Start your day on a sweet note with this delicious Coffee Cake recipe! A perfect balance of soft, buttery cake and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, this treat is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee. It’s the comforting classic you’ll make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Coffee Cake
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Coffee Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the dry ingredients.
- Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined, but do not overmix.
3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
- Spoon the remaining batter on top of the streusel and spread it out gently.
- Sprinkle the remaining streusel topping on top of the cake.
5. Bake the Cake:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover the cake with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
- While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake is done baking and has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finishing touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your coffee cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk!
Why This Recipe Works
- Soft & Moist: The addition of sour cream (or yogurt) gives this coffee cake a moist, tender crumb that pairs perfectly with the crunchy streusel topping.
- Perfectly Sweet: The balance of sweetness from the cake and the cinnamon-sugar streusel creates the ideal flavor profile for a morning or afternoon treat.
- Versatile: This recipe is perfect for personalizing – you can add fruits like blueberries or apples, or swap the nuts in the streusel for your favorite variety.
Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the best texture and even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the cake batter. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Test the cake with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
- Add More Spice: For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Cake
- Serve this coffee cake for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- It also makes a great addition to a brunch spread or holiday gatherings.
- For a special treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
