Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Simple and Delicious Treat
Are you ready to bake a treat that warms your heart and home? Let’s dive into making a Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake—simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With easy steps and commonly found ingredients, you’ll whip up a warm, spiced cake in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this recipe is sure to impress! Let’s get started on your new favorite dessert.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist: This coffee cake is incredibly moist thanks to the sour cream, making every bite delightfully rich and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Aroma: The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving: This coffee cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
To make this tasty coffee cake, gather these ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
If you need to swap out some ingredients, here are good options:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free cake.
- Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- For a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil in place of butter.
Recommended Tools and Equipment
You will need a few tools to make this cake:
- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer for creaming
- A whisk for mixing dry ingredients
- A 9×13-inch baking pan
- A spatula for spreading batter
- A toothpick or knife for checking doneness
- A wire rack for cooling the cake
These ingredients and tools will help you craft a delightful Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Remember, the right ingredients make all the difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 9×13-inch baking pan. Grease it with butter and dust it lightly with flour. This will help the cake come out easily.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer. Beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix them on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Mixing in Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs to the mixture. Do this one at a time. Mix on low speed after each egg until they blend in well. After that, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a nice flavor to your cake.
Combining Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well mixed. Now, add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Do this in parts, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Alternate with the sour cream. Mix only until combined; don’t over-mix.
Preparing the Streusel Topping
For the streusel, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nuts, if you are using them. Mix until everything is well combined. This topping adds a sweet crunch to your cake.
Layering the Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over this batter layer. This adds a nice flavor.
Swirling and Baking the Cake
Now, pour the rest of the batter on top. Smooth it out gently. Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel on top. To create a swirled effect, use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the streusel into the batter. Be careful not to mix it in too much.
Cooling and Serving Tips
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a great finish, serve it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy with a cup of coffee!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
To get a soft and fluffy coffee cake, use room temperature ingredients. This includes your eggs and butter. When you mix the butter and sugar, beat them until light and fluffy. This step adds air, which helps the cake rise. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can make your cake dense.
Ideas for Decorating Your Coffee Cake
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle powdered sugar on top after cooling. You can also drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk. If you like nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping. They add a nice crunch. For extra flavor, try adding some citrus zest to the batter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not preheating the oven. This can lead to uneven baking. Another mistake is over-mixing the batter. Always mix just until combined. Lastly, make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, keep baking and check again.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter texture.
- Don’t Over-Mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Swirling Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, use a gentle swirling motion with a knife or toothpick. Avoid mixing too much to preserve the streusel topping texture.
- Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from breaking apart.
Variations
Dairy-Free Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter and sour cream. Use coconut oil or a vegan butter instead of butter. For sour cream, use a plant-based yogurt. These swaps keep the cake moist and tasty.
Gluten-Free Options
You can enjoy this coffee cake gluten-free. Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum. This helps give the cake structure. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Flavor Variations
Want to change things up? You can add chocolate or fruit. For chocolate, fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter. If you prefer fruit, diced apples or blueberries work great. Just make sure to reduce the sugar a bit to balance the flavors.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Coffee Cake
To keep your coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the cake at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, put it in the fridge. This will help keep it moist and tasty. Line the container with parchment paper for extra protection.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze coffee cake for later enjoyment. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out. You can also use the microwave. Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds. Enjoy it warm for the best flavors!
FAQs
What is Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a moist, sweet cake. It has a rich flavor from cinnamon and sugar. The streusel topping adds a crunchy texture. You can enjoy it with coffee or tea. This cake is great for breakfast or dessert.
How long does Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake last?
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake lasts about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for freshness. If you want, you can refrigerate it to extend its life. Just remember to let it warm up before eating.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings or busy days. Bake it a day or two before serving. Just store it properly in an airtight container. It tastes great even after a day or two.
What can I serve with Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?
You can serve this cake with many things. A hot cup of coffee pairs well. Tea is another great option. Some people enjoy it with fresh fruit or whipped cream. You can even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat!
We’ve explored how to create a delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. You learned about key ingredients, useful tools, and step-by-step baking instructions. I shared tips for texture, decoration, and common pitfalls to avoid. You also discovered tasty variations and storage tips to keep your cake fresh.
Now you can confidently bake this delightful treat. Enjoy the process and share it with others! Your coffee cake will be a hit, no doub
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter and lightly dusting it with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the streusel topping.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over this layer of batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining cake batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the streusel topping into the batter to create a marbled effect, being careful not to mix it in completely.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
