Delicious and Easy Coffee Cake Recipe

Welcome, coffee cake lovers! I am thrilled to share with you an indulgent and delectable recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings: Butter-Crumb Coffee Cake. This moist and buttery crumb cake will make you want to skip all other meals and just dig in! From its ultimate buttery streusel toppings to the rich crumbly layers of flavor, this recipe is the perfect choice for any occasion.

This coffee cake is so easy to make that even novice bakers can whip it up in no time. Imagine biting into a slice of soft, flavorful, delicious crumb cake with that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s the best ever coffee cake recipe that you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family over Sunday brunch, accompanying hot cider on a chilly evening or as a sweet treat on a lazy afternoon, this recipe will never disappoint. Trust me; you’ll be reaching for seconds soon after the first bite!

So put on your aprons, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get baking the ultimate Butter-Crumb Coffee Cake together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter - Crumb Coffee Cake
Butter – Crumb Coffee Cake

Calling all coffee cake lovers! If you’re looking for the ultimate buttery crumb coffee cake recipe, look no further. This recipe is the best ever and will have you coming back for more.

What sets this recipe apart from the rest is its moist and buttery texture, combined with the delectable streusel crumb topping. The combination of light brown sugar, cinnamon, and coffee in the topping will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

But what really sets this coffee cake apart is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert after dinner. The dried cranberries and walnuts add a delightful twist to this classic recipe, making it perfect for any occasion.

Plus, with substitutions and variations included in the recipe, you can add your own personal touch or make adjustments to fit dietary needs. Whether you use low-fat vanilla yogurt instead of sour cream or swap out dried cranberries for apple butter, this recipe allows for creativity in the kitchen.

And let’s not forget about the simplicity of making this cake. With just a few easy steps and common ingredients – all-purpose flour, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt – you can make a soft and flavorful cake that will impress everyone at your next gathering.

Don’t just take my word for it. This recipe has been tried and tested by many home bakers and even featured on popular baking blogs such as Sally’s Baking Addiction and New Jersey Crumb Cake Company.

So what are you waiting for? Give this ultimate buttery streusel crumb coffee cake recipe a try and indulge in its deliciousness.

Ingredient List

 A sprinkle of crumbs, a dash of butter, and a whole lot of deliciousness!
A sprinkle of crumbs, a dash of butter, and a whole lot of deliciousness!

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Butter-Crumb Coffee Cake:

  • Unsalted butter: You will need softened unsalted butter for both the crumb topping and cake batter. You can substitute it with salted butter and reduce the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.

  • Light brown sugar: Brown sugar gives a moist, buttery, and caramelized flavor to both the cake and crumb topping.

  • All-purpose flour: We will use all-purpose flour for both cake batter and crumb topping.

  • Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake batter rise by producing carbon dioxide gas.

  • Salt: Salt is essential for balancing flavors and enhancing them. It also plays a significant role in gluten development.

  • Eggs: Eggs provide moisture, structure, and richness to the cake batter.

  • Low-fat vanilla yogurt: This is a healthy substitute for sour cream. It keeps the cake moist and enhances its flavor.

  • Vanilla extract: This adds a sweet fragrance and flavor to the cake batter.

  • Ground nutmeg and allspice: These warm spices give an earthy aroma to both cake batter and crumb topping.

  • Dried cranberries and chopped walnuts: These add texture, color, and taste to the crumb topping.

Make sure you have all these ingredients before initiating your preparations.

The Recipe How-To

 This buttery crumb cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence.
This buttery crumb cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence.

Prepare the Streusel Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

In a medium bowl, combine the walnuts, flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Add the cold butter and give it a good mix using a pastry cutter or your hands until the streusel clumps together in big crumbs.

Prepare The Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 8 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.

Using a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs, one at a time then pour in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add in half of the total amount of dry ingredients followed by half of the yogurt. Mix well before adding in the remaining dry ingredients and yogurt; mix again. Fold in the dried cranberries using a spatula.

Now it’s time to put everything together!

Assembling The Crumb Coffee Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Spoon half the batter into the prepared baking dish spreading it evenly with spatula until smooth.

Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the batter.

