Wishes and Yogurt Coffee Cake

This yogurt coffee cake is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. The tangy yogurt adds richness and depth, while the cinnamon and walnut topping brings a lovely crunch and warmth. It’s simple to make and will fill your home with a delicious aroma as it bakes.

My daughter wrote this poem when she was eight.

Things are Perfect the Way They Are

Did you know that I don't
have any wishes to put in this
world because the world is
perfect the way it is.

Rainbows have perfect colors
so I think that rainbows are
perfect the way they are.

Houses have perfect shelter
so I think houses are
perfect the way they are.

Blankets are warm and
cozy so I think blankets are
perfect the way they are.

Teddy bears help me go to sleep
so I think teddy bears are
perfect the way they are.

The world is a safe place to
live so I think the world is
perfect the way it is.

You are special the way
you are so you are you
and that is...PERFECT!

© Anna Goodman, (Dec. 2007)

Here's Anna's favorite coffee cake.
It's perfect just the way it is.

Recipe: Yogurt Coffee Cake

Serves: 12

Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

1½ cups flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon soda
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
1½ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your chosen baking pan. You can use a bundt pan, brownie pan, or loaf pan.
   
   
2. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chopped walnuts (or pecans), and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
   
   
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
   
   
4. Make the Cake Batter: In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the yogurt and vanilla. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
   
   
5. Assemble the Cake: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar-nut mixture over the batter and swirl it into the batter. Spoon the remaining batter on top, and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture over the top.
   
   
6. Bake the Cake: Bake for about 1 hour or until a tester comes out clean. The exact time may vary depending on the size and shape of the pan you're using.
   
   
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before serving. This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.

Tasting Notes:
The yogurt keeps this coffee cake moist and tender, while the cinnamon-sugar-walnut topping adds a perfect sweet, nutty crunch. It’s simple but delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness to pair perfectly with your coffee or tea.

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