Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe for a Perfect Morning Treat
As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee whiffs through the air, it enlightens our senses and fuels us up for the day ahead. I believe, a warm slice of coffee cake is an ideal pair to complement that perfect cup of coffee. The soft and moist texture of the cake with a sweet crumb topping and hints of cinnamon make it an instant mood-brightener.
For all the coffee-lovers out there, I present to you the perfect recipe for a mouth-watering coffee cake that will surely leave your taste buds craving for more. This recipe is an old-fashioned classic, made with simple yet wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen pantry.
With the upcoming year 2023, it is the perfect time to level up your baking game and leave behind those boxed cake mixes. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make you feel like a professional baker in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like a warm and delicious coffee cake that makes your taste buds tingle with excitement. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this amazing recipe for cinnamon streusel coffee cake.
First of all, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, which means you don’t need to break the bank or spend hours shopping for exotic items. All you need is some basic baking staples like flour, sugar, eggs, milk and butter, along with a few special items like sour cream, cinnamon, and brown sugar. And the result? A fluffy, moist and utterly delicious cake that will make your day.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily change things up by adding in different fruits like blueberries or apples, or by using different toppings like pecans or walnuts. You can also make it healthier by using yogurt instead of sour cream or by making it gluten-free. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent dessert or a quick breakfast option that you can take on-the-go, this recipe has got you covered.
But what really makes this coffee cake stand out is its rich and complex flavor. The combination of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla extract gives it a warm and comforting taste that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning. Plus, the crumbly streusel topping adds a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft and fluffy cake.
So if you’re looking for a classic coffee cake recipe that never disappoints, look no further than this one. It’s easy to make, versatile and delicious – everything you could possibly want in a baked treat. Trust me when I say that once you try it, you’ll fall head over heels in love with it.
Ingredient List
To make a scrumptious coffee cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know why this coffee cake recipe is worth giving a try, let’s dive into the steps for making it.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While you’re waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare a 9-inch (22 cm) springform pan by buttering the bottom and sides with some softened unsalted butter.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a mixing bowl, add 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened at room temperature). Use your hands to mix everything together until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In another mixing bowl, combine 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 3 large eggs (one at a time) followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add half of the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture followed by half a cup of whole milk. Use low speed to mix until just combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients mixture and another half cup of milk.
Finally, fold in one cup of full-fat sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cake
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle about two thirds of the crumb topping on top. Spread thу remaining batter over crumb layer, then sprinkle with cinnamon streusel.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Serve while still warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your delicious coffee cake with a nice hot cup of coffee!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making coffee cake, there are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations to fit your taste preferences. Here are a few options to try out:
– Blueberry Coffee Cake: For a fruity twist, substitute the cinnamon in the crumb topping for 2 tablespoons of lemon zest and mix 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
– Chocolate Coffee Cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the amount of flour by 1/4 cup. To create a swirl of chocolate throughout the cake, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
– Cream Cheese Coffee Cake: Beat 8 oz. of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls on top of the batter, then use a toothpick or knife to swirl it in.
– Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Replace half of the sour cream with unsweetened applesauce and stir in 2 cups of diced apples and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. For an extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping.
– Gluten-Free Coffee Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend, such as almond or oat flour. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
– Vegan Coffee Cake: Use vegan butter instead of regular butter, flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tbsp. ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp. water per egg), and plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk.
Experimenting with these substitutions will result in new coffee cake creations that you may find become quick favorites in your recipe archive!
Serving and Pairing
Coffee cake is a favorite among dessert lovers, and it’s perfect for any occasion! This sweet and flavorful treat pairs well with many different beverages, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or brunch. As a barista, I always recommend that customers try pairing their coffee cake with a cup of the best coffee they can find. A classic cup of drip coffee with a touch of cream is perfect, but you can also experiment with different flavors and types of coffee to find the perfect match.
For those looking to indulge in something extra rich and decadent, I suggest trying a cup of cream coffee to pair with your cake. The creamy texture of the coffee blends well with the moist crumb of the cake, allowing you to savor each bite even more. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own Chocolate Coffee recipe to add a little extra sweetness and richness to your pairing.
If you prefer something lighter and fruitier, consider pairing your coffee cake with a fruity iced tea or lemonade. The light acidity will balance out the sweetness in your dessert, creating a refreshing and thirst-quenching combination that’s perfect for hot summer days.
As for serving coffee cake, it’s a versatile dessert that can be served either fresh from the oven or chilled. You can slice the cake into squares or wedges, and drizzle icing on top if desired. The cinnamon streusel crumb topping is a great complement to almost any flavor or variation of coffee cake, but feel free to experiment with other toppings as well.