Spoon the rest of the batter over the crumbs and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining crumbs, firmly pressing them into the cake batter.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool completely in pan before cutting it up and serving.

Substitutions and Variations

 Perfect with a cup of coffee, this crumb cake will make your taste buds dance.
Perfect with a cup of coffee, this crumb cake will make your taste buds dance.

Looking for some variation in your butter crumb coffee cake? No problem, I’ve got you covered. Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations that will add a little twist to the classic recipe.

– Fruit Substitutions: Swap the dried cranberries for other dried fruits, such as raisins or chopped apricots. You could also use fresh fruit in the filling, such as apples or peaches.

– Nut Substitutions: Don’t like walnuts? Try using pecans, almonds or hazelnuts instead. You could also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.

– Streusel Topping Variations: If you’re looking to switch things up with your streusel topping, try adding some cinnamon or ground ginger for a spicier flavor. You could also mix in some rolled oats or coconut flakes for an added crunch.

– Cake Mix Experimentation: Instead of making the cake from scratch, try using a yellow cake mix as your base. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and spice levels accordingly.

– Lighter Options: Want a lower-calorie version of this buttery goodness? Try swapping some of the butter for low-fat Greek yogurt, or use a mixture of white and whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Regardless of which substitutions or variations you go with, know that this coffee cake recipe remains deliciously moist and buttery practically when accommodating different flavors.

Serving and Pairing

 If you're a fan of butter, you won't be able to resist this crumb cake.
If you’re a fan of butter, you won’t be able to resist this crumb cake.

This butter-crumb coffee cake is the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch. The moist, buttery crumb and streusel topping bring a delicious flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the rich earthiness of your favorite hot beverage.

To take this coffee cake to the next level, try serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy sweetness will complement the subtle flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar in the crumb topping.

For a dessert pairing, consider serving this coffee cake with a crisp hard cider or rich, full-bodied red wine. The tartness from the cider or the tannins in the wine will help cut through the sweetness of the cake, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, this coffee cake pairs well with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples. The acidity from the fruit will balance out the richness of the cake and provide a refreshing contrast in texture.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair this butter-crumb coffee cake, one thing is certain: it will be an absolute hit with everyone who takes a bite!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Don't settle for a plain coffee cake when you can have one with buttery, decadent crumbs.
Don’t settle for a plain coffee cake when you can have one with buttery, decadent crumbs.

This buttery, crumbly coffee cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s a great option for weekend brunches or for having a sweet treat ready for guests.

To reheat the coffee cake, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

If you want to make this coffee cake ahead of time but don’t want to bake it yet, you can prepare the crumb topping and cake batter separately and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble as directed and bake according to the recipe instructions.

For an even more delicious twist, try topping this coffee cake with some apple butter or cinnamon swirls. This will take your coffee cake to a whole new level! With its rich flavor and moist texture, this ultimate buttery streusel coffee cake is sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

Tips for Perfect Results

 You could make a regular coffee cake, but why settle when this buttery crumb one is an option?
You could make a regular coffee cake, but why settle when this buttery crumb one is an option?

One of the essential factors that can affect the outcome of the butter-crumb coffee cake is the baking temperature. Ensure that you preheat your oven to 350°F and then let it keep constant throughout the baking process. Check the cake after around 40 minutes, and if it looks like it’s browning excessively, cover it with aluminum foil, then continue baking until a toothpick comes out clean.

The butter- crumb coffee cake comes out moist and buttery, and you wouldn’t want to ruin that by using regular flour or substituting the butter. Using all-purpose flour will cause the cake to be dense, which is not what you desire. Also, avoid using margarine or oil instead of butter because they do not have similar melting points as butter.

Another issue that could hurt your final product is leveling your measuring cup when measuring ingredients, mainly packed brown sugar or all-purpose flour. Doing a sweep across the measuring cup with an offset spatula helps regulate the amount of ingredients going into the mixture.

If you prefer yours having a bit of crunch, add some chopped nuts such as pecans, macadamia nuts, or almonds into your streusel topping. Also, for those who love having a bit of tanginess in their desserts, swap out dried cranberries for dried cherries.

Lastly, allow the cake to cool before cutting it. Cutting it too early will cause the soft and tender cake to crumble beneath your fingers. For firmer slices, chill in a fridge for thirty minutes before cutting.

