deliciously Tangy Twist on a Classic
Coffee cake is a beloved classic for a reason: it’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. But have you ever considered adding a sourdough twist? This sourdough coffee cake recipe takes the traditional flavors you love and elevates them with the subtle tang and complex flavor of sourdough. The result is a coffee cake that’s incredibly moist, tender, and utterly irresistible. This recipe includes detailed steps and instructions for making your own sourdough coffee cake at home.
## Why Sourdough in Coffee Cake?
Using sourdough starter in coffee cake might seem unconventional, but it offers several benefits:
* **Enhanced Flavor:** Sourdough starter adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cake and streusel. This complexity of flavor is what makes it so unique.
* **Improved Texture:** The acidity in sourdough helps to break down gluten, resulting in a more tender and moist cake. It also contributes to a slightly chewy texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
* **Extended Shelf Life:** Sourdough acts as a natural preservative, helping to keep your coffee cake fresh for longer.
* **Digestibility:** The fermentation process in sourdough makes it easier to digest compared to breads and cakes made without sourdough.
## Understanding Your Sourdough Starter
Before diving into the recipe, let’s briefly discuss sourdough starter. Your starter is a living culture of wild yeasts and bacteria. Its activity directly impacts the rise and flavor of your baked goods.
* **Consistency is Key:** A healthy, active starter is crucial. It should be bubbly, doubled in size after feeding, and have a slightly tangy aroma.
* **Feeding Schedule:** Maintain a regular feeding schedule. If you bake frequently, keep your starter at room temperature and feed it daily. If not, store it in the refrigerator and feed it weekly.
* **Discard or Use:** When feeding your starter, you’ll typically discard some of the old starter. This recipe utilizes some of that discard, minimizing waste and adding flavor. Don’t use moldy or off-smelling discard.
## The Ultimate Sourdough Coffee Cake Recipe
This recipe is divided into three main components: the cake batter, the streusel topping, and the optional glaze. Each part contributes to the overall deliciousness of the coffee cake.
**Yields:** 1 (9×13 inch) coffee cake
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Rise time:** 1-2 hours
**Bake time:** 35-40 minutes
### Ingredients
**For the Cake Batter:**
* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard, unfed (at room temperature)
**For the Streusel Topping:**
* 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
**For the Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Equipment
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
2. Add the cold, cubed butter. 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 rubbing the butter into the flour mixture until it’s evenly distributed and crumbly. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tough streusel. If the butter begins to melt, place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up.
3. Set the streusel topping aside.
**Step 2: Make the Cake Batter**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures easy removal after baking. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is crucial to evenly distribute these ingredients, ensuring a consistent rise and texture in the cake. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a light and airy base for the cake. Use an electric mixer for best results, beating for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and texture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding the eggs one at a time allows each egg to fully incorporate into the batter, creating a smooth and emulsified mixture. Stirring in the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
5. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and sourdough discard. Whisk until somewhat combined. The buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, while the sourdough discard contributes its characteristic tang. Combining them beforehand ensures even distribution in the batter.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk-sourdough mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This ensures that the batter remains smooth and prevents overmixing. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
**Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Coffee Cake**
1. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter. Distribute the streusel topping uniformly across the surface of the batter. This ensures that each slice of coffee cake has a generous amount of the delicious topping.
2. Let the assembled coffee cake rise for 1-2 hours in a warm place. This step is crucial to allow the sourdough to work its magic, adding to the overall flavor and texture of the cake. The rise time will vary depending on the activity of your starter and the temperature of your environment. Look for a slight increase in volume and some visible bubbles on the surface of the batter.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again. The top of the cake should be golden brown and the streusel topping should be nicely browned.
4. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan prevents it from crumbling when you cut into it. It also allows the flavors to meld together. Serve warm or at room temperature.
**Step 4: Prepare the Optional Glaze (While the cake is cooling)**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk or cream and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake. Use a spoon or fork to drizzle the glaze evenly over the surface of the cake. The glaze will add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
### Tips for Success
* **Use a kitchen scale:** For the most accurate measurements, especially when baking, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients.
* **Room temperature ingredients:** Ensure that your butter, eggs, buttermilk, and sourdough discard are at room temperature. This helps them to emulsify properly and create a smoother batter.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Adjust sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet coffee cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or streusel topping.
* **Add nuts:** Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for added flavor and texture.
* **Experiment with spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices in the streusel topping, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
* **Storage:** Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the coffee cake for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the coffee cake, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or microwave individual slices for a few seconds.
### Variations
* **Fruit Coffee Cake:** Add fresh or frozen fruit to the batter, such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples.
* **Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake:** Fold chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nutella Coffee Cake:** Swirl Nutella into the batter before baking.
* **Lemon Coffee Cake:** Add lemon zest and juice to the batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Coffee Cake:** Replace the granulated sugar in the streusel topping with maple sugar for a rich, maple flavor.
### Troubleshooting
* **Cake is dry:** Make sure you’re not overbaking the cake. Also, ensure that you’re using enough liquid in the batter.
* **Cake is not rising:** Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, ensure that your sourdough starter is active.
* **Streusel is too dry:** Add a little more melted butter to the streusel mixture.
* **Streusel is too wet:** Add a little more flour to the streusel mixture.
### Serving Suggestions
* Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Enjoy as a breakfast treat, brunch item, or dessert.
* Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a complete meal.
* Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
### The Sourdough Difference
The real magic of this coffee cake lies in the sourdough starter. The slight tanginess it imparts cuts through the sweetness, creating a more balanced and complex flavor profile. It also contributes to the cake’s incredibly moist and tender texture.
## Conclusion
This sourdough coffee cake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. The addition of sourdough starter elevates the flavor and texture, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sourdough coffee cake heaven!