The coffee cake might be the best
companion and partner for coffee.
However, what gives coffee cake its
name?
Is coffee used to make it?
Or was the confection made
specifically to serve as coffee's sidekick, and its very existence was so
dependent on its namesake beverage that it shouldn't even be regarded as
existing outside of that context?
Knowing the coffee cake means
knowing its history. We must delve into more than 300 years of history to
discover why this cake is specifically a "coffee" cake, and the
answer may vary depending on the country in which you reside.
A Delectable Trip Through Time
Coffee cake.
The mere mention conjures up images
of warm mornings, a hot cup of coffee, and the enticing scent of sugar and
cinnamon filling the air.
Coffee cake is more than just a
dessert for foodies and home bakers alike; it's a custom, a memory, and a cozy
treat that unites people. However, where did this popular treat originate?
Let's enjoy a fun journey through
coffee cake's past.
What is
Coffee Cake?
Let's define coffee cake first,
before delving into its history. Coffee cake, despite its name, usually doesn't
contain coffee. Rather, it's a sweet cake that's frequently spiced and goes
well with coffee.
It comes in a range of flavors, from
the traditional cinnamon streusel to more daring concoctions like pecan praline
or apple custard. You can serve this adaptable treat for brunch, breakfast, or
as a snack at any time.
Origins of
Coffee Cake
Although its
exact origin is a little unknown, we do know that coffee cake originated in
Europe. The origins of coffee cake can be found in Dresden, Germany, where
coffee was consumed with sweet yeast breads known as "Kaffee kuchen."
The custom of
serving coffee with sweet pastries, however, was made popular by the Danish and
goes all the way back to the 17th century, when coffee was first brought to
Europe. It should not be surprising that the precise ingredients of a coffee
cake are not fully defined given its Pan-European origin. While some drink
coffee, others do not.
For example, the
British coffee cake, which is described as having two layers of sponge cake
with a coffee-butter icing and a coffee flavor, takes the name very literally.
Others see it
more as a coffee companion and instead add oats, nuts, cinnamon, dried fruit,
and perhaps even a sweet glaze to their coffee cake. Some are made with yeast,
while others use baking soda to make the cake rise.
The Journey to America
With the advent of refrigerated
sections in grocery stores and the introduction of coffee cake by German
immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sour cream was added more
frequently as a way to activate the baking soda and add more moisture to the
cake.
When the bundt pan gained popularity
in the 1950s, the coffee cake underwent its most recent modification. The bundt
pan's ring shape made it possible for bakers to significantly boost the
moisture content of their cakes without worrying about the middle becoming
undercooked.
Reasons to Treat Yourself with Coffee Cake
Coffee cake has a special ability to
bring people together in addition to being delicious. This is the reason:
Versatility: Coffee cake can be eaten for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
and goes well with any meal of the day.
Community: Sharing a coffee cake slice promotes a feeling of unity and
community, making it ideal for informal get-togethers or family get-togethers.
Conclusion: Why is Coffee Cake Called Coffee Cake?
Ultimately, the coffee cake is what
you can get away with, much like art itself. The only true characteristic that
distinguishes a coffee cake is that it is intended to be served with a cup of
coffee.
Other forms of coffee cakes include bread, cake, and coffee. All you need to do to enjoy this treat is to take your time, sip on a hot cup of coffee, and nibble on something sweet. And for that, if nothing else, we should be grateful.