If you’re looking for a cake that brings comfort and joy, you’ve found it! This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Packed with a rich, buttery crumb and topped with a delicious streusel, it’s perfect for any occasion. Join me as I guide you through a simple recipe where every bite is a delight, and impress your family and friends with your baking skills! Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Moist: This coffee cake is incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream, making it a delightful treat with every bite.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates a lovely sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Dish: This coffee cake is ideal for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, making it a versatile addition to any gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
Streusel Topping
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
When making cinnamon streusel coffee cake, each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives the cake its structure. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise, creating a light texture. Don’t forget the salt; it enhances the taste.
For the wet ingredients, softened butter provides richness. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps it brown. Eggs add moisture and bind everything together. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma, while sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender.
For the streusel topping, brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor. Together, these elements make a delicious and inviting coffee cake that you will love to share with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
2. Prepare your 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease it well. Lightly dust it with flour to keep the cake from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Mixing the Batter
1. Now we add the eggs. Introduce them one at a time. Make sure each egg blends in before adding the next.
2. After the eggs, add the pure vanilla extract. Blend until it is well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well.
4. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture. Alternate it with the sour cream. Start and finish with the flour mixture. This helps keep the batter smooth. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Cake
1. For the streusel topping, take a small bowl. Combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Mix until they are evenly coated and set aside.
2. Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the first layer of batter.
4. Carefully spoon the remaining batter on top. Smooth it out so it is even. Then sprinkle the last of the streusel over the surface. Make sure it is spread out well.
5. Place the cake in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. To check if it is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it gently to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
How to check for doneness
To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. This simple test ensures a perfect bake every time.
Importance of room temperature ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients is key for a smooth batter. When butter and eggs are at room temp, they mix better. This helps create a light and fluffy cake. Take your eggs and butter out an hour before baking.
Presentation Tips
Dusting with powdered sugar
For a beautiful finish, dust the top of your cake with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and makes it look extra special. Use a fine sieve to sprinkle it evenly.
Serving suggestions for pairing
Pair each slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm drink balances the sweet cake. This makes for a delightful treat, perfect for brunch or snack time.
Common Mistakes
Overmixing the batter
Be careful not to overmix your batter. Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until ingredients are just combined for a light texture.
Not properly preparing the pan
Always prepare your pan well. Grease it and dust it with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking. It helps you serve perfect slices every time.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cake.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: When combining the flour mixture and sour cream, alternate adding them to the butter mixture. This technique prevents overmixing and keeps your cake light and fluffy.
- Perfect Streusel Topping: For a crunchier streusel, use cold butter when mixing the topping ingredients. This keeps the butter in small chunks, creating a delightful texture after baking.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time, but also use the toothpick test. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and will remain moist.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
To make this cake gluten-free, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. These options work well and keep the cake moist. A one-to-one gluten-free flour will often yield great results. Just remember to add a bit of xanthan gum, as it helps with texture.
Vegan Alternatives
If you want to make this cake vegan, you can swap out the eggs and dairy. Use flax eggs by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. For the sour cream, you can use coconut yogurt or a homemade cashew cream. These options keep the cake rich and tasty.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor of your coffee cake by adding fruit or chocolate. Sliced apples or berries work great in the batter. For a chocolate twist, mix in some chocolate chips. These additions make each bite exciting and delicious. Feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your leftover coffee cake fresh, store it at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake stays soft for up to three days.
Long-term Storage
For longer preservation, you can freeze the coffee cake. Cut it into slices for easy serving. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat your coffee cake without drying it out, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the cake moist and tasty. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut for the streusel topping?
Yes, you can use other nuts for the topping. Try almonds or hazelnuts for a new twist. If you want a softer crunch, go for pecans. Each nut brings its own flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them finely. Toasting the nuts adds extra flavor. Simply bake them for a few minutes before you mix them in.
Can I make this cake in advance?
You can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
What is the best way to measure flour?
To measure flour accurately, use the spoon and level method. Start by fluffing the flour in its container. Then, use a spoon to fill your measuring cup. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as it packs the flour down. Once filled, level off the top with a straight edge. This method helps you get the right amount for baking.
This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for baking a delicious cake. We discussed dry and wet ingredients, plus the perfect streusel topping. You learned about important tips, variations for diet needs, and how to store leftovers.
Baking can be fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can create a tasty cake every time. Don’t forget to try the variations. Happy bakin
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