Imagine starting your day with a freshly baked, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon streusel coffee cake. This classic recipe combines a moist and tender cake base, a swirl of cinnamon, and a crumbly streusel topping. It’s so good, you’ll want seconds.
Whether it’s for a special brunch, a cozy weekend breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up, this homemade coffee cake is a hit. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipe that’s easy to make at home
- A moist, tender cake base layered with a swirl of cinnamon and finished with a crumbly streusel topping.
- Perfect for special occasions, year-round comfort, and make-ahead convenience
- Essential ingredients and equipment needed for the perfect streusel topping
- Step-by-step instructions for mixing the cake batter and baking tips
Why This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Will Become Your Favorite
Get ready for the amazing smell and delicious taste of this cinnamon streusel coffee cake. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch, making every bite a joy. It’s a favorite for any time you want to treat yourself.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This coffee cake is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy weekend brunch. Its beautiful look and tasty flavors will wow your guests. They’ll want more of this cinnamon delight.
Year-Round Comfort Food
This coffee cake is more than just for special times. It’s a cozy treat for any day. Enjoy it with coffee or tea for a warm and comforting moment.
Make-Ahead Convenience
This coffee cake is easy to make ahead. Prepare the batter and streusel topping before baking. It’s ready when you are, perfect for busy days or when you want to impress easily.
Homemade is always better, and this coffee cake proves it. Its fresh flavors, soft texture, and sweet cinnamon topping are unmatched. Make this cinnamon streusel coffee cake for your family and friends.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Making the perfect streusel topping for your sweet bread or crumb cake is easy. You just need flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. These simple things mix together to make a crunchy, buttery topping that everyone loves.
You’ll also need basic cake batter ingredients. These include flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and milk. And don’t forget the right tools. You’ll need a big mixing bowl, a mixer, measuring cups and spoons, and a baking pan.
| Streusel Topping Ingredients | Cake Batter Ingredients | Essential Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour Brown sugar Ground cinnamon Unsalted butter | All-purpose flour Granulated sugar Eggs Baking powder Milk | Large mixing bowl Hand mixer or stand mixer Measuring cups and spoons Baking pan |
Using top-notch ingredients is crucial for the best taste and texture. With the right tools and a bit of care, you’ll make a breakfast treat that everyone will enjoy.
Making the Perfect Streusel Topping
The secret to a delicious cinnamon streusel topping is in the crumb texture and mixing. Follow these steps to make the perfect streusel topping.
Getting the Right Crumb Texture
The perfect streusel topping is light and tender. It should contrast with the moist cake below. To get this, mix dry and wet ingredients just right. The result should be coarse and crumbly, not dense.
Mixing Techniques for Best Results
When mixing the streusel topping, don’t overwork it. Use a fork or your fingers to mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter until it’s coarse. Avoid kneading or squeezing, as it makes the topping tough.
Storage Tips for Extra Streusel
Don’t waste leftover streusel topping.Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for up to a week.
Sprinkle the cold streusel over your coffee cake batter before baking. It’s a quick way to add cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Mastering the perfect streusel topping takes your cinnamon crumb cake to new levels. Enjoy the buttery, cinnamon-spiced crunch with every bite.
Step-by-Step Cake Batter Instructions
Making the perfect coffee cake recipe begins with the batter. Follow these simple steps to create a moist and tasty homemade coffee cake.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9-inch round baking pan with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
- Gather the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and give them a good stir. You’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until they’re well combined.
- In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Now, add the dry ingredients and 1 cup sour cream to the butter mixture, one at a time. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- Pour the thick, creamy coffee cake batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Now, you’re ready to add the cinnamon streusel on top of the sweet bread. Check the previous section for how to make the perfect streusel topping.
Baking Tips and Troubleshooting
To bake the perfect cinnamon streusel coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and gets a beautiful golden-brown crust. For baking time, aim for 45-55 minutes. But, watch it closely after 40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick in the center comes out clean.
If the top of your homemade coffee cake browns too fast, cover it with foil. This prevents the streusel from burning while the inside cooks fully. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before serving.. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to set.
Encountering issues like a sunken center or dense texture? Try adjusting the baking powder ratio or baking soda. A bit of experimentation can help you get the perfect rise and crumb. With these tips, you’ll make a cinnamon streusel coffee cake that everyone will love.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this cinnamon streusel coffee cake?
Making this homemade cinnamon streusel coffee cake takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll spend 15 minutes preparing, 45-55 minutes baking, and 15 minutes cooling.
Can I make the coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this coffee cake ahead. Prepare the batter and streusel topping separately. Then, assemble and bake it on the day you plan to serve. The baked cake can be wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What type of pan should I use to bake the coffee cake?
Use a 9-inch round or square pan for this recipe. A 9×13-inch rectangular pan works too if you want a thinner cake. Always grease the pan to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For the streusel topping, use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat. Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar. In the batter, plain yogurt or sour cream can substitute for sour cream.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
The coffee cake is finished when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.. The top should be golden, and the streusel topping crisp. Gently press the center; it should spring back slightly.
Can I freeze leftover coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze leftover slices. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I get that perfect cinnamon swirl in the middle of the cake?
For a perfect cinnamon swirl, spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter before adding the streusel topping. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cinnamon into the batter for a defined spiral.