French Coffee Cake (savarin) Recipe

French Coffee Cake, also known as Savarin, is a delightful and classic recipe that dates back to the 19th century in France. This yeast-based cake is soaked in a delicious syrup, often infused with coffee or rum, which gives it a moist and rich flavor. The recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and the decadence of whipped cream. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable French treat.

First, let's prepare the yeast mixture. Take one cake of compressed yeast and soak it in a small amount of lukewarm water or milk. In a cup, add two tablespoons of lukewarm water and dissolve a pinch of salt and one tablespoon of sugar. Stir well with a spoon until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Then, add the soaked yeast and mix it together. Place the cup at the back of the stove to allow the yeast to rise.

In a separate bowl, cream half a cup of butter by rubbing it until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add one-third cup of powdered sugar to the creamed butter and stir constantly in one direction. This step helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cake.

Next, add the yolks of four eggs to the creamed mixture, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Grate the peel of a lemon and add it to the mixture for a subtle citrus flavor. Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the cake.

Sift two cups of flour into a separate bowl. Make a depression in the center of the flour and pour in the risen yeast mixture and one cup of lukewarm milk. Stir the mixture slowly to create a light batter. To this batter, add the creamed butter and eggs mixture. Stir until the batter becomes smooth and forms blisters. The batter should easily fall off the spoon and leave the bowl clean.

Now it's time to add some delicious ingredients to enhance the flavor of the cake. Stir in half a cup of dark raisins, half a cup of pounded almonds, and some finely cut-up citron. These additions bring a delightful texture and taste to the cake.

Lastly, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the stiffly beaten whites into the batter. This step helps to lighten the cake and add a fluffy texture.

Prepare your cake forms by greasing them well to prevent sticking. Fill each cake form with the batter and set them in a warm place to rise for approximately forty-five minutes or until double in size. This rising time allows the cake to develop its characteristic shape and texture.

Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature. Bake the Savarin cakes for about forty-five minutes or until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cakes and adjust accordingly.

Once the cakes are baked and have cooled slightly, it's time to add the finishing touch. Fill the center of each cake with a generous amount of whipped cream. You can flavor the whipped cream with a dash of vanilla extract or rum, depending on your preference. This creamy filling complements the cake perfectly and adds a luxurious indulgence.

To elevate the flavors even further, serve the French Coffee Cake with a decadent rum sauce. The rum sauce is made by heating a mixture of sugar and rum in a saucepan until the sugar is fully dissolved. This luscious sauce adds a delightful boozy twist to the dessert.

French Coffee Cake, or Savarin, is a beloved dessert in French cuisine. It is often served for special occasions and celebrations. This recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be adored by cake lovers around the world.

Fun fact: The name Savarin comes from Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, a French gourmet who is recognized as one of the fathers of modern gastronomy. The dessert was named in his honor due to his love for food and his contributions to French cuisine.

Similar dishes to French Coffee Cake include baba au rhum, which is a similar yeast-based cake soaked in rum syrup. Another similar dessert is the Italian Panettone, a sweet bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. Both of these desserts share the same rich and moist texture, making them perfect for indulging in a sweet treat.

So go ahead, indulge in the decadence of French Coffee Cake, and savor every bite of this classic dessert!