Growing up, my love for baking was nurtured by my grandmother, who always had a fresh batch of delicious treats waiting for us whenever we visited. One of my favorite recipes that she passed down to me is the classic jiffy mix coffee cake.
This delectable cake is a perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, making it an ideal treat for any time of day. Today, I’m excited to share with you the secrets behind making the perfect jiffy mix coffee cake that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
What is Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake?
Jiffy mix coffee cake is a delightful dessert made with simple ingredients that come together to create a moist and flavorful cake. This classic recipe is loved by many for its ease of preparation and delicious taste.
The combination of the jiffy baking mix, sugar, butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract forms the base of the cake, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet and crunchy finish.
What Does It Taste Like?
Jiffy mix coffee cake is a heavenly combination of buttery richness and warm cinnamon sweetness. The cake itself is moist and tender, with a subtle hint of vanilla that adds a depth of flavor.
The cinnamon-sugar topping creates a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you craving for more.
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Why This Recipe Works:
1. Simple Ingredients: The use of basic household ingredients such as jiffy baking mix, sugar, and butter makes this recipe accessible and easy to recreate.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal steps and straightforward instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in a jiffy, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
3. Versatile Topping Options: The cinnamon-sugar topping can be customized with nuts or raisins, allowing you to personalize the cake to suit your preferences.
4. Family Favorite: Jiffy mix coffee cake is a timeless recipe that has been passed down through generations, evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- “JIFFY” Baking Mix: The Jiffy baking mix serves as the base for both the cake batter and the crumbly topping. It provides convenience and consistency, ensuring that the cake turns out light, fluffy, and perfectly textured.
- Sugar: Sugar sweetens both the cake batter and the topping, adding a pleasant sweetness to the overall flavor profile of the coffee cake. It also helps to tenderize the cake and create a moist texture.
- Butter, Cold: Cold butter is used in both the cake batter and the topping to create a crumbly and buttery texture. When incorporated into the dry ingredients, the cold butter forms small, pea-sized crumbs that add richness and flavor to the cake. In the topping, the cold butter combines with the other ingredients to create a crunchy and delicious crumble.
- Milk: Milk provides moisture to the cake batter, helping to create a tender and moist texture. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and ensures that the cake bakes evenly.
- Egg, Slightly Beaten: The beaten egg adds structure and richness to the cake batter, helping to hold all the ingredients together. It also contributes to the light and airy texture of the finished cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the coffee cake, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. It rounds out the flavors of the other ingredients and gives the cake a deliciously fragrant aroma.
- Brown Sugar, Firmly Packed: Brown sugar is used in the topping to add sweetness and depth of flavor. Its molasses content provides a rich and caramel-like flavor that complements the buttery crumbs and adds a delightful crunch to the coffee cake.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the topping, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the coffee cake. Its aromatic and earthy notes complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and create a deliciously comforting taste.
- Nuts, Chopped: Chopped nuts, such as pecans, add texture and crunch to the topping of the coffee cake. They provide a delicious nutty flavor and enhance the overall richness of the dessert. Alternatively, chopped pecans can be substituted with raisins for a fruity twist.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s ready when your cake is prepared.
- Take an 8-inch square pan and lightly grease it with butter or coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- In a bowl, mix together the “JIFFY” Baking Mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Ensure they are well combined.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add in the chopped nuts (or chopped pecans or raisins if using) and gently mix until evenly distributed. Set the topping aside for later use.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
- In another mixing bowl, combine the “JIFFY” Baking Mix and sugar for the cake batter. Stir them together until evenly distributed.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add them to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, slightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix them together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared 8-inch square pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the surface of the cake batter, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before serving.
Notes:
– For a nut-free option, omit the nuts and substitute with dried fruit or chocolate chips.
– Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure even mixing and baking.
– You can double the topping recipe for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch on top of the cake.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
– Experiment with different extract flavors such as almond or maple for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Nutrition Information:
– Serving Size: 1 slice
– Calories: 250
– Total Fat: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Cholesterol: 35mg
– Sodium: 200mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 18g
– Protein: 4g
How To Store The Leftovers?
You can store any leftover jiffy mix coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, ensuring it is tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until heated through.
Sides for Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake:
1. Warm Vanilla Custard: Serve your jiffy mix coffee cake with a dollop of creamy vanilla custard for a decadent dessert experience.
2. Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich flavors of the cake.
3. Whipped Cream: Top each slice of coffee cake with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
4. Hot Cup of Coffee: Pair your jiffy mix coffee cake with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee blend for the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
What are some alternative choices to the ingredients in case they are not in your pantry?
1. Jiffy Baking Mix: If you don’t have jiffy baking mix on hand, you can substitute with a combination of flour, baking powder, and salt in equal proportions.
2. Brown Sugar: In place of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with molasses for a similar flavor profile.
3. Butter: Margarine or vegetable shortening can be used in lieu of butter for a dairy-free alternative.
4. Nuts: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a different texture, consider using toasted coconut flakes or granola as a crunchy topping for the cake.
Jiffy Mix Coffee Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 8-inch square pan
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fingers (for working butter into dry ingredients)
- Spatula or wooden spoon (for mixing)
- Whisk (for combining wet ingredients)
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups “JIFFY” Baking Mix
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter cold
- 1/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 cup nuts chopped
- 1 Tbsp. “JIFFY” Baking Mix
- 2 Tbsp. butter cold
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional; you can substitute raisins
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s ready when your cake is prepared.
- Take an 8-inch square pan and lightly grease it with butter or coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan once baked.
- In a bowl, mix together the “JIFFY” Baking Mix, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Ensure they are well combined.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add them to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, add in the chopped nuts (or chopped pecans or raisins if using) and gently mix until evenly distributed. Set the topping aside for later use.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the “JIFFY” Baking Mix and sugar for the cake batter. Stir them together until evenly distributed.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add them to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, slightly beaten egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix them together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared 8-inch square pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the surface of the cake batter, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan before serving.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, omit the nuts and substitute with dried fruit or chocolate chips.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to ensure even mixing and baking.
- You can double the topping recipe for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch on top of the cake.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Experiment with different extract flavors such as almond or maple for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I freeze jiffy mix coffee cake for later?
A1: Yes, you can freeze jiffy mix coffee cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a low oven.
Q2: Can I substitute the egg in this recipe for a vegan option?
A2: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce for binding and moisture.
Q3: Can I add fresh fruit to the cake batter for extra flavor?
A3: Yes, you can fold in chopped apples, berries, or peaches into the cake batter for a fruity twist. Adjust the baking time accordingly to accommodate the added moisture from the fruit.
Q4: Can I use a different baking pan size for this recipe?
A4: While a 9-inch round pan is recommended for this recipe, you can also use a square or rectangular baking dish of similar size with slight adjustments to the baking time for optimal results.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, jiffy mix coffee cake is a timeless recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of a traditional coffee cake with the convenience of using jiffy baking mix. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert indulgence, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich, buttery crumb and sweet cinnamon topping.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can recreate this beloved recipe in your own kitchen and create special moments with your loved ones over a slice of warm jiffy mix coffee cake.
Embrace the nostalgia and warmth of homemade baking with this classic recipe that is bound to become a favorite in your household.
