Coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It’s the kind of cake that makes mornings better, with its soft crumb and irresistible crumbly topping. This recipe for the ultimate coffee cake combines simple ingredients to create a moist, flavorful cake that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a comforting treat, this coffee cake recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for The Coffee Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make The Coffee Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
7. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter, pressing it down slightly to ensure it adheres.
8. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
9. Cool and Glaze
Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. If desired, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
10. Serve
Slice the coffee cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
About the Main Ingredients
Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture. For best results, measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid packing too much into the cup.
Butter
Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. It should be at room temperature to cream well with the sugar. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tanginess, which helps to balance the sweetness of the cake. It also contributes to a tender crumb.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake and help create a tender texture. Brown sugar in the streusel topping adds a caramel-like flavor and additional moisture.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure, richness, and stability to the cake. They also help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s leavening.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the streusel topping, enhancing the overall taste of the coffee cake.
This coffee cake recipe combines all these ingredients to create a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake that is perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. Enjoy the comforting taste and aroma of this homemade coffee cake with your favorite beverage.
