Merk'S Coffee Cake
Merk'S Coffee Cake is a moist, flavorful treat featuring a tender crumb layered with cinnamon-spiced nut filling. Its rich aroma and sweet, crunchy topping make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, appealing to those who love classic coffee cake with a hint of nutty warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Add eggs, singly, beating well after each addition.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda together.
- Add to creamed mixture, alternating with sour cream, blending after each addition.
- Spread half of batter in a greased 10-inch tube pan lined with waxed paper on the bottom.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.
- Add chopped nuts; mix well.
- Dot batter in the pan evenly with half of the nut mixture.
- Cover with remaining batter. Dot with remaining nut mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a lighter texture, ensure that your shortening and sugar are creamed thoroughly until fluffy. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt or applesauce. For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This coffee cake is great enjoyed with a cup of coffee or alongside a slice of Harvest Apple Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This coffee cake is perfect for brunch or as a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Winks for a sweet dessert table, or you can enjoy it with a side of fresh fruit for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merk'S Coffee Cake contains roughly 745 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% 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 flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that the texture may be denser. You can also use gluten-free flour blends if you're looking for a gluten-free version, but make sure to check the blend's instructions for best results.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your coffee cake turns out too dry, it's possible that it was overbaked or that the batter didn't have enough moisture. To remedy this, you can add a glaze made with powdered sugar and milk on top to introduce moisture, or serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream to balance the texture.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your coffee cake, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. You can also mix in some grated lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create a unique taste profile.
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).