Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake Recipe - A Classic American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20-30 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is perfect for those who love a sweet treat with their morning coffee or as a dessert after a hearty meal. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and comforting flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake has its roots in the American West, where chuck wagons were used to feed cowboys on cattle drives. This simple and hearty dessert was a favorite among cowboys, as it could be easily made over an open fire and provided a sweet treat after a long day of work on the trail.

Ingredients

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups brown sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.67 cup butter or lard
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp nutmeg
0.5 tsp baking soda
1 cup sour milk [1]
2 eggs, well beaten

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter to create fine crumbs.
Set aside 0.5 cup of the crumbs for the cake topping.
To the remaining mixture, add the remaining dry ingredients.
Mix beaten eggs with sour milk and add to the dry mixture.
Beat the mixture until it becomes very smooth.
Pour the batter into a well-greased 8 x 12 x 2 inches biscuit pan.
Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top of the batter.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve the cake hot directly from the pan.
If desired, you can add nuts to the topping.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the cake for a sweet finishing touch.

References

↑ Make sour milk by adding 1 tbsp vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use sour milk in this recipe, as it helps to tenderize the cake and adds a subtle tangy flavor.

- Be sure to beat the mixture until it is very smooth to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Feel free to add nuts to the topping for an extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning or afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is baked in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lard, you can use butter or vegetable shortening as a substitute.

- If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Make Ahead Tips

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake on a rustic wooden platter for a charming and cozy presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour milk) and eggs.

Summary

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a suitable treat for occasional indulgence.

Summary

Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With its warm and comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, and my family had moved to a small town in the Midwest. We were welcomed with open arms by our new neighbors, and one particular neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, took a special liking to me.

Mrs. Jenkins was a sweet old lady with a passion for cooking. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had acquired over the years, and she was always eager to share them with anyone who showed an interest. I was drawn to her kitchen like a moth to a flame, and I spent countless hours watching her cook and bake.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table, Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a tattered old recipe card and handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye. "This, my dear, is my prized recipe for Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake," she said. "It's been passed down in my family for generations, and now I want to pass it on to you."

I took the recipe card in my hands and studied it intently. The ingredients were simple and straightforward, but there was something about the way they were combined that intrigued me. Mrs. Jenkins must have sensed my curiosity because she began to tell me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that the Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake was a staple on the frontier, where cowboys and settlers relied on hearty and delicious meals to sustain them on their long journeys. Mrs. Jenkins's great-grandmother had learned the recipe from a chuck wagon cook who had passed through their small town, and it had been a family favorite ever since.

As Mrs. Jenkins spoke, I could almost picture the chuck wagon rolling across the open prairie, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, and the cowboys sitting around the campfire enjoying a slice of warm, cinnamon-scented coffee cake. I was captivated by the romanticized image of life on the frontier and the idea of carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

With Mrs. Jenkins's guidance, I set to work making the Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake. I mixed the flour, sugar, and spices together, then added the eggs and buttermilk. The dough came together easily, and as I kneaded it with my hands, I felt a sense of connection to the past. I could almost hear the laughter and chatter of the cowboys around the campfire, and it filled me with a warm, comforting feeling.

As the coffee cake baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon and sugar. When it was done, I pulled it out and let it cool before slicing into it. The first bite was pure heaven – the cake was moist and tender, with a sweet, spicy flavor that danced on my taste buds.

I shared the Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake with my family, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My mother asked for the recipe, and soon, it became a regular feature at our Sunday brunches. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned to make such a special and meaningful dish, thanks to Mrs. Jenkins's generosity and wisdom.

Over the years, I have made the Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. But no matter how many times I bake it, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar always transports me back to that moment in Mrs. Jenkins's kitchen, when I first learned to make this beloved family recipe.

Today, as I pass the recipe on to my grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and connection that I did when I first saw it. I hope that they will cherish the tradition of making Chuck Wagon Coffee Cake and pass it on to future generations, just as Mrs. Jenkins did for me. And I hope that they, too, will find joy and comfort in the simple act of baking something delicious and meaningful, just as I have.