Coffee Kuchen: Nostalgic Coffee-Flavored Crumb Cakes
This delightful Coffee Kuchen recipe, passed down from my mother, brings back cherished memories of my childhood, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled our home. Featured in a quaint little booklet titled “Fun with Coffee” from the 1950s, these crumb cakes combine the rich essence of coffee with a tender crumb, making them a perfect treat for any coffee lover. In just under an hour, you can create these scrumptious muffins that pair beautifully with your morning coffee or serve as a delightful afternoon snack.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Category | Quick Breads |
| Servings | 12 muffins |
| Rating | 5/5 based on 1 review |
| Calories per muffin | 347.3 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 3 teaspoons |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 2 cups |
| Vegetable shortening | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Evaporated milk | ½ cup |
| Baking soda | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per muffin)
| Nutrient | Content |
|---|---|
| Calories | 347.3 |
| Total Fat | 9.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 58.6 mg |
| Sodium | 191.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 61.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 35.4 g |
| Protein | 5.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and rise perfectly.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of brown sugar. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar to ensure even distribution.
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Cut in the Fats: Next, cut in ½ cup of vegetable shortening and ½ cup of unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a light and fluffy texture that will give your muffins their signature crumb.
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Reserve for Topping: Set aside 1 cup of this crumb mixture for topping your muffins later. This will create a delightful crunchy layer on top of the soft muffins.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the coffee (brewed and cooled), ½ cup of evaporated milk, and ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well to create a rich, coffee-flavored liquid.
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Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the coffee mixture into the remaining flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined. The key here is to mix until the dry ingredients are moistened, but avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and tender.
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Add the Eggs: Beat 2 large eggs in a small bowl, then fold them into the muffin batter, ensuring they are evenly incorporated.
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Fill the Muffin Cups: Line your muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Spoon the batter into each cup, filling them halfway to two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
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Prepare the Topping: To the reserved crumb mixture, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly, then sprinkle this cinnamon crumb topping generously over the muffin batter in each cup.
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Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a muffin.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once baked to a golden perfection, remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of coffee and crumb flavors that will surely bring joy to your day.
These Coffee Kuchen muffins are not just a treat for coffee lovers but also a nostalgic bite of childhood. They make for an excellent breakfast option or a delicious snack at any time of the day. Enjoy making and sharing this cherished family recipe with your loved ones, and let the comforting aroma of coffee fill your kitchen.
