Coffee Cake
A wonderfully moist and buttery cake with a rich, crunchy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping. This classic American coffee cake is the perfect companion to your morning coffee or as a simple, comforting dessert. Its tender crumb and sweet, spiced topping create an irresistible combination.
For 9 servings
10 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the cake out later. This takes about 2 minutes.
- 2
In a medium bowl, prepare the streusel topping
- a.Whisk together 3/4 cup of the all-purpose flour, the packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. This should take about 1 minute.
- 3
Add the 1/4 cup of cold, cubed butter to the streusel mixture
- a.Using your fingertips, a fork, or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Do not overmix. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep cold. This step takes about 4 minutes.
- 4
In a separate medium bowl, prepare the dry ingredients for the cake batter
- a.Whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, the baking powder, baking soda, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside. This takes about 2 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the 1/2 cup of softened butter and the granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract. This step takes about 2 minutes.
- 7
Reduce the mixer speed to low
- a.Add the dry ingredient mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; a few streaks of flour remaining is okay. Do not overmix. This takes about 2 minutes.
- 8
Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan
- a.Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the batter. This takes about 3 minutes.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Let the coffee cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender cake, ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify and create a smooth batter.
- 2The key to a crumbly streusel is cold butter. If your kitchen is warm, pop the finished streusel in the freezer for 10 minutes before topping the cake.
- 3Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dense cake.
- 4For a surprise cinnamon layer, spread half the batter in the pan, sprinkle with one-third of the streusel, then top with the remaining batter and streusel.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor often improves on the second day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Streusel
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
Fruity CakeFruity Cake
Gently fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries or chopped apples into the finished batter before spreading it in the pan.
Glazed FinishGlazed Finish
Whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Spiced UpSpiced Up
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the cake batter or streusel topping for a warmer spice profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Quick Energy
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a rapid source of energy, making this a satisfying treat to boost your energy levels.
Mood Enhancer
Enjoying a delicious, homemade treat like coffee cake can be a comforting experience that helps to improve mood and provide a sense of satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
This usually happens if the butter used for the streusel was too soft or if the mixture was over-worked, creating a paste instead of crumbs. Always use cold, firm butter and mix just until crumbly.