Delight Your Senses with This Chilean Coffee Cake Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and unique coffee cake recipe? Look no further than Que Que, a traditional Chilean dessert that is sure to impress. This cake packs a flavorful punch with its combination of lemon rind and pecans, while the buttermilk makes it delightfully moist.

As a barista, I understand the importance of complementing your coffee with the perfect treat. That’s why I’m excited to share this Que Que recipe with you. Not only is it a delicious and unique choice for your coffee break, but it also pays homage to the rich Hispanic heritage behind this dessert.

This recipe is not just any ordinary coffee cake. It’s a chance for you to explore new flavors and cultures while enjoying a sweet treat with your cup of joe. So why settle for an average coffee cake when you can elevate your experience with Que Que?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake)
Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake)

Coffee cakes are a timeless classic that can add warmth and comfort to any gathering. But not all coffee cakes are created equal, and that’s where Que Que Chilean Coffee Cake comes in. This traditional Chilean dessert will take your taste buds on a journey to South America with its unique blend of flavors and texture.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. And yet, it looks like you slaved over it for hours. With its crumbly topping, soft cakey center, and hints of lemon and vanilla, this Que Que Chilean Coffee Cake is sure to impress your guests without requiring too much effort on your part.

What’s more, this recipe is versatile too! You can switch up the topping by using pecans instead of the traditional powdered sugar or even experiment with different fruits such as apples or blueberries. This coffee cake can be served as a delicious dessert after dinner or as a decadent breakfast treat during brunch gatherings.

But what truly hooks me on this recipe is that it captures an aspect of Hispanic heritage that has been passed down through generations. It showcases the rich history and flavors synonymous with traditional Chilean desserts like Tres Leches cake and “Kuchen,” which has deep German roots mixed with local ingredients from the region.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm up your spirits or to impress your guests without breaking a sweat, then this Que Que Chilean Coffee Cake Recipe is what you need. It’s simple yet exotic, guaranteed to leave an impression on any occasion—a must-have in every baker’s recipe book.

Ingredient List

 This coffee cake is so delicious, it'll have you coming back for seconds and thirds!
This coffee cake is so delicious, it’ll have you coming back for seconds and thirds!

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake):

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon rind, grated (from 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish, you will need:

  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

All the ingredients can be easily found in a grocery store or farmer’s market. Make sure to use high-quality ingredients to get the best possible results.

The Recipe How-To

 The perfect treat for a lazy Sunday morning with a steaming cup of coffee.
The perfect treat for a lazy Sunday morning with a steaming cup of coffee.

Butter and Flour the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Take 1 tablespoon of melted butter and use a pastry brush or paper towel to generously butter a 9 inch round cake pan. This ensures that your cake will come out of the pan smoothly once it’s done. Once done, sprinkle with some flour to coat the buttered surface.

Create the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature) and beat it until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Gradually mix in 2 cups of sugar alternating with 4 eggs, one at a time until well incorporated.

Add in 1 tablespoon of grated lemon rind and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder que que in another bowl. Slowly pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture a little bit at a time stirring constantly.

Bring together everything by gently folding in 1/4 cups of buttermilk until you form a uniform texture.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, knock it down against your kitchen counter to even the surface then bake it for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center once inserted.

Let your cake cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack before removing it from the pan. Once cooled, dust it with some powdered sugar and sprinkle some chopped pecans over it to give it that extra touch.

Enjoy this traditional Chilean Coffee Cake known as Que Que!

Substitutions and Variations

While the Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake) recipe is already delicious as it is, there are some substitutions and variations that you can try to make it even more mouth-watering.

First off, you can swap the pecans for other nuts like almonds or walnuts. This will give a different texture and flavor to the cake that might tickle your taste buds.

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can DIY a substitute by mixing one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the batter. The acidity of lemon juice or vinegar mimics the tanginess of buttermilk.

For a twist, you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-spice to the batter. These additions will give a cozy and warm palate to your coffee cake. You can also add orange zest instead of lemon zest if you want a citrusy aroma that’s not too tart.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different toppings for your Que Que cake. Some traditionally Chilean options include dulce de leche or fresh whipped cream icing. Other options might include caramel glaze, chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.

For a gluten-free version, you can swap all-purpose flour for rice flour or almond flour. They both work equally great in most cake recipes and have unique nutritional values that may benefit some people.

With these substitutions and variations in mind, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Que Que cake-making journey! Taste is subjective, so make it just right for you and enjoy every bite of this delicious Chilean dessert.

Serving and Pairing

Que Que Chilean Coffee Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. The best way to serve it is by dusting confectioners’ sugar on top of it for an elegant look, and then slicing it into equal pieces.

This delicious coffee cake pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, as its flavors complement each other effortlessly. The richness of the cake blends perfectly with the subtle bitterness of coffee and the aroma of tea. For an extra touch, add a small sprinkle of pecans on top, which will provide some crunchiness and nutty flavor to the pairing.

Aside from serving it as a dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack with beverages, que que chilean coffee cake is a great option for breakfast or brunch. Its texture and sweetness make it a perfect accompaniment to scrambled eggs or quiches, adding contrast to the savory dishes.

Another way to enhance its flavors is by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or serving it with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. This not only elevates its appearance but adds a fruity touch that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Que Que Chilean Coffee Cake is perfect for any casual or formal occasion such as potlucks, birthdays, holidays, weddings, and more. It’s easy to prepare and transport, making it an excellent option for sharing with friends and family.

