
Brown Butter Coffee Cake
Prep
20 mins
Cook
35 mins
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
This brown butter coffee cake has become my absolute favorite weekend treat, and I love sharing it because it's genuinely simple to throw together. The nutty, toasted flavor of brown butter gives this cake something really special without requiring any fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients. Walnuts aren't just delicious here, they're packed with omega 3 fatty acids that are great for your heart. What makes this recipe such a winner for me is that you can have it in the oven in just 20 minutes, which means fresh cake for breakfast or an afternoon snack without much fuss. The whole thing comes together in under an hour from start to finish.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 250all-purpose flour
- 150granulated sugar
- 100unsalted butter(for brown butter)
- 10baking powder
- 5salt
- 2large eggs
- 150milk
- 1vanilla extract
- 50brown sugar
- 100cold unsalted butter
- 100chopped walnuts
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm square baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
Tip: Use a high-quality non-stick pan for easier cake release.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Remove the browned butter from the heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined.
Tip: Be patient, as this step requires stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Tip: Use a whisk for a smooth and even texture.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until well combined.
Tip: Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
- 6
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Tip: Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- 7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Tip: Use a spatula to remove any air bubbles.
- 8
In a small bowl, mix together the cold unsalted butter and brown sugar until crumbly.
Tip: Use a pastry blender or your fingers to create the streusel topping.
- 9
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Tip: Don't be shy, as this topping is what makes the coffee cake special.
- 10
Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tip: Use a timer to ensure even baking.
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