Raisin N' Nut Pull-Apart Coffee Cake
A delightful pull-apart coffee cake filled with raisins, pecans, and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, offering moist layers and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, scald the milk and stir in 1/4 cup butter until melted.
- Cool the milk mixture to warm (105° to 115°).
- In a large mixer bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.
- Add the cooled milk mixture, 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, egg, and salt.
- Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until smooth (1 to 2 minutes).
- By hand, stir in enough remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn the greased side up, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).
- The dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of skim. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To enhance the cinnamon flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; if it's older, proof it before adding. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar in the dough or topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious pull-apart coffee cake warm, perhaps drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect brunch item. For a complete breakfast, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. It's also a delightful treat to enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
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 a month. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through for optimal texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin N' Nut Pull-Apart Coffee Cake contains roughly 313 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, but there's no need to dissolve it in warm water first; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients. This can save you a bit of time and still yield a great rise in your coffee cake.
How can I make this coffee cake healthier?
To make a healthier version of this coffee cake, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar by about a third or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Adding in some grated apples or mashed bananas can also boost the nutritional value and moisture.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it might be due to inactive yeast, which can occur if the water was too hot or too cold. Ensure you’re using warm water between 105° to 115°F for the yeast to activate. If the dough still doesn’t rise, try placing it in a warmer area, like near a preheated oven, to encourage rising.
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).