If you crave a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, look no further! My easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake combines fluffy cake with crunchy streusel on top. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this recipe will guide you step-by-step. You’ll learn about key ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations. Let’s get baking and make a delicious coffee cake that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
To make a delicious cinnamon streusel coffee cake, you need these key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These ingredients work together to create a moist and tasty cake. The butter and sugar blend brings sweetness and richness. The eggs help bind everything, while the baking powder makes the cake rise.
Cinnamon Streusel Topping Ingredients
The topping adds a crunchy, sweet layer. You will need:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
This topping creates a delightful contrast to the soft cake. The brown sugar adds a deep flavor, and the cinnamon gives it that warm taste.
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap some ingredients if needed:
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Swap milk for almond or oat milk if you want a dairy-free cake.
- Try using applesauce instead of butter for a lighter option.
These swaps can change the taste and texture. Feel free to experiment while keeping the core flavors intact.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grab a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter. Then, dust it with flour. This helps the cake come out easily after baking.
Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet mix. Alternate this with the milk. Mix just until everything combines.
Creating the Streusel Topping
For the streusel, use a small bowl. Mix together the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Use a fork to blend until it looks crumbly. This will give your coffee cake a nice texture and sweet flavor.
Assembling and Baking the Cake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over this layer. Add the rest of the batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel over the last layer. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the lovely smell of your fresh coffee cake!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure a Moist Coffee Cake
To keep your coffee cake moist, use fresh ingredients. Old flour or eggs can dry it out. Mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing makes the cake dense. Adding a bit of extra milk can also help. If you want a richer taste, use whole milk instead of low-fat. Bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean but don’t overbake.
Best Practices for Streusel Texture
For a crumbly streusel, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before mixing. This keeps the streusel from becoming too wet. Use your fingers to mix the streusel topping. It helps break up the butter and creates clumps. Aim for a sandy texture with some larger chunks. This adds a nice crunch on top of the cake.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve your coffee cake warm or at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar for a pretty look. A cup of coffee or tea pairs well with it. You can also add a side of fresh fruit. Berries or sliced apples work great. For a sweet twist, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy your coffee cake in any way you like!
Variations
Adding Fruits or Nuts
You can add fruits or nuts to your coffee cake. Fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, or chopped apples work well. Mix them into the batter for extra flavor. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Just remember to adjust your baking time if you add more ingredients.
Alternative Flavor Profiles (e.g., Chocolate, Pumpkin)
You can switch up the flavors in your coffee cake. For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the batter. Use half a cup to start. If you want to try pumpkin, mix in half a cup of pumpkin puree. This change makes it moist and delicious. Spice it up by adding nutmeg or ginger for a fall vibe.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Adaptations
For gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that replaces all-purpose flour 1:1. To make it dairy-free, swap regular milk for almond or oat milk. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter. These changes keep the cake tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Coffee Cake
To keep your coffee cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, refrigeration is an option, but it may dry out.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing coffee cake is easy. Once it cools, slice it into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When ready to eat, take out the slices you want and let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your coffee cake warm, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just warm each slice for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your delicious coffee cake!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool. After cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
What kind of flour is best for coffee cake?
All-purpose flour works best for this coffee cake. It gives a nice balance of fluffiness and structure. You can also use cake flour if you want a lighter texture. However, all-purpose flour is the most common choice and will yield great results.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
To check if your coffee cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it is ready. The edges will also start to pull away from the pan. Baking usually takes about 30-35 minutes, but always check for doneness.
Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. This swap will add a richer flavor and moisture to your cake. Use the same amount of brown sugar as granulated sugar in the recipe. Keep in mind that the cake may have a darker color due to the brown sugar.
This blog covered how to make a delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. We explored key ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and shared helpful tips. You now know how to keep your cake moist and create the perfect streusel. We also discussed tasty variations and storage methods to keep your cake fresh. Whether you bake it for yourself or share it with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy baking, and savor each bite of your wonderful creation!
