Sweetheart Coffee Cake
A sweet, flavorful coffee cake featuring a cinnamon-nut filling and a sugary glaze, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix dry yeast with warm water and let it sit until bubbly.
- Combine hot scalded milk, melted butter, 1/3 cup sugar, salt, and unbeaten eggs. Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add 4 1/2 to 5 cups flour, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with chopped nuts mixed with cinnamon and remaining sugar.
- Roll up the dough tightly, then cut into slices or shape as desired. Place in a greased baking pan.
- Let the shaped dough rise again until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- After baking, drizzle with a mixture of powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk to make the glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of water to activate the yeast. If you're out of active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast without needing to proof it. For a nut-free version, substitute chopped nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Ensure the dough rises in a warm environment; preheating your oven briefly and turning it off can create a perfect space.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweetheart Coffee Cake is perfect for brunch or as a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit platter or a pot of your favorite coffee for a complete experience. It pairs beautifully with Jam Dandy Coffee Cake for a sweet treat spread at gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sweetheart Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through, ensuring it retains its soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweetheart Coffee Cake contains roughly 699 calories, with 8g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% 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 a day in advance. After the first rise, shape it and place it in the baking pan, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to rise again.
What can I substitute for the nuts?
If you prefer not to use nuts, you can simply omit them or replace them with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness and texture. Alternatively, seeds such as chia or flax can provide a nice crunch without the nut flavor.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
The coffee cake is done when it's golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you're unsure, it's better to check a few minutes earlier than the suggested baking time to avoid overcooking.
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).