Incorporating these tips into your recipe will guarantee you soft and flavorful delicious crumb cake that is best ever made!

FAQ

Now that you have learned how to make an ultimate buttery crumb coffee cake, you might have some questions or concerns. Don’t worry; I’ve put together a list of FAQs based on my experience and research to help you get the best results possible. Let’s dive right in!

What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?

Although the terms “crumb cake” and “coffee cake” are sometimes used interchangeably, there is actually a noticeable contrast between the two. Usually, coffee cake is distinguished by a crumbly streusel topping, while crumb cake consists of an equal portion of cake and crumbs. Today, we’ll be focusing on the latter, as we provide instructions and tips for making a delectable crumb cake.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?

When it comes to crumb cake and coffee cake, the amount of streusel topping used is the main distinguishing factor. Generally, crumb cake has a thicker layer of streusel topping compared to coffee cake which can be made without the topping altogether.

Is melted butter better than cold butter for crumb topping?

Achieving the perfect texture for a crumb topping is all about the right balance of firmness and tenderness, with a satisfyingly chewy and chunky consistency akin to that of granola. For the ideal outcome, it is critical to incorporate cold bits of cubed butter into your recipe. If you opt for room-temperature or melted butter instead, your crumb topping will undoubtedly spread out and flatten during baking, unable to maintain its desired shape and firmness.

What makes coffee cake different from cake?

Coffee cakes are distinguishable from other cakes due to their unique streusel topping and lack of frosting. Instead of being coated with frosting, they have a drizzle of glaze on top. Additionally, some variations of coffee cakes might have a swirl of streusel, while others contain fillings such as fruit, nuts, or chocolate.

What is coffee cake crumble made of?

The crumb topping, streusel, and crumble are three different names for the same topping. Made from sugar, butter, and flour, this delicious topping can be sprinkled on top of pies, muffins and cakes to add some extra crunch and sweetness.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this butter crumb coffee cake recipe is the perfect addition to any brunch or dessert table. With its moist and buttery texture, streusel crumb topping and delicious balance of flavors, this coffee cake recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite additions like dried cranberries, walnuts, or even a cinnamon swirl.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Its simple ingredient list and straightforward directions make it accessible for anyone. Plus, with the option to use light brown sugar and low-fat vanilla yogurt, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional coffee cakes without sacrificing flavor.

So why not give this recipe a try? It’s the ultimate buttery treat that’s practically begging to be enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea. With its soft and flavorful crumb and double buttery streusel topping, it’s hard to resist! Go ahead and make this recipe your own by adding your own spin on it. Trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Butter - Crumb Coffee Cake

Butter - Crumb Coffee Cake Recipe

My MOM (RUTH) taught me how to make this cake.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 35 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 371.2 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crumb Topping

  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut up)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)

Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sweetened)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 6 tablespoons butter (room temp)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (6 ounce) container low-fat vanilla yogurt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 deg.
  • Coat 9 inch springform pan with cooking spray.
  • Crumb Topping
  • In bowl, mix flour,sugar, allspice, nutmeg and salt.
  • Work in butter with fingertips, until mixture resembles coarse meal.
  • Stir in nuts.
  • Cake: In small bowl,soften cranberries in boiling water, cover for 10 minutes.
  • Drain and finely chop.
  • In med size bowl, whisk together flour,baking powder and salt.
  • In clean bowl,beat butter until creamy, beat in sugar and vanilla for 2 min's or until fluffy.
  • Add eggs,one at a time, beating well after each.
  • Working in batches, beat in vogurt with flour mixture.
  • Add chopped cranberries.
  • Scrape batter into pan.
  • Sprinkle evenly with crumb topping.
  • Bake in 350 deg oven, 60 min's until cake is puffed, top is browned and toothpick comes out dry.
  • Let cool in the pan for 15 min's.
  • Remove side of pan& cut into wedges.
  • Serve slightly warm.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 95gCalories: 371.2kcalCarbohydrates: 48.7gProtein: 5.3gFat: 17.8gSaturated Fat: 9.2gCholesterol: 71.2mgSodium: 186.2mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 24.9g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Breads, Weeknight
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