In conclusion, serving Que Que Chilean Coffee cake can be fun because there are countless ways to enjoy it. Whether you decide to enjoy it on its own, pair it with coffee or tea or use it as an accompaniment to your meal; every bite promises to be delightful!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about Que Que or Chilean Coffee Cake is its versatility. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or you can make it ahead of time and save yourself the hassle of baking in the morning.

If you’re planning to make Que Que ahead of time, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Prior to storing, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it with plastic wrap and seal with a lid.

When you’re ready to reheat your Chilean Coffee Cake, preheat your oven to 300°F. Remove the cake from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

If you find that your Que Que has become a bit dry after storage, don’t despair – there are ways to remedy this! Try brushing some melted butter or a simple syrup (made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water) over the top prior to reheating, as this will help restore moisture to your cake.

For an extra special touch, dust your Chilean Coffee Cake with powdered sugar right before serving. Not only does this add a visual flair, but it also complements the traditional flavors of Que Que quite well.

In short, Que Que is an excellent choice for those who want a hearty breakfast option they can prepare ahead of time. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious Chilean dessert whenever you like!

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure that your Que Que turns out perfect every time, here are my tips for success:

1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, including the egg and buttermilk, are at room temperature before starting. This will help the ingredients blend together smoothly and result in a more evenly baked cake.

2. Don’t overmix the batter: Once you’ve added the flour mixture to the butter mixture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixed batter can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the wet ingredients.

3. Use a light-colored pan: When baking any cake, it’s best to use a light-colored pan, which helps with even heat distribution throughout the batter.

4. Test for doneness with a toothpick: To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs attached, then it’s done baking.

5. Let it cool and dust off confectioners’ sugar generously: Allow the Que Que to cool completely before removing it from the pan and dusting it generously with confectioners’ sugar. The sugar will add a touch of sweetness and enhance its beauty.

By following these tips and using quality ingredients, you’ll have perfectly baked Que Que every time!

FAQ

Now that we’ve covered all the bases of this que que (Chilean coffee cake) recipe, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions. It’s always a good idea to clear up any doubts before getting started in the kitchen, which will help you achieve exceptional results every time. Whether it’s about substitutions or baking times, these FAQs will give you the answers you need. So let’s dive in!

What makes a coffee cake a coffee cake?

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cake, you might want to try coffee cake or kaffekuchen. This tasty treat consists of a single layer of cake with a sweet and cinnamon-infused flavor, topped with a streusel made from flour, butter, and sugar. Some versions even have a streusel filling inside the cake. If fruit is your thing, you can also find variations with blueberries being the most popular choice.

What country invented coffee cake?

Coffee cake has a long and diverse history, drawing inspiration from various cultural traditions. Its origin is thought to be in Dresden, Germany, but the Danish have been credited with the earliest version of pairing sweet bread with coffee. The evolution of coffee cake is a testament to how different cultures can come together and create something delicious.

What is coffee cake topping made of?

Let me guide you through the process of making a delicious crumb topping that will elevate any baked good to the next level. To start, grab a medium-sized bowl and mix together white and brown sugars, along with a hint of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Next, pour in some melted butter and stir everything together until it forms a smooth mixture.

Now, it’s time to add the flour. You should do this gradually, while continuously stirring with a rubber spatula. Stop once the mixture becomes moderately moist, as adding too much flour will make the topping dry and crumbly.

Once everything is well-mixed, spread the topping mixture out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Leave it to dry for a little while, or until you’re ready to use it. Trust me, this extra step is worth it- drying out the crumb topping helps it to hold its shape, which ultimately gives your baked goods a much more appealing texture.

Does coffee cake even have coffee in it?

Coffee cakes are often associated with coffee, but not all of them have coffee in them. The term “coffee cake” simply suggests that the cake is a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee, particularly as a snack or breakfast food. It’s worth noting, however, that this particular coffee cake recipe includes espresso powder to add a rich coffee flavor to the cake itself, which is not a common feature for most coffee cakes.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake) recipe is a must-try if you’re a fan of coffee cakes or love exploring traditional Chilean desserts. The combination of pecans and lemon rind adds a unique and refreshing taste to the classic coffee cake recipe, making it perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. The recipe is easy to follow, with simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry.

With tips and variations provided in this article, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences and experiment with different flavors. Make it ahead for a family gathering or store it in the fridge for later use. The best part? It pairs well with different beverages and desserts.

So, whether you’re celebrating Hispanic heritage or just looking for a new dessert recipe to try, Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake) is definitely worth your time and effort. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family who have a sweet tooth. Trust me; they’ll thank you for it!

Que Que (Chilean Coffee Cake) Recipe

This is a low, dense coffee cake, with a hint of citrus. I recommend using the lemon extract vs the vanilla called for in the recipe. My cake tends to fall in the center as some of the posters have mentioned. I tried baking in a 9×9 pan and it helped, but still sank a little. If anyone has suggestions, I love to hear them as this really is a delicious coffee cake –Brenda.

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon rind (grated) or 1 tablespoon orange rind (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg mix well.
  4. Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder,alternating with buttermilk.
  5. Add lemon rind, vanilla or lemon extract, and pecans.
  6. Stir to mix.
  7. Pour batter into well buttered, floured loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness with toothpick.
  9. Remove from pan and sprinkle with sugar.
Dessert
Chilean
< 60 Mins, Breads, Chilean, South American

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]