Coffee Cake Creations: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion, For Kids

Recipes.

- Coffee cake is a sweet bread that originated in Europe in the 17th century.

- It was traditionally served as a breakfast food or snack to accompany coffee.

- The first coffee cakes were made with yeast, which gave them a light and airy texture.

Ingredients:

- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 cup milk

- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla.

4. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until combined.

5. If using walnuts, fold them into the batter.

6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.

7. For the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work butter into sugar until crumbly. Stir in cinnamon.

8. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over batter.

9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

10. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Per serving (1 slice)

- Calories: 420

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 14g

- Trans Fat: 0g

- Cholesterol: 40mg

- Sodium: 250mg

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 25g

- Protein: 4g

Percentage of Daily Values

- Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 0%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 10%

Variations:

- Cinnamon swirl coffee cake: adds a sweet cinnamon swirl to the batter.

- Blueberry coffee cake: adds fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.

- Pumpkin spice coffee cake: adds pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a fall twist.

- Lemon poppyseed coffee cake: adds lemon zest and poppyseeds for a bright and citrusy flavor.

- Chocolate chip coffee cake: adds dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet treat.

- Gluten-free coffee cake: uses gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.

Health benefits of coffee cake.

1. Antioxidants: Coffee cake made with real coffee, cinnamon, and nutmeg contains antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and inflammation.

2. Fiber: Whole wheat flour, oats, and nuts in coffee cake can provide fiber, which supports healthy digestion and bowel function.

3. Vitamin and Mineral Boost: Coffee cake can be a good source of vitamins B and E, and minerals like manganese, copper, and phosphorus, depending on the ingredients used.

4. Energy Boost: The combination of carbohydrates, sugar, and caffeine in coffee cake can provide a temporary energy boost.

5. Mood Lift: The aroma and flavor of coffee cake can stimulate the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

6. Social Benefits: Sharing coffee cake with others can foster social connections and community, which are essential for overall well-being.

To maximize the health benefits of coffee cake, consider using healthier ingredients like:

- Whole wheat flour instead of refined flour

- Less sugar or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup

- Nuts and seeds for added fiber and healthy fats

- Real coffee instead of instant coffee

- Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for added antioxidants

Please note that this is an estimate, and actual calorie counts may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, this recipe contains nuts (walnuts), which are a common allergen.