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To make the coffee cake, gather these key items: - 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 large egg - 1 cup buttermilk (or use milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Each ingredient plays an important role in making the cake soft and tasty. The flour gives the cake structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Butter makes it rich, and buttermilk adds a slight tang. For the delicious streusel topping, you will need: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, use walnuts or pecans) The streusel topping adds a sweet, crunchy layer. The brown sugar and cinnamon create a warm, inviting flavor. If you choose to add nuts, they give an extra crunch. You can swap ingredients if needed: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier taste. - If you don't have buttermilk, milk with lemon juice works well. - For a dairy-free option, try almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter. - You can use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness. These swaps can change the flavor slightly but still keep your cake delightful. Experimenting with ingredients can be fun and rewarding! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cake bake evenly. Next, take a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x9 inch square baking pan. Grease the pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust it with flour. This step keeps the cake from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they blend well. This mix gives the cake a nice rise and flavor. In another bowl, crack one large egg. Add 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice if you don't have buttermilk. Mix these until they are smooth and well combined. This mixture adds moisture and depth to your cake. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly so it cooks right. Now, let’s make the streusel topping. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Add 1/4 cup of melted butter and, if you like, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. Mix until it’s crumbly. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the batter in the pan. Then, add the rest of the batter on top. Finally, cover with the remaining streusel topping. Now it’s time to bake! Place your cake in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps keep the cake from getting soggy. Enjoy the aroma while it cools! To get a soft and fluffy coffee cake, mix the batter just right. Overmixing makes the cake tough. Aim for a lumpy batter; it’s okay if you see some flour pieces. Use room-temperature butter and buttermilk. This helps the cake rise well. Also, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help here. One common mistake is using cold ingredients. Cold butter and eggs can change the texture. Another mistake is baking for too long. Check the cake a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done. Lastly, don’t skip the streusel topping. It adds a great crunch and flavor. You can make this cake even better with tasty add-ins. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Fresh fruit like blueberries or apples can add moisture. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, give a nice crunch. Cinnamon or nutmeg can also enhance the spice. Have fun with flavors, and make it your own! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better rise. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist. Experiment with Flavors: For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the batter for added depth of flavor. Storing Your Cake: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep it fresh, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap. {{image_2}} You can easily change this cake for the seasons. For fall, add in some pumpkin puree. It gives a warm flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. In winter, try mixing in some orange zest. It brightens the cake and adds freshness. For summer, use fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. If you need a gluten-free cake, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it is a one-to-one replacement. This will keep the texture nice. You can still use the same amounts for other ingredients. Just follow the recipe as usual. To make this cake vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of buttermilk. Just add one tablespoon of lemon juice to your milk, and let it sit for a bit. This will give it a nice tang. You can also use coconut oil in place of butter. These variations let you enjoy the cake in many ways. Adjusting the flavors or ingredients makes it fun and exciting! To keep your coffee cake fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. This helps to maintain moisture and flavor. Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Freezing is a great way to store extra cake. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. This double wrap protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warm. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. Heat for 10-15 seconds at a time to avoid making it tough. Enjoy your cake warm, and it will taste like fresh-baked goodness! Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can serve this cake with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh fruit slices - A drizzle of honey - Whipped cream - Your favorite coffee or tea These pairings make your coffee cake even more delightful. Check if the cake is done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. It usually takes 30 to 35 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on it, as ovens may vary. Yes, you can use regular milk if you don't have buttermilk. Just add one tablespoon of lemon juice to the milk. Let it sit for about five minutes. This mixture will mimic the acidity of buttermilk. It helps the cake rise and adds flavor. This blog post covered everything you need for a great coffee cake. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step baking, and smart tips. Each section guides you toward a fluffy, tasty treat. I hope you try the different flavors and variations shared here. Remember, the right storage helps keep your cake fresh. Baking can be fun and easy. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

A delicious coffee cake topped with a cinnamon streusel, perfect for pairing with your favorite coffee.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted (for streusel)
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Add in the softened butter and mix on medium speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  • In another bowl, combine all the streusel topping ingredients: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter, mixing until crumbly. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
  • Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan. Add the remaining batter on top, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel topping over the cake.
  • Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish, and serve with a slice of fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey on the side.
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, streusel