Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked Coffee Cake in the morning, especially when it’s topped with a buttery, cinnamon-scented streusel. This classic coffee cake recipe is soft, tender, and perfectly sweet, making it the ideal companion for your morning coffee or tea. With a rich, buttery base and a crumbly topping, this cake is sure to be a family favorite.
In this post, I’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions to create this delicious coffee cake from scratch. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Coffee Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
Instructions for Making Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Add Butter: Cut in ¼ cup of room-temperature butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside the streusel topping for later.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat ½ cup of room-temperature butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating until well combined.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in the 1 cup of sour cream until smooth.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smoother batter and better texture in the finished cake.
- Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor and moist texture.
- Storage: Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Variations of Coffee Cake
Blueberry Coffee Cake
For a fruity twist, fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the cake batter before adding the streusel topping. This adds a burst of sweetness and a pop of color.
Nutty Streusel Coffee Cake
To add some crunch to your streusel topping, mix in ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) along with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
For an extra cinnamon flavor, create a cinnamon swirl by mixing ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour half of the cake batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then pour the remaining batter on top before adding the streusel topping.
Glazed Coffee Cake
For a sweet finish, drizzle the cooled coffee cake with a simple glaze made from 1 cup of powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. This adds a touch of sweetness and a bakery-like finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the coffee cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for later. Just thaw it overnight and reheat before serving.
2. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Simply double all the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
3. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a square or round pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan for this recipe. Make sure to generously grease the bundt pan and adjust the baking time as needed (typically around 45-50 minutes).
4. How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake?
To prevent the streusel topping from sinking, make sure the cake batter is thick and spread evenly in the pan. The topping should sit on top of the batter rather than being mixed into it.
5. Can I use a different flour, like whole wheat or gluten-free?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind the texture will be denser. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with structure
Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The soft, moist cake paired with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced streusel makes for a comforting and satisfying bite. Whether you keep it simple or try one of the variations, this coffee cake will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
