When was coffee cake invented

The countries laying some sort of claim to the coffee cake—Germany, Austria, and Denmark particularly—were already well versed in sweetened breads and cakes ever heard of a Danish? Thus, it became commonplace in these countries to have a small sweet served alongside a coffee.

Given the pan-European origin, it should come as no surprise that what exactly comprises a coffee cake is not entirely codified. The British coffee cake, for instance, takes the name quite literally and is described as having two layers of coffee-flavored sponge cake with a coffee-butter icing.

Others view it more as a coffee accomplice and instead imbue their coffee cake with nuts, cinnamon, dried fruit, oats, maybe even a nice sugar glaze. When the coffee cake made its way to America via German migrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bolstered by the creation of refrigerated sections in grocery stores , the addition of sour cream became more common place, both as a means of adding more moisture into the cake as well as activating the baking soda.

Around the same time, the National Coffee Association says that coffee had been introduced to Europe in the previous century. It caught on quickly, and by the s there were also hundreds of coffee houses across the continent.

Food Timeline further notes that traditional sweet breads, along with stimulating conversation, became a natural pairing with coffee — similar to how it remains today. By the midth century, immigrants from these coffee- and sweet bread—loving countries arrived in America with their traditional recipes in hand via Tori Avey.

Though the treats they brought with them began as yeast-risen cookies, scones, and other sweetened breads, the delectables eventually became more cake-like with a tender crumb. Smithsonian Magazine notes that both baking powder and baking soda were introduced at this time in , which helped home cooks create the early version of coffee cakes that resemble what we know today.

Its name might lead you to believe that coffee cake is made with, or at least tastes like, coffee. And that if you don't like coffee, you should steer clear of this cake.

However, Baking Bites points out that the name "coffee cake" simply comes from the fact that these cakes are often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee—much like the term "tea cakes" refers to having pastries served with tea, rather than being made with tea. That didn't stop some bakers though from taking a literal approach, at one time incorporating brewed coffee into these popular cakes. Tori Avey shares that several late 19th century coffee cake recipes, including some in the original Fannie Farmer Cookbook , are rich butter cake foundations with a generous splash of coffee mixed inside the batter.

However, a quick survey of current, basic coffee cake recipes — including those from Barefoot Contessa, King Arthur Baking Company , and Taste of Home — show no coffee in the ingredients. Yet, coffee-infused cakes are still out there. We make these desserts with our famous Danish pastry inside to give you a flaky center with our scratch-made filling, and we top each cake with crumbly, buttery streusel.

As coffee cakes have evolved over the years, it should be no surprise that we also evolved to introduce our unique Almond Custard Seven Sisters Coffee Cake. Inspired and named after the prominent constellation that Danish sailors used for seafaring navigation, we create this longtime favorite dessert with our classic pastry and a mouthwatering creamy almond filling and smooth custard, which we bake into seven spiral rolls.

It is hard to trace the coffee cake origin story, especially since it has had so many influences worldwide and has evolved through the centuries to result in the many different versions that we have today. However, it seems that we can mostly trace this dessert back to Danish and German roots. With its rich history — and the fact that coffee cake has remained a popular dessert at our bakery for more than 60 years — we can safely assume that despite its hazy origin, this dessert is not going anywhere any time soon.

You can get more enjoyment out of your coffee break with a slice of goodness from our bakery. We have an extensive range of coffee cakes that we make with rich and buttery flaky pastry, sweet and juicy fruits, exotic spices, and the finest ingredients from around the world. Pairing flavors with crumbly streusel and smooth icing, our bakers craft each sweet delight using authentic family recipes that have been passed down from our grandparents and continue to stand the test of time.

An American botanist and agriculturalist, he was responsible for introducing many useful plants to the U. On this day 3. Tagged: bundt pan , cake , candy , coffee cake , dessert , facts , food , foodimentary , fun , life , sugar , sweets , tea and biscuits , wordpress. They are typically single layer cakes that may be square or rectangular like a stolen. Coffee cakes are typically flavored with cinnamon, nuts, and fruits.