April 7th marks National Coffee Cake Day in the United States, a day dedicated to the popular breakfast pastry that pairs perfectly with morning coffee.
What is Coffee Cake?
Coffee cake is a sweet baked good typically made with cinnamon, nuts, and a streusel topping or glaze. Despite its name, coffee cake usually doesn’t contain coffee as an ingredient. Instead, it earned its name because it’s traditionally served alongside a cup of coffee.
The standard American coffee cake features a rich, buttery cake base with a crumbly streusel topping made of sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Some variations include fruit, nuts, or a ribbon of filling through the center.
History of Coffee Cake
Coffee cakes trace their origins to European sweet breads. German and Scandinavian immigrants brought their recipes to America, where the concept evolved into what we now recognize as coffee cake.
In the 1950s and 1960s, coffee cakes gained popularity in American households as convenient breakfast options and items to serve during coffee gatherings with neighbors and friends.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day
There are several straightforward ways to observe this food holiday:
- Bake a homemade coffee cake using a family recipe or trying a new one
- Purchase a coffee cake from a local bakery
- Host a coffee gathering with friends and serve various coffee cake styles
- Share coffee cake with coworkers
- Try a new coffee cake variation you’ve never tasted before
Popular Coffee Cake Varieties
- Traditional cinnamon streusel
- Sour cream coffee cake
- Blueberry coffee cake
- Apple coffee cake
- Pumpkin coffee cake
- Chocolate chip coffee cake
Nutritional Information
An average slice of coffee cake contains approximately:
- 250-350 calories
- 12-18g fat
- 30-45g carbohydrates
- 3-5g protein
Coffee Cake Around the World
While American coffee cake features streusel topping, other countries have their own versions:
- United Kingdom: Often more similar to a sponge cake infused with coffee flavoring
- Germany: Kaffeekuchen, which includes actual coffee in some recipes
- Scandinavia: Variations with cardamom and other spices
National Coffee Cake Day provides a good excuse to enjoy this practical breakfast treat that has become a staple in American homes and bakeries.