Why You’ll Love This Lemon Coffee Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your traditional coffee cake, you’re in for a treat with this lemon coffee recipe. The bright, zesty flavor of lemon adds a revitalizing kick that elevates your coffee break. I love how the sweetness balances with the citrus tang, making each bite a burst of sunshine. Plus, the simple preparation means you can whip it up quickly, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy morning. Trust me, this cake pairs perfectly with your favorite brew, turning an ordinary snack into an extraordinary experience. You won’t regret trying it!
Ingredients of Lemon Coffee
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Lemon Coffee Cake, having the right ingredients is key. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple items can create such a bright and flavorful treat. This cake is like sunshine in dessert form, with its zesty lemon flavor and sweet cinnamon topping.
Plus, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to gather before you start baking.
Ingredients for Lemon Coffee Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15-ounce) can lemon pie filling
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Now, let’s talk about some things to reflect on while you’re prepping your ingredients. First off, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could swap out the vegetable oil for something like melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a slightly healthier twist.
Just keep in mind that these substitutions can change the texture a bit. And speaking of texture, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you mix them in. They’ll combine more easily and help create that fluffy, light cake we’re going for.
Oh, and if you have fresh lemons on hand, feel free to use lemon zest instead of the pie filling for a more intense citrus flavor. But remember, zesting can be a bit of a workout—so don’t say I didn’t warn you about the arm burn!
How to Make Lemon Coffee
Making Lemon Coffee Cake is as easy as pie—well, lemon pie, to be exact. Let’s get started with some basic prep work. First, grab that 1 1/4 cups of sugar and mix it with 3/4 cup of vegetable oil in a mixing bowl. You want to really combine those two until they’re well blended and feeling cozy together.
Then, add in 4 eggs, and beat the mixture until it turns light and lemony in color. This is when you can start to feel the excitement; your kitchen will soon smell like a slice of sunshine.
Now, let’s bring our dry ingredients into the mix. Take 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and whisk them together before adding them to your egg and sugar mixture. This helps guarantee that the baking powder gets evenly distributed, so you’re not left with a lumpy cake.
Mix it all up until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it, or your cake might turn out a bit tougher than you’d like. Now, here comes the fun part: pour half of that batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
Spread your lemon pie filling (yes, that glorious 15-ounce can) on top of the batter, and then gently dollop the remaining batter over that. It’s like a lemony surprise waiting to be revealed.
Before you send your cake off to the oven, let’s sprinkle a delightful mix of cinnamon and the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar on top. This is where the magic happens. The sweet and spicy aroma will fill your kitchen, and you might just find yourself dancing around a little.
Bake your cake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; no one wants to end up with a dry cake.
And there you have it—once it’s cooled, slice it up, serve it with a cup of coffee, and enjoy that zesty, sweet delight. You’ve just baked a slice of happiness.
Lemon Coffee Substitutions & Variations
While lemon coffee cake is delightful as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can experiment with to suit your taste.
You might swap out vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor. If you’re craving a different zest, try orange or lime pie filling instead of lemon.
For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Adding poppy seeds or blueberries can brighten up the texture, too.
Finally, consider switching the cinnamon topping for a mix of powdered sugar and lemon zest for an extra zing. Enjoy the creativity!
What to Serve with Lemon Coffee
If you’re enjoying a slice of lemon coffee cake, consider what to pair it with for a complete experience.
I love serving it alongside a cup of freshly brewed lemon coffee to enhance those citrus notes. A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy contrast, while fresh berries—like strawberries or blueberries—bring a revitalizing touch.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, a light cheese platter with mild cheeses can balance the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
And don’t forget a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for that extra flair! It all comes together for a delightful treat.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your lemon coffee cake turns out perfectly, I recommend using room temperature ingredients, as this helps them blend more seamlessly.
Also, don’t rush the mixing process; take your time to verify everything’s well incorporated. If you want an extra lemony kick, consider adding some lemon zest to the batter.
For a lovely finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. Remember, the baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Finally, this cake freezes well, so feel free to make extra and enjoy it later!