Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of almond-topped biscotti with a white icing drizzle. The biscotti pieces are stacked closely together, showcasing the almond slices and the glossy icing.
Print Recipe

Grandma Betty's Coffee Cake

Grandma Betty's coffee cake recipe is a classic and delicious treat that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. The combination of moist cake with a sweet, nutty streusel topping is sure to comfort and satisfy!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Cake
Cuisine: American
Keyword: coffee cake recipe
Servings: 15 pieces
Author: Linley Hanson

Ingredients

Frosting

Optional topping: sliced almonds

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add the 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon water, and ½ cup butter to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to mix consistently until combined and begins to crumble together, like wet sand. Using your hands, press the dough together to form a ball.
    A clear glass bowl containing a crumbly mixture of flour and butter, sitting on a textured gray surface.
  • Separate the mixture into two balls and place them on a baking sheet. Gently form each ball into a long, flat, loaf-like shape. Set aside. The loaves should be about 10x2-inches and about ½ inches thick.
    Two unbaked dough logs placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready to be baked.
  • Next, add 1 cup water, 1 cup flour, 3 eggs, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and ½ cup butter to a saucepan. Stir and heat the mixture over medium/high heat to a boil.
    A mixing bowl containing flour, three eggs, and chunks of butter.
  • Remove the pan from heat to beat the mixture with a wooden spoon to make a firm ball. This will take around 5 minutes.
    A wooden spoon rests in a pot containing a cooked dough mixture.
  • Spread the mixture evenly over the coffee cake loaves on the baking sheet.
    Two unbaked pastry dough logs on parchment paper, placed on a baking sheet.
  • Bake until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes, depending on the oven.
    Two homemade almond biscotti cookie logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • While the coffee cake is baking, prepare the frosting. Mix the powdered sugar, butter, almond extract, and warm water. Mix until smooth. Note that it is more of a glaze rather than a thick frosting.
  • Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let the cake completely cool before frosting.
  • Serve immediately or store when cool in an air-tight container.
    Sliced almond cake topped with white icing and sprinkled with almond slivers.

Video

Notes

  • Be sure the loaves are long and thin enough, or you will end up with lumps.
  • In step #4, we are making a pâte à choux. It is a pastry Choux pastry that is made with butter, water, flour, and eggs. Instead of a raising agent, choux pastry employs its high moisture content to create steam, as the water in the dough evaporates when baked, puffing the pastry.