National Coffee Cake Day
Marrying layers of delicate sweetness, this culinary masterpiece beckons discerning palates to savor its timeless allure.
Whether it’s a sponge cake that is actually flavored with coffee in the European tradition, or a more modern American version that simply refers to a sweet cake that is meant to be eaten while drinking coffee, there’s no question that coffee cake is a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy.
Take some time on this National Coffee Cake Day to bring some attention and honor to this scrumptious baked specialty!
Get inspired to celebrate National Coffee Cake Day with these hand-picked videos! From mouth-watering recipes to fun trivia and creative decorating tips, these videos will help you make the most of this delightful day.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day
A delicious and delightful day to get involved with, National Coffee Cake Day offers all sorts of ideas and opportunities for anyone to celebrate. Get started with some of these:
Bake Some Coffee Cake
Actually, as cakes go, coffee cakes are typically a fairly simple recipe that doesn’t require a great deal of fuss. In modern times, many recipes allow them to be made with a simple cheat by using a boxed cake mix and then adding some other ingredients.
From cinnamon and brown sugar streusel to fruit and jams, coffee cakes offer a wide range of enjoyment for different tastes, preferences and dedicated sweet tooths.
Other options for National Coffee Cake Day might include using a sourdough starter, trying it with cornmeal or spelt, or even adding some ricotta cheese to the mix.
Those who are experts in the kitchen might want to take this opportunity to make up their own signature coffee cake recipe by exploring a number of different varieties.
Host a Coffee Cake Party
Once that favorite coffee cake recipe has been perfected, perhaps it would be fun to celebrate National Coffee Cake Day by inviting some friends over for a little celebration of the day.
This could be a simple gathering of friends to enjoy some coffee cake made by the host, or it could be a more competitive affair where everyone makes their best recipe and it turns into a coffee cake bake-off.
Whatever the case, the best part about it is that there will always be more coffee cake to eat!
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
History of National Coffee Cake Day
Coffee cake brings along with it a tradition that likely dates back to 17th century Germany. Originally, these cakes would have been made with coffee as an actual ingredient.
These might have been baked in two circular layers, separated by deliciously sweet coffee butter icing and perhaps topped with walnuts.
In the more recent American tradition, coffee cakes are often made in a single layer, flavored with cinnamon or perhaps some fruit.
They may contain streusel which is the German word for “sprinkling”, that often indicates the presence of a topping made from butter, sugar and flour.
But, even though the name is coffee cake, these typically don’t contain coffee at all. Presumably, the name comes from the fact that these cakes are meant to be served as an accompaniment to coffee.
National Coffee Cake Day was founded with the purpose of calling attention to the delightful simplicity of these cakes and paying them the respect that they deserve!
National Coffee Cake Day FAQs
What’s the oldest known coffee cake recipe?
The oldest coffee cake recipes date back to 17th-century Europe. Early versions were yeast-based and flavored with spices and nuts, resembling modern sweet breads.
These were served during informal gatherings where coffee became the drink of choice.
Did coffee cake influence the rise of coffeehouses?
Yes, coffee cakes and coffeehouses grew together in popularity during the 17th century in Europe.
Coffeehouses offered sweet pastries, including early versions of coffee cake, to encourage lingering and conversation.
How do coffee cakes differ across continents?
In Scandinavia, coffee cakes often incorporate cardamom and almond paste. Germany’s “Streuselkuchen” features crumb toppings. Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, babkas sometimes play a similar role in coffee breaks.
Why is “crumb topping” so important in coffee cakes?
The crumb topping adds texture and sweetness, creating contrast with the moist cake base. Its popularity stems from German baking traditions, where “streusel” is a signature feature.
Are there any myths about coffee cake?
A popular myth is that coffee cake must contain coffee. While early American recipes sometimes included brewed coffee, most modern versions don’t. Instead, they’re meant to pair well with the beverage.
What are unusual ingredients found in historic coffee cakes?
Early versions included ingredients like sour cream, molasses, and even bacon. These additions reflected the availability of ingredients and the need for hearty foods.
How is coffee cake celebrated in Germany?
In Germany, “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake) is a cherished tradition, akin to British afternoon tea. Families gather on Sundays to enjoy cakes like Streuselkuchen or Bienenstich (bee sting cake).
What are some quirky modern twists on coffee cake?
Bakers now experiment with flavors like matcha, salted caramel, or even savory versions using cheese and herbs. These twists reflect the growing culinary trend of reimagining classic desserts.
Is there a connection between coffee cake and American diner culture?
Absolutely! Coffee cake became a staple in American diners in the mid-20th century.
Its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing nature made it a breakfast and snack favorite.
What are fun ways to celebrate National Coffee Cake Day?
Try hosting a bake-off with friends, featuring different cultural coffee cakes. Or pair slices with exotic coffee blends to discover new flavor combinations.
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