Pisces Coffee Cake

Name: Pisces Coffee Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love starting my mornings with a slice of thrilling Pisces Coffee Cake! Each bite combines the rich flavors of coffee and warm spices, creating a delightful experience that energizes my day. Whether I am indulging in a cozy breakfast or serving friends at brunch, this cake always brings smiles. The secret lies in the balance of flour and wet ingredients, plus a sprinkle of cinnamon, which enhances the coffee flavor perfectly. Trust me, once you try it, you'll find yourself baking it again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-30T22:06:28.295Z

When I first baked the Pisces Coffee Cake, I was amazed at how the aroma of fresh coffee and vanilla filled my kitchen. It reminded me of my grandmother's cozy cafe back in the day. The use of brewed coffee in the batter not only adds a delightful flavor but enhances the cake's moistness.

As I perfected my technique, I learned that letting the dough rest before pouring it into the pan allows the flavors to deepen. This cake not only pairs well with coffee but also stands alone as a sweet treat any time of the day!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich coffee flavor with warming spices
Moist texture that stays fresh for days
Perfect for gatherings or a quiet morning at home

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The ingredients in Pisces Coffee Cake each play a significant role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. For instance, using a high-quality brewed coffee can intensify the coffee flavor in the cake. When choosing your coffee, opt for a medium roast that's not overly acidic, as this will harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars and the warmth of spices like cinnamon. If you're using leftover coffee from your morning brew, make sure it's cooled down to prevent any curdling when mixed with the eggs and butter.

The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar is essential for moisture and flavor depth. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, not only adds a hint of caramel flavor but also contributes to the cake's overall moisture retention. If you want to lighten the cake, you can experiment by reducing the brown sugar slightly and adding some applesauce or unsweetened yogurt to maintain that moist texture.

Baking Techniques for Success

Mixing your batter properly is crucial for achieving a tender crumb. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just incorporated to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can lead to a dense cake. Overmixing is a common pitfall that can be easily avoided. I usually stop mixing as soon as I see no dry flour—little lumps are completely fine, as they'll smooth out during baking.

Additionally, when preparing the topping, ensure that the butter is truly melted and incorporates well with the flour and sugar. The resulting mixture should resemble coarse crumbs; this will create a delightful texture as it bakes, adding both flavor and a nice crunch. If the topping is too wet or clumpy, simply add a touch more flour until the right consistency is reached.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Pisces Coffee Cake:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your cake to perfection:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the softened butter with eggs, then mix in the brewed coffee and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the topping ingredients until crumbly.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

Serve your cake warm or at room temperature; it pairs wonderfully with coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra flair, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness of your Pisces Coffee Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container, which will keep it tasting great for about a week. If you decide to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Just remember to thaw slices in the fridge overnight before enjoying them again!

When reheating, the microwave can dry out the cake, so consider using an oven instead. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice wrapped in foil inside for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This method revives its moist texture and flavors perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Pisces Coffee Cake warm, perhaps with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a simple yet elegant presentation. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience, especially when enjoyed as a dessert. Pairing it with a fresh cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors beautifully and makes for an enjoyable morning or afternoon snack.

For a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and decadence. Walnuts or pecans complement the coffee flavors well, while semi-sweet chocolate can add a lovely richness. Just be sure to keep the balance of dry ingredients if you add any extras!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use decaffeinated coffee?

Absolutely! Decaf works perfectly if you prefer to avoid caffeine.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and simply reheat it slightly before serving.

→ Is it possible to freeze the cake?

Yes, the cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.