Merk'S Coffeecake
A moist, flavorful coffeecake featuring cinnamon, nuts, and a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and vanilla thoroughly.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift flour, baking soda, and cinnamon together.
- Add to creamed mixture and mix well.
- Spread half of batter in a greased 10-inch tube pan lined with wax paper.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.
- Add chopped nuts and mix well.
- Sprinkle half of this nut mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Spread remaining batter over the nut mixture.
- Sprinkle remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with applesauce or Greek yogurt. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt can work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Merk's Coffeecake warm or at room temperature, ideally with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful brunch. It pairs beautifully with Addie'S Spinach Casserole for a well-rounded meal. You can also top it with a drizzle of glaze or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coffeecake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merk'S Coffeecake contains roughly 675 calories, with 2g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chopped walnuts or pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even seeds if you prefer a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
What can I do if my coffeecake is too dry?
If your coffeecake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To prevent this, check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If it's already baked and dry, serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream to add moisture.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can make this coffeecake healthier by using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reducing the sugar amount, or substituting some of the fat with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, incorporating fruits like mashed bananas or shredded zucchini can boost the nutritional content.
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).