If you’re craving a sweet treat to brighten your morning, try my delightful Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake! This easy recipe combines soft cake with a crunchy, sweet topping. I’ll guide you through simple steps, from mixing ingredients to baking perfection. With just a few basic ingredients and helpful tips, you’ll impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavors together!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp salt
When making the coffee cake, you need simple ingredients. This makes it easy to prepare. All-purpose flour gives the cake structure and texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while unsalted butter brings richness to the batter. Milk helps to keep the cake moist, and eggs act as a binder. Baking powder is important for leavening. Vanilla extract adds a lovely flavor, and salt enhances all the other tastes.
Streusel Topping Ingredients
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
The streusel topping creates a crunchy layer. Brown sugar gives it a deep, sweet flavor. Adding extra all-purpose flour helps bind the topping. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice. Melted unsalted butter combines everything into crumbs. If you like, you can toss in chopped nuts for extra crunch. This topping is a delightful contrast to the soft cake below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
– Set temperature to 350°F (175°C)
– Prepare the baking pan
First, turn on your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will keep the cake from sticking.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
– Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon
– Combine with melted butter and add nuts
In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter and stir until you see crumbs. If you want, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for a nice crunch.
Make the Cake Batter
– Cream butter and sugar
– Mix in eggs, milk, and vanilla
In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer. Mix until it is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each one. Next, pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until everything is mixed.
Combine Ingredients
– Whisk dry ingredients
– Combine wet and dry mixtures
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet batter. Stir gently. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Layer and Bake
– Assemble the cake in the pan
– Bake time and toothpick test
Pour half of the batter into your greased baking pan. Smooth it out with a spatula. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Pour the rest of the batter on top, and finish with the remaining streusel. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Tips & Tricks
Techniques for Perfect Cake
– Avoiding overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the cake tough. This happens when you beat the batter too much. Keep it gentle for a soft cake.
– Ensuring even baking: Rotate the pan halfway through baking. This helps the cake bake evenly. Also, check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Serving Suggestions
– Ideal accompaniments: Serve your coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee. It pairs well with tea too. You can also add fresh fruit on the side for a bright touch.
– Presentation ideas: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. It adds a nice look. You can cut it into squares for easy serving. A pretty plate can make it more inviting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Incorrect ingredient measurements: Always measure your flour and sugar carefully. Too much flour can make the cake dry. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
– Not using room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix better. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter.
Variations
Nut-Free Version
If you need to avoid nuts, it’s easy! Just leave out the chopped nuts from the streusel topping. The cake will still be tasty and crunchy without them. This change helps anyone with nut allergies enjoy this treat. You won’t lose the yummy texture or flavor.
Flavor Variations
Want to shake things up? You can add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist. Just fold in a cup of chocolate chips after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. This will give your cake a rich, chocolaty flavor.
You can also mix in fresh fruit. Blueberries or raspberries work great! Just toss in about a cup of washed and dried fruit into the batter. This adds a burst of flavor and moisture to your cake.
Gluten-Free Option
If you need a gluten-free cake, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Look for a good brand that works well in baking. A mix of almond flour and coconut flour can also work. Make sure to check the package for the right measurements. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious coffee cake!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
Store your leftover coffee cake at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. If your kitchen is warm, put it in the fridge. This helps the cake stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze this coffee cake for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into slices or keep it whole. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put the wrapped cake in a freezer bag. It will stay good for about three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your coffee cake, take out a slice and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can warm it in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. If you prefer, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. Enjoy your warm treat!
FAQs
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use several egg alternatives for baking. Here are some great options:
– Unsweetened applesauce: Use 1/4 cup for each egg.
– Mashed banana: Use 1/4 cup for each egg.
– Flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
– Yogurt: Use 1/4 cup of plain yogurt for each egg.
These substitutes work well in cakes and add moisture.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done?
You can tell if the coffee cake is done by checking a few signs:
– Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
– Golden brown: The top should be a nice golden brown.
– Slight spring: Lightly press the top. If it springs back, it’s done.
Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Here’s how:
– Baking in advance: Bake and cool the cake completely.
– Storing: Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for 2-3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil.
To serve, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Enjoy it fresh!
You now know how to make a tasty coffee cake. We covered the needed ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips. Remember, avoid overmixing and use room-temperature ingredients for the best results. You can also try fun variations, like adding chocolate chips or making it gluten-free.
Store any leftovers correctly and reheat them well. Baking this cake can be simple and rewarding. Enjoy sharing your delicious creation with family and friends. Happy baking!
