Ultimate Coffee Cake: A Breakfast Revelation
There’s something magical about waking up on a weekend morning, the house still quiet, and knowing that a truly special treat awaits. For me, that treat has always been a perfectly baked coffee cake. This particular recipe, a treasure I’ve returned to countless times, evokes the comforting embrace of a cozy diner on a crisp autumn day. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience – the irresistible aroma filling the kitchen, the promise of a tender crumb, and that irresistible gooey topping. It’s the kind of bake that transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours 35 minutes (including overnight rise)
- Servings: 4-6
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Dietary Type: Not specified
Ingredients
This recipe utilizes a clever technique that starts the night before, ensuring a wonderfully tender and flavorful result.
- 16-18 unbaked frozen dinner rolls
- 3 ounces butterscotch pudding mix, regular (not instant)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan (9- or 10-inch)
- Damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
- Serving platter
Instructions
The beauty of this coffee cake lies in its simplicity and the “set it and forget it” nature of its overnight rise.
- The evening before you plan to bake, arrange the 16 to 18 unbaked frozen dinner rolls in a well-greased Bundt pan. Ensure they have a bit of space between them, as they will expand significantly.
- Evenly sprinkle the 3 ounces of dry butterscotch pudding mix over the tops of the rolls. This will form a key part of the cake’s luscious topping.
- Next, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar over the pudding mix. The brown sugar will caramelize beautifully during baking.
- Scatter the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the brown sugar layer. These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Finally, pour the 1/2 cup of melted butter evenly over the entire mixture in the Bundt pan. Make sure to coat as much of the topping ingredients as possible.
- To ensure the dough develops a soft texture and doesn’t form a hard crust while it rises overnight, cover the Bundt pan with a damp kitchen towel or tightly wrap it with plastic wrap.
- Allow the cake to rise overnight at room temperature, which typically takes about 8 to 10 hours. You’ll notice a significant increase in the size of the rolls.
- On baking day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Once the baking time is complete, carefully remove the Bundt pan from the oven.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps it set.
- After 5 minutes, turn the pan over onto a serving platter to release the cake.
- Serve this delightful coffee cake by pulling apart chunks with forks.
Expert Tips & Tricks
This coffee cake is designed for ease, but a few nuances can elevate it further. Ensuring your Bundt pan is thoroughly greased is paramount, as the sticky topping can be prone to adhering. Use a good quality baking spray or softened butter, and don’t forget to get into all the nooks and crannies. When you invert the pan, give it a gentle shake to encourage the cake to release cleanly. If it seems hesitant, a few gentle taps on the bottom might do the trick.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Ultimate Coffee Cake is best served warm, allowing the caramelized topping to be at its most decadent. The “pulling apart chunks with forks” method is not just a serving suggestion; it’s an invitation to enjoy the rustic, comforting nature of this bake. It’s perfect for a leisurely brunch, a mid-morning coffee break, or even an afternoon pick-me-up.
Leftovers can be stored at room temperature, tightly covered, for up to two days. The topping may firm up slightly as it cools, but it will still be delicious. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat individual portions in a microwave for a few seconds. For longer storage, wrap it well and refrigerate for up to four days. Freezing is also an option; wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it should keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 737.3 kcal | |
| Calories from Fat | ||
| Calories from Fat (%) | 50% | |
| Total Fat | 41 g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g | 86% |
| Cholesterol | 62.1 mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 757.7 mg | 31% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.1 g | 28% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 18% |
| Sugars | 29.9 g | 119% |
| Protein | 10.9 g | 21% |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
While this recipe is wonderfully perfect as is, culinary creativity is always encouraged! For a different flavor profile, consider swapping the butterscotch pudding mix for vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix. The pecans can be substituted with chopped walnuts or even a mix of nuts for varied texture and taste. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can simply omit them. A sprinkle of cinnamon over the topping before the butter is added can also introduce a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with the caramel flavors.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why do I need to use regular pudding mix and not instant?
A: Regular pudding mix contains more starches that help create a better texture and consistency for the topping during the overnight rise and baking process. Instant pudding may not set up as effectively.
Q: Can I use fresh dinner rolls instead of frozen?
A: This recipe is specifically formulated for unbaked frozen dinner rolls. Fresh rolls may have a different dough consistency and moisture content, which could affect the final result.
Q: What happens if I don’t let the cake rise overnight?
A: The overnight rise is crucial for developing the tender crumb and allowing the flavors to meld. Baking without the overnight rise will likely result in a denser cake with a less desirable texture.
Q: My cake seems stuck to the Bundt pan, what went wrong?
A: Insufficient greasing of the Bundt pan is the most common culprit. Ensure you use ample butter or baking spray, especially in the intricate details of the pan, and allow the cake to cool for the recommended 5 minutes before inverting.
Q: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time and bake it later?
A: While the cake is designed to rise overnight at room temperature, it is not recommended to refrigerate the dough and bake it days later. The quality and texture are best when baked the morning after preparation.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Coffee Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the process, and indulge in something truly delicious. It’s the kind of bake that brings people together, sparking conversation and creating cherished memories. Pair a warm slice with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, and you have the makings of a perfect morning. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delight of its simple magic. I’d love to hear about your baking adventures and how this coffee cake brightened your day!