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Key ingredients for the cake: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 3 large eggs - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon salt Ingredients for the streusel topping: - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Optional add-ins (such as nuts): - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for crunch) When making this coffee cake, it's key to have fresh ingredients. The butter should be soft to blend well. The sour cream adds moisture, making the cake soft. The streusel topping is a fun mix of sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Adding nuts gives a great crunch and flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for an even bake. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This helps to keep the cake from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until it's light and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix is important for the cake’s rise. Gently fold the dry mix into the wet batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the cake tough. In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted butter over this mix. Use a fork or your fingers to blend until it gets crumbly. If you want some crunch, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Next, add the rest of the cake batter and spread it carefully. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it's cool, slice the cake into squares. Enjoy it with your favorite cup of coffee! To boost flavor, consider adding fruit to the batter. Apples or berries work well. You could also try different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for a unique twist. When serving, pair your cake with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. The warmth of the drink complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly. To keep your cake moist, use room temperature eggs and sour cream. This helps the batter mix well and rise properly. Avoid overmixing when you combine wet and dry ingredients. Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Common baking mistakes can ruin your cake. Always preheat your oven before baking. If the oven isn’t hot enough, the cake may not rise. Also, check your baking powder for freshness. Old baking powder can affect how well your cake rises. For special occasions, dust the top of your cake with powdered sugar. This simple touch makes the cake look fancy. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It makes serving fun and adds a creamy texture to each bite. When presenting, slice the cake into neat squares. Arrange them on a colorful plate for a nice display. You can even add fresh berries or mint leaves around the cake. These little touches make your coffee cake stand out and look inviting. Pro Tips Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and sour cream for a smoother batter and better rise. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to ensure a tender cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Customize Your Nuts: Try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile in the streusel topping. Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. {{image_4}} You can add fruit to your coffee cake for a fresh twist. Apples or berries work great. Simply chop them up and fold them into the batter. This adds moisture and natural sweetness. You can also try different spices. Nutmeg or ginger can give your cake a warm, spicy kick. Mix in a teaspoon of either spice with the cinnamon for a new flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This will keep the texture light and fluffy. For vegan substitutions, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Also, swap sour cream with plant-based yogurt. These changes make the cake vegan-friendly without losing taste. Pair your coffee cake with drinks like coffee or tea. A rich cup of coffee enhances the flavors. For gatherings, serve slices on a pretty platter with fresh fruit on the side. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a nice look. A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence. Try these ideas to impress your guests! Store your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake at room temperature for up to three days. Use a sealed container to keep it fresh. If your home is warm, consider refrigerating it. This will help it last a bit longer. A glass or plastic container works best. Just make sure it is airtight to prevent drying out. If you have extra cake, freezing is a great option. First, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will help keep out air and moisture. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it warm and soft again. To keep your cake fresh, always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or if it smells off, throw it away. A good tip is to eat it within three days for the best taste. If the cake becomes dry or hard, it may not be as enjoyable. Keeping it in a cool, dry place will help it last longer. You can bake this coffee cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh and moist. If you want to warm it, just pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. You can also slice it and reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Yes, you can. If you want a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour. The texture might change a bit, but it should still taste great. Whole wheat flour works too, making the cake a bit denser and adding a nutty flavor. If your cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. If you see bubbles in the batter, that is a good sign. You can also check your baking powder and baking soda to ensure they are fresh. Yes! You can use a smaller or larger pan. Just adjust the baking time. For a smaller pan, check for doneness around 25 minutes. For a larger pan, you may need to bake it a bit longer, around 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check the center. You can easily adjust the recipe. If you want a smaller batch, cut the ingredients in half. For a larger batch, double the ingredients. Make sure to adjust your pan size and baking time accordingly. This post covers how to make a delicious coffee cake. We discussed key ingredients and their roles. I walked you through step-by-step baking instructions, from preparation to serving. The tips offered should help you enhance both flavor and texture. Remember, variations can cater to different diets and preferences. Lastly, proper storage keeps your cake fresh for longer. With these insights, you can now create a coffee cake that impresses everyone. Enjoy the process and share your tasty results!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

A delicious coffee cake topped with a cinnamon streusel, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended for added crunch)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing gently until just incorporated.
  • In another medium bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and mix until crumbly. If using pecans, fold them into the streusel mixture now.
  • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter on top and spread it carefully. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel topping over the surface.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and enjoy with your favorite cup of coffee.

Notes

For an enticing presentation, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar and serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, dessert