Small Batch Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a small baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add the softened butter, sour cream or Greek yogurt, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the cake batter, covering it completely.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
9. Enjoy! Serve your small batch coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day.

Health Perspective:

1. Moderation: While coffee cake can be a delicious treat, it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its typically high sugar and fat content. Enjoying small portions as an occasional indulgence is key to maintaining a balanced diet.
2. Nutrient Dense Ingredients: Depending on the recipe, coffee cake can provide some nutrients from ingredients like flour, eggs, and dairy (such as sour cream or Greek yogurt). However, it’s often low in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
3. High Sugar and Fat Content: Traditional coffee cake recipes often contain a significant amount of sugar and butter, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of health issues like diabetes and heart disease if consumed excessively.

Nutritional Perspective:

1. Calories: A small serving of coffee cake typically contains around 200-300 calories, with variations based on ingredients and portion size.
2. Fat: Coffee cake can be relatively high in fat, especially saturated fat from ingredients like butter. A single serving may contain 10-15 grams of fat, with some variations depending on the recipe.
3. Sugar: Coffee cake is usually sweetened with granulated sugar, brown sugar, or a combination of both. A single serving can contain 15-30 grams of sugar, contributing to the overall calorie content.
4. Protein: Coffee cake may provide a small amount of protein from ingredients like eggs and dairy. A serving typically contains 3-5 grams of protein.
5. Carbohydrates: The primary source of carbohydrates in coffee cake comes from flour and sugar. A serving may contain 20-40 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the recipe and portion size.
6. Fiber: Coffee cake is generally low in fiber, as it’s typically made with refined flour. Adding whole grain flour or incorporating nuts and seeds into the recipe can increase the fiber content.

Conclusion:

While small batch coffee cake can be a delightful treat for special occasions or as an occasional indulgence, it’s important to be mindful of its high sugar and fat content. Enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while still maintaining overall health and wellness. Additionally, making modifications to the recipe, such as reducing sugar or using healthier fats, can help improve its nutritional profile.

FAQs about Small Batch Coffee Cake Recipe

1. Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
   • Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and flavor of the coffee cake.
2. Can I substitute the sour cream or Greek yogurt with something else?
   • Yes, you can use alternatives like buttermilk or plain yogurt in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt, but it may slightly affect the taste and texture of the cake.
3. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can bake the coffee cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at% room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for longer storage and reheat it in the oven before serving.
4. How can I make this coffee cake healthier?
   • To make the coffee cake healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for some of the butter, and incorporate whole grain flour for added fiber.
5. Can I add nuts or fruits to this coffee cake?
   • Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or diced fruits, such as apples or berries, to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the streusel for added flavor and texture.
6. What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?
   • You can use a small baking dish, such as a 6×6 inch square pan or an 8-inch round pan, for this small batch coffee cake recipe.
7. Can I omit the streusel topping?
   • While the streusel topping adds a delicious crunch and flavor to the coffee cake, you can omit it if desired. The cake will still be tasty without it.
8. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
   • Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may affect the taste and texture of the coffee cake.
9. Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a combination of gluten-free flours to make this coffee cake gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
10. How long does this coffee cake stay fresh?
    • This coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked. However, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, it may start to dry out.