"Operation Java Crumble” Coffee Cake

Let’s get one thing straight—we at Aerial Resupply Coffee can’t stand recipe blogs that make you scroll through a novella about someone’s cat or a long-lost summer vacation just to find out how much cinnamon to use. We get it, you’re here to bake something awesome, not read a life story. So, we’ll spare you the fluff and jump straight into the mission: delivering you an easy-to-follow recipe for a coffee cake that’s as bold and no-nonsense as we are.

With Operation Java Crumble, you’ll get straight to the point—and straight to the good stuff. Let’s get baking!

Coffee cake from aerial resupply coffee

“Operation Java Crumble” Coffee Cake

Fuel Your Day the Aerial Resupply Coffee Way

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Level: Intermediate

Total Time: 1 hr 45 min (includes cooling time)

Active Time: 30 min

Yield: 8 servings

 

Ingredients

Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted


Cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 cup Firewatch Medium Roast Brewed Coffee

1/3 cup sour cream

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Directions

1. Prepare Your Baking Field

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Spray and line a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are covered for easy removal. Spray the parchment paper too.

2. Craft the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms large crumbs. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and cardamom.

In a separate bowl, mix Firewatch Medium Roast Brewed Coffee with sour cream until smooth and set aside.

4. Build the Cake Base

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Merge the Mission Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the coffee mixture to the wet batter, beginning and ending with the dry. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for a uniform batter.

6. Deploy the Topping

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.

Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the batter.

7. Bake and Cool

Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips

Boost the Flavor: Swap sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt for an extra tangy kick.

Serving Suggestion: Pair a slice with a steaming cup of 15W40 Dark Italian Roast Coffee for a perfectly balanced flavor experience.

Customization: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the crumb topping for extra texture.

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Mission Complete

This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a fuel-packed treat crafted for veterans, patriots, and coffee enthusiasts alike. Each bite delivers bold flavors and the comforting richness of Aerial Resupply Coffee.

Join the mission today. Earn rewards and awesome perks when you join the unit today.

Caffeine. Community. Coffee.


FAQs

The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water). For example, a 12-ounce cup (about 355 grams) would need approximately 22 grams of coffee. Adjust to your taste: 1:15 for stronger coffee or 1:17 for lighter brews.

Grind size directly impacts how water extracts flavor from coffee grounds. A grind too fine can result in over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind too coarse can lead to weak, under-extracted coffee. Match the grind to your brewing method:

  • French press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
  • Drip coffee: Medium grind (like sand)
  • Espresso: Fine grind (like powdered sugar)

Bitterness can result from:

  • Water that’s too hot (above 205°F).
  • Brewing for too long.
  • Using too fine a grind for your brewing method.

To fix this, lower the water temperature, shorten your brew time, or switch to a coarser grind.

Store coffee in an airtight, opaque container like the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. Avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can degrade the flavor.

Use a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle. The ideal brewing temperature is 195°F–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before using it.

A burr grinder is strongly recommended for consistency. Burr grinders produce uniform grind sizes, which ensure even extraction and better-tasting coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, create uneven particles that can lead to inconsistent flavor.

For the best flavor, use beans within 2–3 weeks of roasting. Check the roast date when buying coffee. At Aerial Resupply Coffee, our beans are roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness when they reach your door.

Start with these three simple upgrades:

  1. Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans like MOAB Medium Roast.
  2. Invest in a burr grinder for precise grind sizes.
  3. Measure coffee and water with a digital scale to ensure consistent ratios.

The French press is a great starting point for beginners. It’s straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers rich, full-bodied coffee. Pair it with a reliable burr grinder and a scale for consistent results.

At Aerial Resupply Coffee, every purchase helps support veterans, military spouses, and first responders. By choosing our coffee, you’re not just enjoying bold, flavorful blends—you’re contributing to a meaningful mission and honoring those who serve.