Polish Coffee Cake Recipe
The Polish Coffee Cake Recipe, also known as Placek or Polish Sweet Bread, is a soft, tender and lightly sweet cake topped with a buttery crumble.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup butter softened
- 3 eggs
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
For the crumb topping:
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 tbsp butter cold, cubed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
- In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Add yeast mixture.
- Slowly add flour and mix until smooth.
Let the Batter Rise
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 pan.
- Cover and let it rise for 45–60 minutes.
Make the Crumb Topping
- Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter.
- Rub together until crumbs form.
Add the Crumbs
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the risen batter.
Bake the Coffee Cake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes.
- The top should be golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Warm the milk — not hot — to activate yeast.
- Let the batter rise until puffy for a light texture.
- Use cold butter in the crumb topping for crunchy crumbs.
- Do not overbake or the cake becomes dry.
- Add raisins or crumble nuts for extra flavor.