Imagine the best parts of two beloved classics, united in one unforgettable treat. Our Irresistible Shortbread Coffee Cake does just that, bringing together the tender, buttery crispness of shortbread with the comforting, moist texture and crumbly streusel topping of a classic coffee cake. It's the perfect companion for your morning coffee, a delightful brunch centerpiece, or a sweet ending to any meal.
What Makes This Shortbread Coffee Cake So Special?
This isn't just another coffee cake; it's an experience in contrasting textures and harmonious flavors. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a truly exceptional baked good that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The Buttery Shortbread Base
Forget the dry, crumbly bases of some coffee cakes. Our recipe starts with a rich, perfectly baked shortbread crust. This foundation provides a delicate snap and a profound buttery flavor that elevates every single bite, making it much more than just a simple cake.
The Moist Coffee Cake Layer
Nestled above the shortbread, you'll find a tender, moist coffee cake layer, subtly spiced with cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. It's fluffy, flavorful, and acts as the perfect canvas for our next star component.
The Irresistible Streusel Topping
No coffee cake is complete without a generous streusel topping, and ours is designed for maximum crunch and flavor. Made with brown sugar, butter, flour, and cinnamon, it bakes up into golden, crumbly perfection, adding a textural contrast that makes this cake utterly addictive.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! You'll need pantry staples for the shortbread crust, the moist cake, and the delightful streusel topping. Head down to our full recipe card for the exact measurements and a printable version.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Don't be intimidated by the layers! Our detailed instructions in the recipe card below will walk you through each step, from pressing out the shortbread crust to achieving that perfect golden-brown streusel. You'll be surprised how easy it is to create this showstopper!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shortbread Coffee Cake
Baking is a science, but a little artistry and a few insider tips can take your cake from great to absolutely extraordinary.
Don't Overmix the Dough
For both the shortbread crust and the cake batter, overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined. A light hand results in a tender, flaky crust and a moist, airy cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter, eggs, and dairy for the cake layer should be at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more consistent, tender crumb in your final cake.
Achieve the Perfect Crumb
The streusel topping is key! For perfectly crumbly streusel, make sure your butter is cold when you mix it with the dry ingredients. Rub it in with your fingertips until pea-sized crumbs form. For more tips on making perfect streusel, check out this guide on Food Network's website.
Serving Suggestions
This Shortbread Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy it at room temperature with a fresh cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. It's also fantastic for potlucks, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a truly special treat.
Conclusion
We hope this Irresistible Shortbread Coffee Cake becomes a new favorite in your baking repertoire. It truly offers the best of both worlds – the simple elegance of shortbread and the comforting indulgence of coffee cake. Happy baking!
FAQs
What makes this Shortbread Coffee Cake unique?
This recipe stands out by featuring a distinct buttery shortbread crust as its base, offering a delightful crisp contrast to the moist, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake layer and the generous streusel topping.
Can I make Shortbread Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shortbread crust and even the streusel topping a day in advance. Store the crust dough wrapped in the fridge and the streusel in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble and bake the cake fresh for the best results.
How should I store leftover Shortbread Coffee Cake?
Store any leftover Shortbread Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
What are some tips for perfect streusel?
For the best streusel, ensure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces before combining with sugar and flour. Use your fingertips to rub the mixture together until crumbly. Don't overmix; you want distinct crumbs, not a paste.
Ultimate Shortbread Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Shortbread Coffee Cake combines a rich, buttery shortbread crust with a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake layer and a generous, crumbly streusel topping, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
FOR THE SHORTBREAD CRUST:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
FOR THE COFFEE CAKE LAYER:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Step 4: Bake the shortbread crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cake batter.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Coffee Cake Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 7: In a separate medium bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Step 8: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 9: Pour the coffee cake batter evenly over the partially baked shortbread crust in the pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
Step 10: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The streusel should be golden brown and bubbly.
Step 11: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set properly.
Notes
For an extra touch, add a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake. Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Leave a Reply