The BEST Coffee Cake

Introduction
Coffee cake is a beloved classic that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea. Known for its tender crumb, buttery flavor, and often a crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping, the BEST Coffee Cake offers a warm, comforting experience with every bite. This cake is versatile, easy to make, and ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavors make it a timeless favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike, providing a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery notes that satisfy both simple and sophisticated palates.

The History of Coffee Cake
The tradition of coffee cake dates back to Europe, especially Germany and Scandinavia, where it was originally made as a simple cake to enjoy alongside coffee during social gatherings. These early cakes were typically less sweet and often flavored with nuts, spices, or fruit. Immigrants brought these recipes to America, where the cake evolved into the sweeter, richer versions we recognize today. The addition of streusel toppings and the characteristic cinnamon swirl became hallmarks of American coffee cakes by the mid-20th century. Coffee cake’s popularity grew as a staple in coffeehouses and home kitchens alike, celebrated for its comforting familiarity and ease of preparation.

Ingredients Breakdown

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the cake.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Sweeten the cake and contribute to moisture and caramel notes.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and tenderness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and richness.
• Sour cream or yogurt: Adds moisture and slight tang, creating a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon and sugar (for streusel): Essential for the signature sweet, spiced topping and swirl.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream (or yogurt) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
6. For the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until crumbly.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, then sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel. For an extra touch, you can swirl some cinnamon sugar through the batter before topping.
8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake
Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and optimal texture. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough crumb. Cold butter in the streusel ensures a crumbly, crisp topping. Sour cream or yogurt is key to moisture and a tender crumb—don’t skip it. Adjust cinnamon quantity in the streusel according to your spice preference. Baking times may vary depending on your oven; start checking at 35 minutes. Let the cake cool before slicing to maintain structure and presentation.

Variations and Customizations
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel for crunch. Incorporate fresh or dried fruit like blueberries or cranberries into the batter for bursts of flavor. Substitute brown butter for regular butter to deepen the flavor profile. Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for a natural sweetener twist. Make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk or cream to drizzle on top for extra sweetness. For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While coffee cake is a delightful treat, it is typically rich in sugars, fats, and calories, making moderation key. Using unsalted butter and controlling sugar quantities can help manage fat and sweetness levels. Incorporating yogurt or sour cream adds protein and moisture, making the cake less dry and reducing the need for extra fats. Gluten-free adaptations are available for those with sensitivities. Portion control and pairing with fresh fruit or a protein-rich breakfast can balance indulgence within a healthy diet.

FAQ
Can I make this coffee cake ahead? Yes, coffee cake stores well for 2-3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or up to a week refrigerated.
Can I freeze coffee cake? Absolutely, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for sour cream? Greek yogurt or buttermilk works well as a substitute.
How do I get a crumbly streusel topping? Use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients just until crumbly, avoiding overmixing.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, but reduce the baking powder slightly for best results.

The BEST Coffee Cake

The BEST Coffee Cake is a moist, tender, and buttery delight topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel that pairs perfectly with any cup of coffee. This classic, versatile cake is easy to make and endlessly customizable, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 9

Ingredients

  

• Cake
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Streusel
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
• Icing Drizzle
• 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk add extra if needed

Instructions

 

Cake

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add the sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
• Spoon the flour into a measuring cup, then dump it on top of the batter. Sprinkle the baking powder over the flour, then gently mix the baking powder into the top half of the flour. Stir the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish.

Streusel

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Remove from the microwave and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until well combined. Add chopped nuts if desired.
• Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter. Using a finger or the small end of a wooden spoon, poke the streusel randomly 12 to 18 times halfway down into the batter.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.

Icing (optional)

• If desired, mix the butter and powdered sugar, then thin with milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Lightly drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.

Recipe Notes

• For the cake batter, spoon the flour into the measuring cup for accurate measurement. For the streusel topping, you can scoop the flour directly with the measuring spoon.
• Tip: Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and tender.