Sunshine Coffee Cake
A bright and flavorful coffee cake featuring orange and jelly swirls, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings that enjoy a sweet, citrusy treat with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of the flour and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat milk, sugar, shortening, and salt until warm (115° to 120°) and shortening is almost melted, stirring constantly.
- Add the warm mixture to the flour-yeast mixture; stir in the egg and orange peel.
- Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the assorted jellies over the dough and sprinkle with powdered sugar mixed with orange juice and vanilla.
- Roll up the dough jelly-side in, sealing the edges.
- Place the roll in a greased baking pan, and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and vanilla to make glaze; drizzle over the warm cake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your milk is warm but not too hot when activating the yeast. If you don't have orange peel, you can substitute with lemon zest for a different flavor. This cake can also benefit from a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the jelly filling. Consider using a mix of your favorite jellies for a unique twist, similar to what you might do in a Fresh Blueberry Crunch Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sunshine Coffee Cake warm, drizzled with the glaze for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. This cake can also be a delightful addition to a brunch spread, alongside other sweet treats like Chocolate Chip Pecan Mounds or Lemon Pie Or Tarts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warm to enjoy the fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunshine Coffee Cake contains roughly 514 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% 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 make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, let it come to room temperature, then proceed with the jelly filling and baking. This method will enhance the flavors and save you time in the morning.
What kind of jellies work best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of jellies such as grape, raspberry, or apricot. The key is to choose jellies that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the orange flavors. Mixing different jellies can also create a unique taste.
Can I freeze the Sunshine Coffee Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
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).