Let me share something delightful I've been experimenting with in my kitchen lately. Do you remember those jars of orange marmalade we used to spread on warm toast? Let's use that nostalgic spread to make a moist, delectable coffee cake. Yes, you heard right! Orange marmalade in a coffee cake. Some mornings call for more than just a cup of coffee. They beckon for a slice of something sweet, something zesty, and something baked to perfection. Enter the Orange Marmalade Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping, a delicious blend of traditional coffee cake comfort with the tangy charm of orange marmalade.
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WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THIS COFFEE CAKE?
You know, sometimes, it's the simplest things that bring the most joy. This cake, with its familiar ingredients like brown sugar and a surprising punch of orange zest, is nostalgic in every bite. The streusel topping? It's that little bit of "extra" we all deserve now and then. And, if you are like me, there is always a half jar of orange marmalade in the door of the fridge.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CAKE BATTER
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Orange Marmalade: Incorporating orange marmalade in this cake lends it a sweet and tangy profile that is not too overwhelming but just right.
- Orange Zest: It gives that fresh, citrusy aroma that fills up the kitchen and makes your mouth water.
- Brown Sugar: I always have a soft spot for this. It gives our cake a warm, caramel depth.
- Room Temperature Butter: Old school rule, but it makes the world of a difference. You want your cake to be fluffy and light, right?
- Whole Milk: The cake is moist, thanks to the whole milk.
- Streusel Topping: The topping with its crispy sliced almonds and light brown sugar adds that perfect crunch.
SUBSTITUTIONS
If you're in a pinch or just feeling a little adventurous:
- Out of sliced almonds? Ground almond flour will give the topping a lovely nutty profile. Or, use pecans or walnuts.
- No 8"x8" baking pan on hand? A round springform pan, your trusty bundt pan, or even your muffin tin will do just fine.
VARIATIONS
Though this cake is delightful as is, feel free to put your own spin on it.
- For a citrusy punch, throw in some thin orange slices.
- Fancy a richer flavor? A touch of melted butter on the cooled cake will do wonders.
BAKING ESSENTIALS
Before we get too far into making this cake, ensure your baking station is set.
- You'll need an 8"x8" baking pan,
- Your trusty electric mixer, handheld or stand mixer
- For those who like to spread with precision, a small offset spatula will do wonders otherwise a spatula with do.
BAKING AND SERVING
After baking, you're looking for a rich golden brown hue. Once you've achieved that, place it on a wire rack to cool. When serving? A hot cup of coffee is all you need for the perfect pairing.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or spray with baking spray.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside
Using an electric mixer on medium, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg and vanilla.
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture a third at a time,
Alternate with the milk.
Mix until just combined.
Thin the marmalade with orange juice.
Transfer half of the batter to the prepared pan. Spread it out in an even layer.
Spread marmalade over the batter, leaving a ½" border around the edges. Dollop the remaining batter on top.
Top with remaining batter and gently spread over the marmalade.
Use a fork to mix brown sugar, and flour. Add cold butter.
Add the orange zest and work with a fork to incorporate the butter.
Add the nuts and mix with the fork.
Sprinkle topping evenly over the cake. Do not press the topping down.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan before serving.
PRO BAKING TIPS
- Mixing the batter: You don't need to go to town with your electric mixer. Just until it's nicely combined. Overmixing can result in a dry, dense cake.
- The streusel topping: Scatter it evenly, but don't press it down too hard. We want it crumbly and light. You want to have to use a napkin when you eat a slice.
Orange Marmalade Coffee Cake
Equipment
- 8"x8" baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Small offset spatula optional
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup room temperature butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup orange marmalade thinned with a TBS orange juice or water
- 2 TBS orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the topping:
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon butter cold and cut into tiny pieces
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- A pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
For the cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or spray with baking spray.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on medium, beat butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in egg and vanilla.
- With mixer on low, add the flour mixture a third at a time, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer half of batter to prepared pan. Spread it out in an even layer. I found a small offset spatula useful to spread the batter into the corners.
- Spread marmalade over batter, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Top with remaining batter and gently spread over the marmalade. Use an offset spatula if you have one.
For the topping:
- Use a fork to mix brown sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add the cold butter, and orange zest, and work the mixture with a fork until the butter is the size of a small peas. You do not want this mixed into a paste. Stir in almonds.= or whatever nut you chose.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over cake. Do not pat the topping down.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a wooden skewer or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in pan before serving.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.
We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.
For me, this is more than just a recipe. It's memories of simpler times, of warm mornings, and of love in every bite. Until next time, happy baking!
Mina says
Such a fantastic recipe! It's been raining here and this is perfect for my favorite tea or hot cocoa.
Lathiya says
I love citrus flavored cake and this orange marmalade cake sounds perfect for me to bake this weekend.
Giangi Townsend says
An absolutely fantastic recipe! Rich in flavor, soft, and so delicious. The orange flavor comes thru wonderfully. My family loved it and wants me to make it again, soon.
Thank you for the easy-to-follow instruction, I am not a baker, and that helped me a lot.