I created a poll in my Instagram stories last week to see what recipe people thought I should make next from Dessert Person. The options were: Malted “Forever” Brownies, Coffee Coffee Cake or Poppy Seed Almond Cake.

I knew Kristine would vote for Coffee Coffee Cake, but so did her sister and also responded with the comment “Plssss I’ll take some also lol”. I loved it! This is the sister that doesn’t normally eat many treats, so I was excited to package some up just for her.

The reason why this recipe is called COFFEE Coffee Cake is that it has coffee in each component: the cake, the ribbon running through it and the streusel on top. Interestingly (to me anyway), Claire says you CANNOT use instant espresso powder in this because it’s too bitter. She specifically calls for instant coffee crystals.

As a non-coffee drinker, I didn’t really know what I was in for when I went down the coffee aisle at my grocery store and stopped in front of the instant coffee. There are so many kinds! I took a picture and told Kristine to pick one out that she thought would be good, since I would give her the jar after this baking project was over. We went with Nescafe Gold, Dark Roast (but don’t tell anyone she’s drinking that, it’ll ruin her coffee connoisseur status!).

With that special ingredient procured, I went to work. This is a pretty standard recipe, and I just followed along exactly with Claire and didn’t make any adjustments or modifications. The only thing to note is that this makes a huge 9×13″ pan, so make sure you have lots of people to share with.

I tried a square of this Coffee Coffee Cake for quality control, and it was very hydrated, with a strong coffee flavour, and the cinnamon coming through nicely (it reminded me of this coffee cake). But let this be a cautionary tale: since I never have caffeine, and there are basically raw coffee crystals in the streusel topping, I was definitely feeling HYPER about half an hour after eating this, followed by my tummy hurting, which is what usually happens if I accidentally drink non-decaf coffee. What I’m trying to tell you is: don’t give this to your kids.

You can find the ingredient listing + directions in Claire’s video here!

More Planet Byn x Dessert Person posts here!

Note: I can’t find Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt anywhere, so just use regular salt and cut the measurement in half for these recipes.