Mary Berry’s coffee cake is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavor of coffee with the sweet, moist texture of a classic cake. This cake is perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon or as a special breakfast treat. In this article, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Mary Berry’s coffee cake, from preparing the ingredients to baking and serving.
Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- Unsalted Butter: 175 grams (or 3/4 cup), softened
- Granulated Sugar: 175 grams (or 3/4 cup)
- Large Eggs: 3, at room temperature
- Self-Rising Flour: 225 grams (or 1 3/4 cups)
- Ground Coffee: 2 tablespoons (use instant coffee or freshly ground coffee beans)
- Milk: 120 milliliters (or 1/2 cup)
For the Streusel Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: 50 grams (or 1/4 cup), chilled and cubed
- Plain Flour: 50 grams (or 1/4 cup)
- Light Brown Sugar: 50 grams (or 1/4 cup), packed
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Demerara Sugar: For sprinkling (optional)
Equipment
To make Mary Berry’s coffee cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cake batter and streusel topping
- Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar and beating in the eggs
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients
- Whisk: For mixing the dry ingredients and milk into the batter
- Spatula: For folding in the streusel topping and transferring the batter to the cake pan
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: For baking the cake
- Parchment Paper: For lining the cake pan
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the cake after baking
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the cake to release easily from the pan after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 3: Beat in the Eggs
Add the large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and ground coffee. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
While the cake batter is mixing, prepare the streusel topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chilled unsalted butter, plain flour, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the streusel topping aside until you’re ready to use it.
Step 6: Add the Streusel Topping
Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared cake pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter. If desired, sprinkle a little demerara sugar over the streusel topping for added crunch and sparkle.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and should spring back to the touch when lightly pressed.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake, then carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Serve the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, slice it into pieces and serve with a cup of coffee or tea. If desired, you can serve the cake with a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize Mary Berry’s coffee cake to your taste:
Coffee Flavor: If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of ground coffee to 3 tablespoons.
Streusel Topping: For a more indulgent streusel topping, you can add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the mixture.
Cake Pan Size: If you don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan, you can use an 8-inch square pan or a loaf pan instead. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of the pan.
Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s coffee cake is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich coffee flavor and crunchy streusel topping, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make a perfect coffee cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So, why not give it a try today? Enjoy your baking!
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