The Best Classic Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel
Coffee cake has long been a beloved treat for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. The combination of a moist, buttery cake and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. In this recipe, we will guide you through making the best classic coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel that will surely impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Streusel:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter
In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel mixture over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel. Use a knife to swirl the topping slightly into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. This coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Enjoy Your Classic Coffee Cake!
Serve your classic coffee cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack or dessert. The combination of the sweet, moist cake and the crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping is sure to make this recipe a staple in your home. Whether for a gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, this coffee cake will be a crowd-pleaser!
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to get baking and enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic coffee cake with cinnamon streusel.