St. James Coffee Cake
A moist, flavorful coffee cake with raisins and walnuts, featuring warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, appealing to those who love classic, comforting baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg together.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of this mixture for topping.
- Combine buttermilk and baking soda.
- Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients in halves, beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Spread the batter in a greased and floured 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. Ensure the flour is properly sifted before measuring to avoid a dense cake. If you prefer nuts, feel free to use pecans instead of walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with this cake, making it a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lemon Cream Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover St. James 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 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of St. James Coffee Cake contains roughly 504 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk to create a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before adding it to the recipe. This will help achieve a similar tangy flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time and store it as described above, then reheat when ready to serve.
Can I omit the raisins or nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the raisins or nuts if you prefer a plain coffee cake. Alternatively, you can substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you adjust the quantity based on your preference.
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).