Coffee Can Cakes

Coffee Can Cakes Recipe from Fiji | Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Coffee Can Cakes are a unique and delicious dessert that are baked in coffee cans, giving them a fun and rustic shape. These cakes are perfect for serving at brunch or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

History

Coffee Can Cakes have been around for decades and were originally a way for thrifty home cooks to make use of empty coffee cans. The cans provided a convenient and inexpensive baking vessel, resulting in moist and flavorful cakes.

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 tbsp instant coffee granules
0.5 cup raisins (optional)
1 tsp baking soda
1.25 cup sugar
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) softened butter
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat the inside of 2 clean coffee cans with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, combine the water, coffee granules, raisins, and baking soda. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
In a medium bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Add the vanilla, egg, and cinnamon, beating until well mixed. Alternately stir in the flour and the cooled raisin mixture, mixing well. Fold in the nuts, then divide the batter evenly between the coffee cans.
Place both cans on a baking sheet and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes, then remove from the cans and allow to cool completely. Slice and serve.

Variations

Try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for added flavor.
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to coat the inside of the coffee cans with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cakes from sticking.

- Be sure to allow the raisin and coffee mixture to cool before adding it to the batter to avoid cooking the egg.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Coffee Can Cakes are best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cakes in coffee cans gives them a unique shape and helps them bake evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brewed coffee in place of the water and instant coffee granules for a stronger coffee flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Coffee Can Cakes can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Coffee Can Cakes on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Coffee Can Cakes pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Coffee Can Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coffee Can Cakes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Coffee Can Cakes contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Coffee Can Cakes contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Coffee Can Cakes contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Coffee Can Cakes are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Coffee Can Cakes contain eggs, dairy, and nuts.

Summary

Coffee Can Cakes are a delicious dessert option that provide a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of iron and calcium.

Summary

Coffee Can Cakes are a delicious and unique dessert option that are perfect for serving at brunch or as a sweet treat. With a moist and flavorful cake base, these cakes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a faded yellowed piece of paper fluttered out and landed on my lap. It was a recipe for Coffee Can Cakes.

I had never heard of Coffee Can Cakes before, but the name alone intrigued me. The recipe called for simple ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, coffee. It seemed like the perfect combination of flavors to create a moist and delicious cake. I knew I had to give it a try.

I remember calling up my friend Sarah, who was known for her baking skills, and asking her if she had ever heard of Coffee Can Cakes. To my surprise, she had not only heard of them, but she had actually made them before. She raved about how easy they were to make and how delicious they turned out.

Excited to try my hand at this new recipe, I gathered all the ingredients and got to work. The first step was to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then I added in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, I sifted in the flour and baking powder, alternating with strong brewed coffee.

The batter was thick and smooth, with a rich coffee aroma that filled the kitchen. I poured it into greased coffee cans, filling them halfway up. I then placed the cans in a preheated oven and set the timer.

As the cakes baked, the house was filled with the warm, comforting scent of coffee and cake. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the timer went off, I carefully removed the cans from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Once the cakes had cooled, I carefully inverted them onto a plate. The tops were golden brown and slightly crusty, while the insides were moist and tender. I couldn't resist cutting into one and taking a bite.

The taste was heavenly. The coffee flavor was subtle but present, complementing the buttery richness of the cake. It was unlike any other cake I had ever tasted - a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. It became a go-to dessert for special occasions and gatherings.

Over the years, I have made Coffee Can Cakes countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have experimented with different variations, adding in nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the original version remains my favorite.

As I look back on that rainy Sunday afternoon when I first discovered the recipe for Coffee Can Cakes, I am grateful for the serendipitous moment that led me to try something new. It has become a cherished tradition in my family, one that I hope to pass down to future generations. And I am reminded once again of the power of a simple recipe to bring joy and comfort to those we love.