Overall, the serving and pairing options for coffee cake are endless! Whether you prefer something classic or like to experiment with new flavors and beverage combinations, there’s no doubt that this delicious dessert will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
To maximize your time and effort, prepare the coffee cake recipe in advance, so you can simply reheat it before serving. The finished coffee cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage periods, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to one week.
If you intend to freeze the coffee cake, make sure to cool it down completely before doing so. Wrap the cake tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container friendly for freezer storage. The coffee cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen or refrigerated coffee cake, leave it out at room temperature until it is completely thawed (if frozen) or until it is no longer cold (if refrigerated). Place the reheating-safe plate of coffee cake in a preheated oven set at 350°F (180°C). Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can microwave a slice of coffee cake for 20-30 seconds on low power setting. Reheating time may vary depending on your oven settings and the thickness of your coffee cake slices.
The moist and fragrant flavors of cinnamon and vanilla extract from the homemade coffee cake crumb topping sour cream coffee cake keeps well when stored appropriately, and its taste doesn’t diminish even after being reheated multiple times. This convenience feature makes this recipe perfect for busy mornings or lazy afternoons when taking an extra nap seems much more appealing than preparing breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to nail the perfect coffee cake recipe, then listen up because I have some tips that will help you on your way to success. Here are some of my best tips for making a delicious coffee cake every time:
1. Use room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps them mix better and ensures that everything bakes evenly. So, if your recipe calls for butter or eggs, take them out of the fridge ahead of time so they have time to come to room temperature.
2. Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough and dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and be careful not to overwork the batter.
3. Use a crumb topping: A good crumb topping can take your coffee cake from good to great. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until it forms a crumbly mixture for a classic crumb topping, or add some nuts or shredded coconut for a twist.
4. Adjust sweetness based on add-ins: If you’re adding fruit or chocolate chips to your coffee cake recipe, remember that they’ll add sweetness as well. Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly so that the final product isn’t too sweet.
5. Bake low and slow: Coffee cake is best baked at a lower temperature for longer than other cakes. This helps ensure that it bakes through evenly without getting burned on top.
6. Test doneness with a toothpick: The best way to know if your coffee cake is done is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, then it’s ready.
By following these tips, you’re sure to end up with perfect results every time you make a coffee cake!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered all the components of the coffee cake recipe, it’s time for us to address some frequently asked questions. If you are new to baking or trying out this recipe for the first time, it’s essential to know these tips, so your cake comes out perfectly moist and flavorful. So, let’s dive right into these FAQs together.
What makes a coffee cake a coffee cake?
If you’re looking for a delightful baked good to pair with your morning coffee, consider treating yourself to a coffee cake. Contrary to its name, this cake isn’t coffee-flavored, but rather a soft cake base that’s given a satisfying, crumbly texture thanks to a streusel topping. It’s the perfect complement to your cup of joe.
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
What sets coffee cakes apart from other cakes are their unique toppings of streusel, and the fact that they are typically not frosted. These cakes often contain fillings of fruit, nuts or chocolate, and some even have a streusel swirl within them. Some also feature a light glaze to add a touch of sweetness.
What does adding coffee to cake mix do?
When coffee is incorporated into baked goods, it has the power to transform the texture and flavor. The addition of brewed coffee to a cake results in a denser and moister texture, almost like gooey pudding. For those who enjoy the classic pairing of coffee and chocolate, a coffee-infused cake with chocolate is the ultimate indulgence, akin to the indulgent and luxurious experience of a mocha latte.
What goes with coffee cake?
As a barista, I have the pleasure of guiding you through the process of creating a variety of tasty beverages. From a light and refreshing fruit salad to a warm and creamy oatmeal with raisins, there’s something for everyone. If you’re in the mood for something caffeinated, I can assist you in creating a milky coffee or a soothing green tea. And if you prefer something non-caffeinated, I can suggest a glass of fresh cow milk or a zesty orange juice. But if you’re looking for something a little stronger, perhaps a glass of delicious red wine will hit the spot.
Bottom Line
Now that you have learned how to make the perfect coffee cake, it’s time to put your skills to the test. With its moist, tender crumb and flavorful cinnamon streusel, this coffee cake recipe is truly irresistible. Whether you are a fan of old-fashioned recipes or crave something new and exciting, this recipe has something for everyone.
So why not mix things up and try adding some blueberries or apples for an extra burst of flavor? Or if you want to indulge your sweet tooth even further, stir in some chocolate chips or drizzle cream cheese frosting over the top. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
And let’s not forget about the versatility of coffee cakes. You can serve them as a breakfast treat with a cup of hot coffee or as an after-dinner dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to school gatherings.
In conclusion, this coffee cake recipe should be in every home baker’s repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and highly customizable. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will make you the star of any social gathering. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy the sweet smell of success!
Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
Topping
In a pan melt together
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Mix coffee cake ingredients.
- Top with butter/cinnamon/brown sugar mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm with coffee.