Looking for a delectable treat to pair with your morning coffee or serve as an afternoon snack? This Classic Coffee Cake is the answer! With its moist and buttery texture, complemented by a crumbly streusel topping, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a cozy breakfast at home, this coffee cake is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this classic delight.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
Assemble the Coffee Cake:
Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
Spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer and then sprinkle the remaining streusel on top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the coffee cake to cool in the baking dish before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Room Temperature: Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature for the best taste. If you prefer it warm, you can heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Pairings: This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Presentation: To make it look more enticing, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving. You can also add fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and flavor.
Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. If serving for a gathering, cut the cake into smaller squares or rectangles for easy handling.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist and the streusel topping crisp.
Refrigeration: If you need to store it longer, you can refrigerate the coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the coffee cake. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. The coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To thaw, remove the coffee cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven before serving, if desired.
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FAQs:
Can I make the coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. It’s a great option for preparing in advance for a brunch or gathering. Once baked and cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as mentioned in the storage tips.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will provide a similar texture and moisture to the cake. Use the same amount of Greek yogurt (1 cup) as you would sour cream.
What can I add to the streusel topping for extra flavor?
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping. You can also incorporate a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced note. Adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries can also enhance the streusel.
How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake?
To prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake, make sure your batter is thick enough to support the topping. If your batter seems too thin, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before spreading it in the baking dish. Additionally, gently pressing the streusel topping into the batter can help it stay on top during baking.
Conclusion:
This Classic Coffee Cake recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for any time of day. Its moist and buttery texture, paired with the rich, crumbly streusel topping, makes it an irresistible treat. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, and share it with friends and family for a delightful experience. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Classic Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a slice of this Classic Coffee Cake, a moist and buttery delight topped with a crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee, this easy-to-make recipe is a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Coffee Cake:
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer and then sprinkle the remaining streusel on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the baking dish before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in the same quantity.
Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Brunch Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
