Description
Zesty lemon pull-apart coffee cake delivers a tantalizing blend of citrus and sweetness. Layered pastry invites bakers to savor each tender, fragrant slice while enjoying a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¾ cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsps finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
- 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter
- 2 oz (56 g) unsalted butter (melted, for filling)
- 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk
- 1 tbsp whole milk (for icing)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a stand mixer bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
- Liquid Integration: Warm milk and butter until melted, then mix with water and vanilla extract, cooling to optimal yeast-activating temperature.
- Dough Formation: Blend liquid mixture into dry ingredients, incorporating eggs systematically to develop a smooth, soft, slightly tacky dough.
- Initial Fermentation: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until volume doubles, indicating proper proofing.
- Flavor Enhancement: Mix granulated sugar with lemon and orange zests to create an aromatic citrus-infused sugar blend.
- Dough Manipulation: Roll risen dough into a rectangular shape, meticulously brushing with melted butter and cutting into precise strips.
- Layering Technique: Stack buttered dough strips, generously coating each layer with zesty sugar mixture, creating a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
- Pan Arrangement: Vertically position layered strips in a buttered loaf pan, maintaining the intricate architectural design.
- Final Proofing: Allow assembled cake to rise, becoming delightfully puffy and preparing for baking transformation.
- Baking Process: Preheat oven and bake until the surface achieves a golden-brown complexion, indicating caramelization and flavor development.
- Glaze Creation: Whisk cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and lemon juice into a silky, pourable cream cheese icing.
- Finishing Touch: Once slightly cooled, drape cake with tangy cream cheese glaze, allowing it to cascade naturally along the cake’s contours.
Notes
- Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure liquid temperature hits 110-115°F for optimal yeast activation without killing microorganisms.
- Dough Consistency Matters: Aim for slightly tacky texture that springs back when touched, indicating proper hydration and gluten development.
- Rise Strategically: Choose warm, draft-free spots like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with light on to create ideal proofing environment.
- Zest Technique Tip: Use fresh citrus zest and avoid white pith for maximum aromatic flavor without bitter undertones.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rising)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg