Craving a delightful twist on a classic coffee cake? This Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake recipe brings the beloved coffee shop flavor right into your kitchen. It’s a perfect treat for your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, surprisingly simple to create.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is preferred for its moisture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Standard white sugar works best here.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine can be used as a substitute, but butter offers superior flavor.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: Decaffeinated coffee works just as well if you prefer to avoid caffeine.
- Caramel Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade version.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This ensures your caramel macchiato coffee cake releases easily.
2. Whisk Dry Cake Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Wet Cake Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream and cooled coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Drizzle and Serve
Once the coffee cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, drizzle generously with caramel sauce before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious caramel macchiato coffee cake!
Variation Ideas
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a mocha twist.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt before serving for a salted caramel macchiato flavor.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the streusel mix for an extra coffee kick.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Caramel Macchiato Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this coffee cake a day in advance. Store it at room temperature and drizzle with caramel just before serving.
What kind of coffee should I use?
Use a strong brewed coffee that you enjoy drinking. Regular or decaffeinated will work equally well in this coffee cake recipe.
Can I use milk instead of sour cream?
You can substitute buttermilk for sour cream at a 1:1 ratio. Regular milk might make the cake less tender.
How do I know if the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your coffee cake is ready.
Can I freeze this coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (without the caramel drizzle) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with caramel before serving.
My streusel topping melted into the cake. What happened?
Ensure your butter for the streusel is melted but not hot. Also, make sure to add it over the batter just before baking.