"Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man!
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Pat it and prick it and mark it with a B.
Put it in the oven for Baby and me."

All of us have recited this fun poem as we rhythmatically used our hands to pat our babies' tiny hands. If performed with enthusiasm, the end result produced a big smile and possibly a giggle or two.

Once a week, in the following year, I will bake a cake (pat-a-cake) using a different recipe, present a picture, the recipe and some comments, memories, or history pertaining to the finished product.

I am always glad to hear your remarks, suggestions or send along your favorite cake recipe.

"Let's Bake a Cake!"

Monday, January 17, 2011

Cake Recipe #3 - Streusel Coffee Cake


This easy-to-make cake is a great companion for a steamy cup of coffee, not only for breakfast. I used to make this quite often when I worked in the kitchen of a college in Florida many years ago. When the students were dismissed for their morning break, they had something sweet and usually still a little warm to help carry them through to lunch. A well-drained can of crushed pineapple may be added to the top before baking for a fruity addition.

Ingredients: Streusel: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons firm butter. Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup butter, softened, 1 cup milk, 1 egg. Glaze: 1/2-3/4 cup powdered sugar, enough milk to make of drizzling consistency (add 1 tablespoon at a time).

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Prepare streusel: In small bowl, mix nuts, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add in butter, cut into small pieces, until crumbly; set aside.

For cake: In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in butter, milk and egg and mix well. Spread 1/2 of the batter into prepared pan; sprinkle 1/2 of the streusel over batter. Top with remaining 1/2 of batter and end with remaining 1/2 of streusel. If using the well-drained pineapple, add this to the very top.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make glaze: In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons milk. Stir until smooth, adding more milk as necessary to make of drizzling consistency. Drizzle in desired design over cooled cake.

"Let's Bake a Cake!"

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