Coffee Cake With Yeast Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake with yeast – isn’t that just the epitome of cozy mornings and lazy afternoons? Imagine this: a soft, tender crumb that’s slightly airy thanks to the yeast, paired with a golden, sugary crust that cracks just enough to reveal a swirl of cinnamon and buttery goodness inside. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill coffee cake made with baking powder or soda. No, no – this is yeast magic at work, creating a loaf-like texture that’s perfect for slicing thick and slathering with butter or cream cheese.

Coffee cake with yeast has this old-world charm, often reminiscent of bakery counters in small European towns where the air is thick with the smell of freshly baked bread and cinnamon. It’s a wonderful treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up with your coffee or tea. It’s both rustic and elegant, and honestly, once you get a taste, you’ll want to make it again and again.

So, ready to dive into a recipe that brings the warmth of yeast bread together with the sweetness and spice of classic coffee cake? Let’s get into it!

Coffee Cake With Yeast Recipe

This recipe balances the fluffiness and chewiness of yeast dough with the sugary, crumbly goodness of a traditional coffee cake topping. It’s not overly sweet, letting the yeast’s natural flavor shine through, but it’s still decadently satisfying.

• Rise time included – This cake needs a bit of patience because yeast requires time to do its thing. But trust me, the wait is worth every minute.
• Cinnamon swirl – The classic swirl is buttery, rich, and fragrant, woven right through the tender layers.
• Crumble topping – That crispy, sugary, nutty topping adds a beautiful texture contrast.

Ingredients Needed

To make this magical coffee cake, you’ll want to gather the following:

For The Dough

• All-purpose flour (about 3 ½ cups): The base of our dough, giving structure.
• Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or one packet): The hero that helps the dough rise and become airy.
• Warm milk (1 cup, around 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just enough sweetness to the dough itself.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened): For richness and tenderness.
• Eggs (2 large): Help with structure and moisture.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and strengthens the dough.

For The Cinnamon Swirl

• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Gives that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): The soul of the cinnamon swirl.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Helps everything stick together and adds richness.

For The Crumble Topping

• All-purpose flour (½ cup)
• Brown sugar (¼ cup)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, cold and cubed): Creates those irresistible crunchy bits.
• Chopped nuts (optional, ½ cup walnuts or pecans): Adds crunch and a toasty flavor dimension.

How To Make Coffee Cake With Yeast

Let’s break it down step-by-step – I’ll guide you through the process with ease and a bit of fun:

1. Activate The Yeast

   • Warm your milk until it’s pleasantly warm (not hot!). Sprinkle the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly – this means your yeast is alive and ready to work.

2. Make The Dough

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add softened butter, eggs, and the activated yeast mixture.
   • Mix until it comes together, then knead (either by hand or with a stand mixer using a dough hook) for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare The Cinnamon Filling

   • Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl.

4. Roll And Fill

   • Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle (about 12×15 inches).
   • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.

5. Shape And Second Rise

   • Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it in half lengthwise to expose the cinnamon layers. Twist the two pieces around each other to create a beautiful swirl effect.
   • Transfer to a greased loaf pan or round cake pan. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes.

6. Make The Crumble Topping

   • Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.

7. Bake

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble generously over the risen dough.
   • Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Cool slightly before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a minute because the ingredients here do more than just taste good – they’re little science heroes!

• Yeast: This living fungus consumes sugar and produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles in the dough, making it rise and giving you that light, airy crumb.
• Milk: Adds moisture and fat, helps activate yeast, and creates a tender crumb by softening the dough.
• Butter: Fat coats gluten strands, preventing them from becoming too tough, which gives a softer texture.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast for fermentation and contributes to browning during baking.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture, but also add richness and help bind everything together.
• Cinnamon & brown sugar: Besides flavor, brown sugar’s molasses content adds moisture and chewiness.

Expert Tips

If you want your coffee cake to be bakery-level amazing, here are some insider tips:

• Don’t rush the rise: Yeast dough needs patience. A slow, steady rise at room temperature or even an overnight rise in the fridge can enhance flavor dramatically.
• Warm ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened, eggs are room temp, and milk is just warm to activate the yeast properly.
• Don’t overwork the crumble: Keep that topping cold and mix lightly to maintain the perfect crumbly texture.
• Twisting the dough: When you twist the two halves after slicing, don’t worry if it looks messy – the rustic swirl is part of the charm!
• Use a thermometer: Aim for 350°F (175°C) for even baking; your oven might run hot or cold, so an oven thermometer can be a game-changer.
• Cool before slicing: The cake continues to set as it cools. Cutting too soon can cause it to crumble or be doughy.

Recipe Variations

Let’s get creative – this recipe is incredibly versatile!

• Add fruit: Toss some raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples into the cinnamon swirl for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Nutty upgrades: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts in the crumble topping.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for extra indulgence.
• Spiced twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a warm spice blend.
• Whole wheat: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier, heartier flavor.
• Chocolate lover’s: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the swirl for a chocolate-cinnamon combo.

Final Words

Coffee cake with yeast isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. From the initial bubble of yeast activation to the aroma filling your kitchen during baking, it’s a joyful process that connects you with the tradition of home baking. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a quiet morning alone, it’s the perfect companion to your favorite cup of coffee.

The best part? With practice, you’ll get a feel for the dough, the timing, and the perfect balance of cinnamon and crumble to make this recipe your own signature delight.

FAQs

What Is The Difference Between Coffee Cake Made With Yeast And Traditional Coffee Cake?

The main difference is the leavening agent used. Coffee cake made with yeast rises due to the fermentation process of the yeast, which creates a fluffier and slightly more bread-like texture. Traditional coffee cakes typically use baking powder or baking soda as leavening agents, which result in a denser crumb.

Can I Use Active Dry Yeast In Place Of Instant Yeast For A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast, but you will need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Instant yeast doesn’t require activation and can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients.

Do I Need To Let The Dough Rise Before Baking A Yeast Coffee Cake?

Yes, the dough needs to rise. After mixing, let it rest in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to ferment and creates the desired light, airy texture.

Can I Prepare The Dough For A Yeast Coffee Cake The Night Before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. The next day, bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What Type Of Flour Works Best For Making Yeast Coffee Cake?

All-purpose flour is typically used for yeast coffee cakes, though you can experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter, more delicate crumb, use a higher-protein flour like bread flour.

Can I Add Fruit To My Yeast Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, adding fruit like berries, apples, or peaches can enhance the flavor and moisture of the cake. Be sure to fold in fresh fruit gently, or use dried fruit that has been soaked to avoid excess moisture that might affect the dough’s rise.

What Should I Do If My Yeast Coffee Cake Doesn’t Rise Properly?

If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast, improper temperatures, or insufficient rise time. Check the expiration date of your yeast and ensure your proofing environment is warm (around 75-80°F). If needed, give the dough more time to rise.

How Can I Make The Topping For A Yeast Coffee Cake?

The topping is typically made with a combination of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes chopped nuts. To make a streusel-style topping, mix these ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle them over the dough before baking. You can also add a glaze after baking for extra sweetness.

Is It Necessary To Use Butter In The Dough For Yeast Coffee Cake?

While butter adds richness and flavor, you can substitute it with oil or margarine if desired. The fat helps create a tender, moist crumb, but alternatives can be used if you are looking for a dairy-free or lower-fat version.

Can I Freeze A Yeast Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze a baked yeast coffee cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To serve, thaw it overnight at room temperature or reheat it gently in the oven for a fresh taste.