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Bread Machine Lattice Coffee Cake: A Nostalgic Morning Treat

There’s something truly magical about the smell of coffee cake baking, isn’t there? For me, that scent instantly transports me back to my childhood, standing on a stool in my grandmother’s sunny kitchen. She would always have a coffee cake ready, a welcome treat for any time of day. While she mixed her dough by hand, this version cleverly utilizes the convenience of a bread machine without sacrificing any of the love and deliciousness. The aroma of yeast, warm butter, and sweet fruit preserves mingling together… it’s a memory I cherish and hope to share with you through this recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes rising time)
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 coffee cake
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

3/4 cup milk
2 beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon mace
1 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1/3 cup strawberry preserves (or apricot preserves)
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup chopped almonds

Equipment Needed

Bread machine
11x7x1 1/2 inch baking pan
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter or knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Begin by adding the following ingredients to your bread machine in the order specified by the manufacturer: milk, beaten egg yolks, butter, bread flour, packed brown sugar, salt, mace, and bread machine yeast.
Select the dough cycle on your bread machine and let it run its course. This process typically takes around 1 1/2 to 2 hours, but it can vary by machine.
Once the dough cycle is complete, carefully remove the dough from the bread machine and punch it down gently to release any trapped air.
Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with.
While the dough is resting, thoroughly grease an 11x7x1 1/2 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the coffee cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
Divide the rested dough into two portions: approximately 2/3 for the base and 1/3 for the lattice topping.
Pat the larger portion (2/3) of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a base for the coffee cake.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: strawberry preserves (or apricot preserves), softened butter, and chopped almonds. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Spread the preserve mixture evenly over the dough base in the baking pan.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the remaining dough (1/3) into a rectangle approximately 13 x 7 inches.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the rolled-out dough into strips about 1/2 inch wide.
Weave the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling. To do this, lay half the strips horizontally across the filling, then fold back alternating strips. Place a vertical strip, then unfold the folded strips over the vertical strip. Continue weaving with the remaining strips, alternating the strips that are folded back each time.
Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pan, ensuring a clean and even look.
Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap (lightly greased to prevent sticking) and let the coffee cake rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy texture.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Once the coffee cake has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
During the last 10 minutes of baking, if the top of the coffee cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Remove the baked coffee cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the resting time! Allowing the dough to relax makes it much easier to roll out and work with, resulting in a more tender coffee cake.
For an extra touch of flavor, brush the lattice topping with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) before baking. This will give it a beautiful shine and enhance the golden-brown color.
If you find that the dough is too sticky to work with, lightly dust your work surface with additional bread flour.
Feel free to experiment with different types of preserves. Raspberry, blueberry, or even a homemade fruit compote would be delicious alternatives to strawberry or apricot.
To prevent the almonds from burning, you can lightly toast them before adding them to the filling. This will also enhance their nutty flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough and assemble the coffee cake the night before, then let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to allow it to warm up slightly at room temperature before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This bread machine lattice coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would make a delightful accompaniment. It also pairs perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

To store leftovers, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	14g	22%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	45mg	15%
Sodium	250mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	20g	N/A
Protein	6g	12%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum for improved texture.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil.
Nut-Free: Omit the almonds altogether or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Seasonal Variations: Use seasonal fruits like apples, peaches, or berries in the filling.
Spiced Coffee Cake: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm and inviting flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of bread machine yeast?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to proof the active dry yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the bread machine.

Q: My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
A: Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in a dry coffee cake.

Q: Can I make this coffee cake without a bread machine?
A: Yes, you can. Simply mix the ingredients by hand or with a stand mixer, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, and then let it rise in a warm place for about an hour before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: My coffee cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: Cover the coffee cake loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Q: Can I freeze the baked coffee cake?
A: Yes, you can. Wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This bread machine lattice coffee cake is a truly comforting and satisfying treat, perfect for a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a special occasion. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of homemade goodness to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own by experimenting with different fillings and flavors. Don’t be afraid to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your experiences! And if you’re looking for the perfect pairing, a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea is sure to enhance the flavors of this delightful coffee cake. Happy baking!

Bread Machine Lattice Coffee Cake Recipe