Sally McKenney's blog, Sally's Baking Addiction, is a haven for baking enthusiasts, and her coffee cake recipe is a prime example of why. This isn't just a coffee cake; it's the coffee cake, lauded for its moist crumb, melt-in-your-mouth streusel topping, and overall deliciousness. This article will delve into the recipe's specifics, explore variations, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What Makes Sally's Coffee Cake So Special?
Sally's recipe stands out due to a few key elements:
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The Crumb: The cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, achieving that perfect balance between dense and fluffy. This is often attributed to the precise ratio of wet and dry ingredients, and the careful incorporation of butter.
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The Streusel Topping: The streusel is the star of the show for many. It's perfectly crisp and buttery, offering a delightful contrast to the soft cake beneath. The use of both brown and granulated sugar contributes to the complex flavor profile.
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The Flavor Profile: It's not overly sweet, allowing the subtle notes of cinnamon and the inherent richness of the cake to shine through. This makes it a versatile dessert, suitable for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
What Ingredients Are in Sally's Coffee Cake?
The core ingredients are fairly standard for a coffee cake, but the precise measurements and Sally's techniques elevate the result:
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Sally specifies unsalted butter, allowing for better control over the sweetness.
- Sugar: A combination of granulated and brown sugar provides both sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
- Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents that create a light and airy texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- Streusel Topping: A mixture of flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates the signature crunchy topping.
How Do I Make Sally's Coffee Cake?
While a detailed walkthrough is best found on Sally's Baking Addiction website (we won't provide direct links here, per your instructions), the process generally involves:
- Making the cake batter: Creaming together the butter and sugars, adding the eggs, and then gently incorporating the dry ingredients.
- Preparing the streusel: Combining the streusel ingredients until they form coarse crumbs.
- Assembling the cake: Pouring the batter into a prepared pan, topping with the streusel, and baking.
- Cooling and serving: Allowing the cake to cool completely before serving.
Can I Make Sally's Coffee Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, Sally's coffee cake holds up well. It can be baked a day or two ahead of time and stored at room temperature, covered, or in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or bringing to gatherings.
What Variations Can I Make to Sally's Coffee Cake?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Many bakers have experimented with variations, including:
- Adding nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add texture and flavor.
- Different spices: Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice alongside cinnamon.
- Citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing brightness.
- Chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, add chocolate chips to the batter.
Is Sally's Coffee Cake Gluten-Free?
Sally's original recipe is not inherently gluten-free. However, many bakers have successfully adapted it using gluten-free flour blends. It's crucial to use a blend specifically designed for baking to achieve the best results. Experimentation may be necessary to find the right blend for your desired texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Sally's Coffee Cake?
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
By following Sally's meticulous instructions and perhaps experimenting with some variations, you can create a coffee cake that will impress even the most discerning palates. Remember, the key to success lies in carefully measuring the ingredients and following the steps diligently. Happy baking!
