We’ve always loved how Passover brings families together, and our Passover Coffee Cake recipe adds a sweet twist to the holiday table. This classic treat honors Jewish traditions with its light, airy texture, perfect for those restricted ingredients during the eight days of celebration.
It’s not just about following rules—it’s about creating memories with a moist cake that’s simple yet irresistible. We’ll guide you through making this crowd-pleaser that combines coffee’s rich depth with festive flavors, ensuring your gathering feels extra special.
Ingredients
In our Passover Coffee Cake recipe, we carefully select ingredients that honor the holiday’s dietary traditions while delivering a light and airy texture that brings families together for memorable gatherings. Below, we’ve organized the ingredients in the order they are used, with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure accuracy and ease.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups matzo cake meal: Sifted to achieve a fine texture, forming the base of our Passover Coffee Cake for that signature fluffiness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Used for sweetness; ensure it’s finely ground for even blending.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Kosher for Passover variety; this helps with the rise without compromising dietary rules.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the coffee’s rich flavors; add it directly to the dry mix.
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large eggs: At room temperature for better incorporation, providing structure and moisture to our cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: A neutral option that keeps the cake moist and adheres to Passover guidelines.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee: Cooled to room temperature; this infuses the bold, festive coffee essence that defines the dish.
Add-Ins and Toppings
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Toasted lightly for added crunch and nutty depth, stirred in just before baking.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Mixed with a bit of sugar for a topping that creates aromatic layers of flavor.
| Batch Size | Servings | Matzo Cake Meal (cups) | Eggs (number) | Brewed Coffee (cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 8 | 1.5 | 3 | 0.75 |
| Standard | 12 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Large | 16 | 3 | 6 | 1.5 |
Required Equipment
To prepare our Passover Coffee Cake with precision and ease, we gather the essential tools that ensure a seamless baking process. Building on our ingredient selection, these items help mix, measure, and bake for that perfect light and airy texture.
We organize the required equipment into a clear list, emphasizing key tools for efficiency:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like matzo cake meal and another for wet components such as eggs and oil—to prevent cross-contamination and promote even blending.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (1 cup, ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ¼ cup) and spoons (1 tablespoon, 1 teaspoon) for accurate portioning of ingredients like granulated sugar and baking powder, ensuring the cake’s fluffy consistency.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A sturdy whisk for manually incorporating air into the batter or an electric mixer for quicker blending of eggs and coffee, which enhances the rich, festive flavors.
- Rubber Spatula: For gently folding in add-ins like chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon without deflating the batter, maintaining the cake’s signature texture.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: A non-stick or greased pan to hold the batter during baking, allowing for even heat distribution and a golden-brown finish.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F, calibrated for accurate temperature to achieve the ideal bake time of 45-50 minutes.
- Cooling Rack: For allowing the cake to cool evenly post-baking, preserving its moist crumb and coffee-infused taste.
This setup supports various batch sizes, from small to large gatherings, as outlined in our previous sections.
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients prepped and equipment in place, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create a light and airy Passover Coffee Cake bursting with coffee flavor and festive spices.
Prepare the Batter
First, we combine the dry ingredients to build a solid base for our cake’s texture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of matzo cake meal, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until evenly blended and free of lumps—this ensures a fluffy rise that adheres to Passover traditions.
Next, we tackle the wet ingredients to infuse rich moisture and flavor. In a separate bowl, beat 4 large eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and frothy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, mixing until fully incorporated for a smooth, aromatic blend.
Finally, we merge the mixtures and add enhancements. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones using a rubber spatula, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain that airy consistency. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch, creating a batter that promises a moist, coffee-kissed crumb perfect for holiday gatherings.
Bake the Cake
Preheat our oven to 350°F to achieve even baking and a golden finish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with a light coating of vegetable oil or non-stick spray, then pour the batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform results.
Place the pan in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—this step locks in the rich coffee aroma and ensures a tender texture. Monitor closely after 25 minutes to prevent overbaking, as the matzo cake meal reacts uniquely for that signature Passover lightness.
Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes to set its structure and enhance the flavors. After cooling slightly, transfer it to the rack to cool completely for about 1 hour, allowing the coffee-infused scents to mellow into a irresistible, moist slice.
Once cooled, slice the cake into 12 even portions for a standard batch, revealing its fluffy interior and nutty accents. Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey to complement the bold coffee notes, making it an ideal treat for your Passover celebration.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Passover Coffee Cake is its flexibility for busy holiday schedules, allowing us to prepare it in advance without sacrificing that light, airy texture or rich coffee flavor. Whether we’re hosting a Seder or attending a family gathering, making this cake ahead ensures everything runs smoothly.
Preparing the Batter in Advance
We can mix the batter up to 24 hours before baking to save time on the day of your event. Start by following the dry and wet ingredient steps from our earlier instructions, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store the batter in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, but remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even rising and a fluffy result.
Baking and Storing the Cake
If we prefer to bake the entire cake ahead, remove it from the oven once it’s golden brown and fully cooled, as detailed in the preparation steps. For short-term storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to preserve its moisture and flavor.
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. We recommend cutting the cake into portions first for easy serving later. Place the slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid staleness. |
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Wrap securely to prevent drying out; reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore warmth and texture. |
Reheating and Serving Tips
To bring back that freshly baked appeal, we can reheat refrigerated or frozen slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving the entire cake, as it may affect the texture—opt for the oven to keep it light and airy. Pair it with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey just before serving to enhance those coffee notes and make your Passover celebration even more memorable.
Conclusion
We’ve shared this Passover Coffee Cake recipe to help you create joyful holiday moments with ease. It’s our go-to way to blend tradition and flavor, making gatherings truly special.
As we wrap up, remember that baking this cake lets us honor customs while adding a touch of delight. Give it a try and make it part of your family’s cherished rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Passover Coffee Cake?
Passover Coffee Cake is a light, airy dessert that combines coffee flavors with traditional Passover ingredients, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. It adheres to dietary restrictions using matzo cake meal and creates memorable family moments with its fluffy texture and festive taste.
What ingredients are needed for Passover Coffee Cake?
Key ingredients include matzo cake meal, granulated sugar, baking powder, eggs, vegetable oil, strong brewed coffee, chopped walnuts, and ground cinnamon. They’re divided into dry and wet components for easy mixing, ensuring a rich, fluffy result. Options for add-ins like nuts enhance flavor, with measurements scaled for small, standard, or large batches.
What equipment is required to make Passover Coffee Cake?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or electric mixer, a rubber spatula, and a 9×13 inch baking pan. An oven preheated to 350°F is essential. These tools help achieve the cake’s light texture and support various batch sizes for seamless preparation.
How do I prepare Passover Coffee Cake?
Start by mixing dry ingredients like matzo cake meal and sugar, then combine wet ingredients such as eggs, oil, and coffee. Gently blend the mixtures, add walnuts, pour into a greased pan, and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing and serving with fruit or honey.
Can I make Passover Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. For the baked cake, it holds well at room temperature for a day, in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
How should I store Passover Coffee Cake?
Store the baked cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 300°F to maintain its light, airy texture.
What are some serving tips for Passover Coffee Cake?
Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with fresh fruit, honey, or a drizzle of coffee glaze to enhance flavors. It’s ideal for Passover celebrations, cutting into portions for sharing. For best results, let it cool slightly after baking to keep the texture light and enjoyable.