If you are searching for a deliciously tender and aromatic treat to brighten your mornings or impress your guests, this Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture a beautifully golden, soft coffee cake with a delightful almond filling that melts in your mouth, complemented by the satisfying crunch of sliced almonds on top. This is not just any coffee cake; it’s a perfect blend of buttery dough and sweet almond goodness that will quickly become your favorite go-to recipe for brunch, afternoon coffee breaks, or cozy weekend baking sessions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the fluffy yeast dough to the rich almond layers, each element is simple but essential for making this treat truly special.
- 4 egg yolks (room temperature): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to complement the almond filling without overpowering.
- 1 stick butter: Provides that buttery flavor and soft texture everyone loves in coffee cakes.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Lukewarm for activating the yeast and creating a moist, soft dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances the flavor with a warm and inviting aroma.
- 1 package yeast: The secret to a light, fluffy, and perfectly risen cake.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- 4 to 3/4 cups flour (plus extra for rolling): The base that forms the soft yet sturdy dough, perfect for holding the almond filling.
- 2 cans almond filling (or preferred filling): Spread thinly to deliver just the right amount of nutty sweetness inside.
- 1 egg white (beaten for topping): Creates a glossy finish that helps the sliced almonds stick beautifully.
- Sliced almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and an elegant almond aroma on top.
How to Make Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Warm Milk and Butter Mixture
Begin by gently heating the butter and milk together until lukewarm—warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot it kills it. This warm liquid is key to making a soft and fluffy dough that will rise properly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture
In a large mixing bowl with a flat beater attachment, add the flour, yeast, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm milk and butter mixture while mixing. Then add the egg yolks and vanilla. Mixing at this stage ensures your yeast starts working harmoniously with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Form the Dough Ball
Mix until the dough forms a sticky ball—this is the perfect consistency before kneading. It’s sticky but manageable, ensuring the finished cake will be tender and moist.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn your dough onto a floured board and knead for around 3 minutes, using floured hands so it doesn’t stick. This helps develop the gluten, giving your cake a beautiful structure once baked.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a saucepan lid, and let it rise for 2 hours. This slow rise is essential for creating that light and airy crumb we all crave in coffee cake.
Step 6: Roll and Spread the Filling
Once risen, roll out the dough and spread the almond filling very thinly and evenly over the surface. The thin layer ensures every bite has a balance of dough and filling without being overly sweet.
Step 7: Roll and Shape into a Ring
Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, then shape it into a ring. You can decide how large or sweet you want your cake based on the amount of filling you use—for a less sugary cake, use less filling.
Step 8: Slice and Twist for Texture
Make about 10 cuts every 2 inches around the ring using sharp scissors or a knife. Take each slice and twist it so the almond filling faces upwards, creating a beautiful pattern and enhancing the almond flavor on top.
Step 9: Final Rise and Preparation for Baking
Cover the twisted ring with a towel and let it rest for about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 10: Apply Egg Wash and Toppings
Brush the top of the ring with beaten egg whites for a shiny finish and generously sprinkle sliced almonds on top to add that perfect crunch and nutty aroma.
Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cake in the preheated oven until it turns a beautifully golden brown on the surface, signaling that it is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Step 12: Alternative Fillings
Feel free to experiment with other fillings like raspberry jam or a mixture of pecans, cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter to tailor this Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe to your taste preferences. Remember, adjusting filling quantity will affect sweetness, so keep that in mind!
How to Serve Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze can take presentation and flavor up a notch. Fresh berries on the side also add a lovely pop of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the nutty cake.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake is wonderful on its own or served alongside a rich cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, offer it with fresh fruit salad or whipped cream to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your cake into a centerpiece by slicing it into generous wedges and stacking them on a tiered stand. Alternatively, serve individual rings on small plates with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Almond Filled Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, ready to be enjoyed anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. This revives the aroma and soft texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut filling instead of almond?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with almond filling, you can substitute with pecans, walnuts, or even a fruit jam. Just adjust sweetness to taste, and feel free to experiment.
Do I have to let the dough rise for 2 hours?
Yes, the rise time allows the yeast to work, creating that soft and airy texture essential for this coffee cake. Rushing this step will result in a denser cake.
What if I don’t have sliced almonds for topping?
You can skip the almonds or substitute with chopped nuts or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a tasty alternative topping.
Is this cake very sweet?
This Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe is designed to be lightly sweet. If you prefer, adjust the amount of filling to make it sweeter or more subtle according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or margarine. The texture may slightly change but the flavor will remain delicious.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe a try—it’s a cozy, comforting classic that brings a bit of joy to any occasion. Once you taste that buttery dough wrapped around a sweet almond filling, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved treat. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Almond Filled Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 large coffee cake ring (10 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Almond Filled Coffee Cake is a soft, slightly sweet yeast-based cake with a tender crumb, filled generously with almond spread and topped with crunchy sliced almonds for added texture. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it features a fluffy ring shape with twisted segments that reveal the nutty filling inside. The cake requires a two-hour rise and a final bake until golden brown, offering a delightful homemade bakery experience with rich almond flavors.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
Filling
- 2 cans almond spread (spread very thin on each dough; you may have some leftover)
Egg Wash Topping
- 1 egg white, beaten
- Sliced almonds, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk and Butter Mixture: Heat the butter and milk together until lukewarm, about 100-110°F, to create the perfect temperature for yeast activation without killing it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly pour the lukewarm milk and butter mixture into the flour mixture while mixing with a flat beater. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and continue mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured board and knead with floured hands for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and a saucepan lid to maintain warmth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fill the Dough: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the almond filling thinly over the dough. Roll the dough like a jelly roll, then form it into a ring shape. Use about half a can of filling for two rings or adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness.
- Cut and Twist: Using scissors or a sharp knife, slice the ring every 2 inches, making around 10 cuts. Twist each cut piece so the filling faces upward, exposing the almond filling.
- Second Rise: Cover the twisted ring loosely with a towel and let it rest for about 25 minutes to puff slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the surface of the cake with the beaten egg white and sprinkle sliced almonds evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious almond-filled coffee cake fresh as a sweet breakfast or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute the almond filling with other fillings like raspberry preserves or a mixture of pecans, cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter.
- For a less sweet coffee cake, use less filling and spread it lightly.
- The kneading time is relatively short; avoid over-kneading to maintain a tender crumb.
- Make sure the milk and butter mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Ensure the dough is covered properly during rising to prevent drying out.
- Twisting the cut dough pieces exposes the filling and creates the distinctive look and texture of the cake.
