Description of this recipe:
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist, tender cake with a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. The cake itself is enriched with sour cream, giving it a wonderful tanginess and keeping it incredibly moist. The streusel, made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nuts, adds a delightful crunch and warm spice that complements the cake perfectly. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a brunch, a lovely addition to an afternoon tea, or a comforting dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee.
Why you will love this recipe:
You’ll fall in love with this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake for so many reasons! First, the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The moist, slightly tangy cake contrasts beautifully with the sweet, crumbly streusel topping. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice that makes it perfect for any time of year.
Second, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It requires no special equipment and the steps are straightforward. Even beginner bakers can achieve a delicious and impressive result. The streusel topping comes together in minutes, and the cake batter is simple to mix.
Finally, this coffee cake is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a casual brunch with friends, a special occasion like a birthday, or a simple dessert to enjoy with your family. It also travels well, making it a great option for potlucks and gatherings. You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different nuts, spices, or even a drizzle of glaze. This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Make sure to coat every nook and cranny with butter or baking spray, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures that the cake releases easily after baking, leaving you with a beautiful, intact slice.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, is the foundation of a tender and airy cake. The goal is to incorporate air into the mixture, which will create a light and delicate crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results, and cream the butter and sugar for at least 3-5 minutes until the mixture is visibly lighter in color and texture.
Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake. Adding them one at a time ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter, creating a smooth and emulsified mixture. After adding each egg, mix for about 30 seconds to a minute until the mixture is well combined. Then, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and moisture to the cake. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking the dry ingredients together ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the cake rise, while salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. The cinnamon adds a warm and aromatic spice that complements the streusel topping.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake, so it’s important to mix until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Use a low speed on your mixer or fold the ingredients together by hand with a spatula. Mix until there are no visible streaks of flour, but be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts to make the streusel topping. The streusel topping is what makes this coffee cake truly special. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness, while cinnamon enhances the warm, comforting flavor. Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. You can use pecans, walnuts, or a combination of both.
Step 7: Spread half of the batter in the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with half of the streusel mixture, and then top with the remaining batter. Layering the batter and streusel creates a beautiful and delicious effect. Spreading half of the batter in the dish, then sprinkling with half of the streusel ensures that the cake is evenly distributed with both cake and topping.
Step 8: Swirl the remaining streusel topping over the batter with a knife. Swirling the streusel topping into the batter creates a marbled effect and ensures that the streusel is evenly distributed throughout the cake. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the streusel into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check the cake for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or, pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It’s also delicious with fresh berries or a drizzle of glaze.
Tips:
- For best results, use softened butter and room temperature eggs.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting and serving.
- Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45-50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5-10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, estimated) Calories: 450 Protein: 5g Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a classic recipe that is sure to impress. With its moist, tender cake and sweet, crumbly streusel topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a simple snack, this coffee cake is guaranteed to be a hit. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar make it perfect for any time of year. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a truly delicious and memorable coffee cake.
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut in the streusel topping?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pecans or walnuts, you can easily substitute other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the streusel.
Q2: Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This coffee cake is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply bake the cake according to the recipe instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this coffee cake for longer storage. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Q4: Can I add a glaze to this coffee cake?
A: Absolutely! A simple glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and flavor to the coffee cake. To make a glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe, so start with the amount called for and then add more as needed until the batter reaches the desired consistency.
