Barbara'S Coffee Cake
Barbara's Coffee Cake is a moist, tender dessert with a sweet crumb topping, perfect for breakfast or tea, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour and sugar in a bowl and add margarine, cutting together with a knife as for pastry.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping.
- To the remaining mixture, add baking powder, evaporated milk, vanilla, and eggs.
- Mix together well. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved topping over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 to 35 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter can enhance the taste. If you want to make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is delightful for breakfast or brunch and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, making it an enjoyable dessert option as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara'S Coffee Cake contains roughly 335 calories, with 1g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 949mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for evaporated milk in this recipe. However, to achieve a similar richness, consider using whole milk or adding a bit of cream to the regular milk to enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.
Can I add fruits or nuts to the coffee cake?
Absolutely! You can fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts or fruits like blueberries or chopped apples into the batter before pouring it into the pan. This can add a delicious twist and enhance the flavor of the cake.
What can I do if my coffee cake is too dry?
If your coffee cake turns out dry, consider serving it with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of whipped cream to add moisture. For future batches, reduce the baking time slightly or ensure you're not overmixing the batter, which can lead to a denser texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).