Indiana Heath Brunch Coffee Cake
A delicious brunch coffee cake featuring crunchy Heath bar topping, perfect for sharing with friends or family, with sweet, nutty flavors and a moist tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and brown sugar with a fork or pastry blender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture.
- Add buttermilk, baking soda, egg, and vanilla to the remaining mixture and blend well.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13 x 2-inch cake pan.
- Mix together the crushed Heath bars and nuts.
- Add to the reserved 1/2 cup of mixture and sprinkle over the top of the batter.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with cream cheese. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. To enhance the texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the batter. Serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. This cake is a delightful addition to your brunch spread, especially alongside other dessert breads.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. Pair it with fresh fruit like berries or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect brunch experience, making it a wonderful companion to the famous corn casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indiana Heath Brunch Coffee Cake contains roughly 536 calories, with 4g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% 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 a different type of candy bar instead of Heath bars?
Yes, you can substitute Heath bars with any toffee or chocolate candy bar you prefer, such as Skor bars or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the candy is finely crushed so it integrates well into the topping.
What if I don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan?
If you don't have a 9 x 13-inch pan, you can use two 8-inch round cake pans instead. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier, as the batter will be spread thinner and may cook faster.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. Just add the Heath bar topping right before baking. Alternatively, bake the cake ahead of time, store it covered, and reheat when ready to serve, making it a convenient option for gatherings.
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).