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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup sour cream - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make a great Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you need a mix of dry and wet ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon for the dry part. These give the cake its structure and flavor. For the wet ingredients, soften your unsalted butter first. Then mix in granulated sugar until fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to make the batter rich and moist. Finally, for that yummy topping, mix packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If you like nuts, toss in chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your coffee cake. Now, you have everything ready for your delicious baking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat is perfect for baking. 2. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. This helps the cake come out easily. 3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. 1. Add the eggs to the butter mixture. Mix well after each egg. This makes the cake rich. 2. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. 3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 4. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Alternate adding sour cream too. Mix until just combined. 1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. 2. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. This adds a sweet crunch. 3. Add the remaining batter on top. Spread it gently. 4. Top with the rest of the streusel mixture. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the batter. This creates a marbled effect. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. You know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean. 2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 3. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set before you serve it. - How to achieve a fluffy texture To make your coffee cake fluffy, use softened butter. Beat it well with sugar. Incorporate eggs one at a time. Mix gently when adding dry ingredients. This keeps air in the batter. - Tips for measuring ingredients accurately Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon the ingredients into the cup and level off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour down, as this adds extra weight. - Adding spices for extra flavor You can add nutmeg or ginger for a warm twist. Just a pinch can really elevate the taste. Try mixing these spices with the cinnamon. - Using different nuts or fruit Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. You can also add fruits like apples or berries for a fresh taste. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking. - Serving suggestions Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with coffee or tea. Cut it into squares for easy serving at gatherings. - Dusting options for visual appeal For a beautiful finish, dust the top with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds a sweet touch and looks great! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher crumb. Variations on Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile in your streusel topping. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up this recipe for more fun. Try a pumpkin spice version to enjoy warm, cozy flavors. Just add pumpkin puree and some nutmeg to the batter. This twist makes the cake perfect for fall. Another great option is a chocolate chip cinnamon coffee cake. Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well and keeps the cake light. For a vegan twist, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based sour cream. You can also swap butter for coconut oil to keep it dairy-free. These options ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty treat. Make the cake festive by adding cranberries or using peppermint extract for the holidays. These flavors brighten up the season. You can also incorporate seasonal fruits like apples or pears. Chopped fruit adds moisture and flavor, making the cake even more delightful. Experiment with these ideas to keep your coffee cake exciting all year round! To keep your coffee cake fresh, wrap it well in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, put it in the fridge for about a week. You can freeze this coffee cake to enjoy later. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This keeps out air and moisture. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. For the best taste, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. To reheat your coffee cake, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it through and keeps the texture nice. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the cake. Enjoy your warm cake with your favorite cup of coffee! How can I make my coffee cake moist? To keep your coffee cake moist, use sour cream. It adds richness and moisture. Make sure not to overmix the batter. This can make the cake dry. Bake it at the right temperature and check for doneness. Can I use a different pan size? Yes, you can use a different pan size. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker. This may need more baking time. If you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner and bake faster. Always check for doneness with a toothpick. Can I replace sour cream? You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt. Greek yogurt works well too. It gives a similar tang and moisture. You can also use buttermilk if that is handy. What can I use instead of nuts? If you want to skip nuts, try using seeds. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds add crunch. You can also add more cinnamon for flavor. Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can add sweetness. Why is my cake sinking? A sinking cake may be due to too much leavening. This can happen if you add too much baking powder. Make sure to measure accurately. Another reason could be opening the oven door too early. How to check if the coffee cake is done? To check if your coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake a few more minutes. This blog post covered everything you need to create a perfect coffee cake. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and essential tips. I shared flavor variations and dietary alternatives for all preferences. Proper storage will keep your cake fresh longer. Remember, mastering these techniques ensures a moist and delicious treat. Now, it’s time to bake and enjoy! You have the tools to make a delightful coffee cake that will impress everyone. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

A delicious coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 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
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
  • In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to make the streusel topping.
  • Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
  • Add the remaining batter on top and spread it out gently, followed by the rest of the streusel topping.
  • Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the topping into the batter for a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by coffee.
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, dessert