French Coffee Cake Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour (45 minutes cook time, 15 minutes prep time)
Category: Breads
Servings: 1 coffee cake (approximately 12 servings)
This French Coffee Cake recipe comes from an Episcopal Church cookbook from St. John’s/Divine in NYC, and it has since become a family favorite. It is a delightful treat that isn’t overly sweet but offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. With a soft, moist crumb and a hint of coffee flavor, this cake makes an excellent choice for breakfast or a midday snack with your favorite cup of coffee.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cake flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Margarine | 1/2 cup (softened) |
| Eggs | 2 (large) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar (for filling) | 1 cup |
| Instant coffee powder | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2898.2 kcal (for entire cake) |
| Fat | 103.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 39.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 491.6 mg |
| Sodium | 2489.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 452.7 g |
| Fiber | 5.7 g |
| Sugar | 234.6 g |
| Protein | 41.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting the cake flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a medium-sized bowl. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly combined and that any lumps in the flour are broken up. -
Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and margarine until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft and tender cake. Once creamed, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. -
Alternate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Begin adding the dry ingredients mixture and sour cream to the creamed mixture, alternating between them. Start by adding a quarter of the flour mixture, followed by a third of the sour cream. Continue this alternating process until all the flour and sour cream are incorporated, ending with the flour mixture. -
Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract and blend it thoroughly into the batter. -
Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure the cake won’t stick during baking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra ease. -
Layer the Batter
Pour one-third of the prepared batter into the loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the sugar and instant coffee filling over the batter. This filling adds a rich, coffee-flavored swirl to the cake. -
Layer the Remaining Batter
Add another third of the batter, followed by the remaining sugar and coffee filling. Top it off with the final third of the batter, ensuring the filling is covered. -
Marble the Cake
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the batter to create a marble effect. This not only gives the cake an attractive appearance but also ensures the coffee filling is evenly distributed throughout the cake. -
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
This French Coffee Cake is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, served with a steaming mug of coffee or tea. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit or a side of whipped cream. Its light sweetness and delicate coffee flavor also make it an ideal treat for an afternoon snack.
Enjoy this simple yet delicious French Coffee Cake, which is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
