Pinwheel Coffee Cake
Pinwheel Coffee Cake features a soft, yeasted dough twisted with dried fruits and nuts, creating an attractive braided appearance. Its sweet, nutty flavor pairs well with coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour and measure out 3 cups.
- Scald milk in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, salt, and shortening. Cool until lukewarm.
- Pour warm water into a bowl; sprinkle yeast in and stir until dissolved.
- Add the lukewarm mixture and eggs; mix well.
- Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until the mixture is a soft, pliable ball.
- Sprinkle remaining flour on a board and knead the mixture until firm.
- Place in a greased bowl and cover with a dish towel.
- Keep in a warm place and let rise until doubled in bulk.
- Put the dough back on a floured board and knead again.
- Divide the dough into 3 equal-sized balls.
- Add raisins, candied fruits, and nuts to each ball.
- Shape each ball into a long cone.
- Place the cones side by side and braid them like hair.
- Place the braided dough in a greased bread pan.
- Let rise again for approximately 1 hour.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Make a glaze of milk and powdered sugar and drizzle over the warm coffee cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. If you don't have shortening, butter can be a suitable substitute. Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough can enhance the overall taste. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour while kneading until it reaches the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This pinwheel coffee cake is delightful served warm and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive twist, serve it alongside a fruit salad, such as Daiquiri Fruit Salad, for a refreshing contrast. It's perfect for brunch or as a sweet treat during afternoon gatherings. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheel coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pinwheel Coffee Cake contains roughly 334 calories, with 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 907mg per serving (39% 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 fruits in the pinwheel coffee cake?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different dried fruits like currants, cranberries, or even chopped dried apricots. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on your preference, keeping in mind the overall balance of flavors in the cake.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and check the water temperature when activating it; it should be warm but not hot. If the dough is still too cool, place it in a warmer location or near a preheated oven for better results.
Can I freeze the pinwheel coffee cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the entire coffee cake or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, ensuring it's well-sealed. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or warm it in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
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).