Irresistible Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

If there’s one thing that can elevate your morning routine, it’s a slice of homemade cinnamon streusel coffee cake. This delicious treat not only pairs beautifully with your morning coffee but also makes for an exceptional dessert at any gathering. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making this delightful cake, from ingredients to methods, and even some tips for customization. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a cake that is as delightful to eat as it is to bake!

What is Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

Cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a moist, tender cake characterized by its rich cinnamon flavor and a crumbly topping known as streusel. Often enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee, this cake boasts a rich texture and delightful sweetness, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

But what makes this cake so special? The answer lies in its combination of flavors and textures. The cake itself is soft and fluffy, complemented by the warm, aromatic taste of cinnamon and the crunchy texture of the streusel topping. This delightful pairing makes cinnamon streusel coffee cake a timeless favorite in many households.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. You’ll need these for the cake, streusel topping, and optional glaze.

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Optional Glaze Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious cinnamon streusel coffee cake.

Preparing the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure that your cake bakes evenly.

  2. Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  4. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

  5. Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the sour cream and vanilla extract, combining until smooth.

  6. Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Making the Streusel Topping

  1. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.

  2. Add the melted butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until it resembles a crumbly texture. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this point.

Layering the Ingredients

  1. Spread half of the batter: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out into an even layer.

  2. Add the streusel: Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

  3. Add remaining batter: Carefully spread the rest of the cake batter over the streusel layer.

  4. Top with the remaining streusel: Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel topping over the entire cake.

Baking the Cake

  1. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  2. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze

While your coffee cake is cooling, you can prepare an optional glaze for a sweet finishing touch.

  1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  2. Drizzle the glaze: Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.

Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Your cinnamon streusel coffee cake is now ready to be served! Cut it into squares and enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for an ideal breakfast experience.
  • Serve it with whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious dessert option.

Storing Your Cake

If you want to store your cake for later:

  1. Room Temperature: Keep your coffee cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  2. Refrigerator: If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Customization Ideas

One of the wonderful aspects of baking is that you can customize recipes to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to add your personal touch to the classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake:

Additions and Variations

  • Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries, chopped apples, or even bananas into the batter for added flavor and moisture.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Spice things up with a pinch of nutmeg, or add some orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
  • Different Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, in the streusel topping for added crunch.
  • Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

Baking a cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a rewarding experience that fills your home with the sweet, warm aroma of cinnamon. With its fluffy texture, crunchy streusel, and moderate level of sweetness, this cake is sure to please anyone lucky enough to have a slice.

Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, serve it at brunch, or indulge in it as a dessert, this coffee cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to create a delightful treat that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking!

What ingredients do I need for the Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

To make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you’ll need common pantry staples along with a few fresh ingredients. The main components include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, milk, and unsalted butter. For the streusel topping, you’ll use additional flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, contributing to the cake’s irresistible flavor and texture.

It’s also worth noting that you can get creative with the ingredients. For example, adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel mix or using flavored yogurt instead of milk could enhance the cake’s richness. Choose high-quality ingredients for the best results, as they can significantly impact the cake’s final taste.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake ahead of time! The cake can be baked and then stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week.

If you’d like to prepare it even further in advance, you can freeze the cake. Once cooled, slice it and wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows for easy individual servings that can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

What is the best way to serve Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is best served warm. You can reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or in the oven at a low temperature to keep that fresh-baked flavor. It’s delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea and makes for a perfect brunch dish or afternoon snack. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk on top for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is quite adaptable. For example, if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour to add fiber. Additionally, you can use coconut oil or applesauce instead of butter to reduce the fat content while still keeping the cake moist and flavorful.

If you’re vegan, unsweetened almond milk can replace regular milk, and flax eggs can stand in for the eggs in the recipe. Just be aware that these substitutions may slightly alter the final texture and flavor, but with the right adjustments, you can still achieve a delicious outcome!

How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?

You can determine whether your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is done by performing a simple toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the toothpick comes out wet with batter, it needs a bit more time in the oven.

<pGenerally, the baking time will vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Additionally, the edges of the cake should look golden brown and may start pulling away from the sides of the pan, which is another good indicator that it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

What should I do if my cake is too dry?

If your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake turns out dry, there are a few strategies you can employ to fix it. One option is to drizzle a simple syrup over the cake, made from equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. This will help to add moisture back into the cake while enhancing its sweetness.

<pAlternatively, serve the cake with toppings that provide moisture, such as whipped cream, yogurt, or even fruit compote. If you suspect that overmixing was the culprit behind the dryness, try to gently fold wet and dry ingredients together in future attempts to achieve a better texture.

How long does the coffee cake last, and how should I store it?

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake can last in an airtight container at room temperature for about two days. If you want to prolong its freshness, it can be stored in the refrigerator, where it may last up to a week. Be sure to tightly wrap it or use a sealed container to prevent it from drying out.

If you wish to keep the coffee cake for an even longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it before serving for that fresh-baked flavor.

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