Coffee cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re hosting a breakfast gathering or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, a homemade coffee cake will surely please anyone who tastes it. This guide will take you through the process of making a delicious, buttery coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping, using essential ingredients like sour cream, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Perfect Coffee Cake
To make a fluffy, moist coffee cake, you’ll need a variety of pantry staples that come together beautifully in this recipe. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Pastry cutter (for the streusel topping)
- Whisk attachment or hand mixer
- Cake pan or bundt-style cake pan (you can use a loaf tin or Angel Food Cake Pan as alternatives)
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack for cooling
- Microwave-safe bowl (if you’re preparing the glaze)
- Aluminum foil (if needed for covering)
- Oven thermometer (to ensure the cake bakes at the right temperature)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan or bundt-style cake pan with butter or vegetable oil and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. If you’re using a cake tin, you can also dust it lightly with flour.
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together and set them aside.
In another large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk attachment. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing until smooth. Then, add the vanilla extract, followed by the Greek yogurt (or sour cream). This will provide moisture and a rich texture to the cake batter.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the cake batter, as this could result in a dense cake.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the cinnamon streusel topping. Combine the white sugar, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients, creating a crumbly texture. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to help the streusel come together.
3. Assemble the Cake
Pour about half of the cake batter into your prepared cake pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel topping over the batter. Then, gently spoon the rest of the batter into the pan, smoothing it out with a silicone spatula. Top it off with the remaining streusel topping, making sure to evenly cover the cake with a generous crumble layer.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the top of the cake before baking, adding a sweet, aromatic finish to the coffee cake.
4. Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary depending on the type of pan used, so it’s important to check the cake after 35 minutes.
If the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Vanilla Glaze (Optional)
If you want to add a finishing touch to your coffee cake, you can make a simple vanilla glaze. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, then stir until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness.
Variations of Coffee Cake
While the traditional Sour Cream Coffee Cake is a crowd favorite, you can easily customize this recipe. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cake batter for a fruity twist. Simply fold in about 1 cup of blueberries before baking.
- Buckle Coffee Cake: Add more fruit to the top layer of the cake, like raspberries or strawberries, for a Buckle Coffee Cake that’s juicy and delicious.
- Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Incorporate diced apples and a dash of apple cider into the cake batter for a fall-inspired twist.
- New York Style Crumb Cake: For a more decadent version, increase the streusel topping and enjoy the thick, crumbly texture of a New York-style coffee cake.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Coffee Maker for Your Home
Final Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
- Ensure Accurate Baking: Use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature of your oven. This helps ensure your cake bakes evenly and avoids over-baking.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps maintain its fluffy texture.
- For a Beautiful Presentation: If you’re preparing the cake for a special occasion or brunch, dust the top with a little powdered sugar or drizzle with a vanilla glaze for added elegance.
More About: How to Work a Coffee Machine
Serving and Storing Your Coffee Cake
Once your cake has cooled, slice it into squares or wedges and serve it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. This cake makes for a perfect breakfast treat, but it can also be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert.
To store any leftovers, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Checkout: How to Make Whipped Coffee
Conclusion
Making a homemade coffee cake is easier than you think, and the result is a buttery, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a streusel coffee cake, a cinnamon streusel, or even a blueberry coffee cake, this recipe is versatile and customizable. By following the steps and using essential ingredients like baking powder, brown sugar, and sour cream, you’ll bake a cake that’s sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Happy baking!
FAQs on How to Make Coffee Cake
The best flour for making coffee cake is all-purpose flour, which gives the cake its light and fluffy texture. It works perfectly when combined with baking powder and baking soda to help the cake rise.
To make a streusel crumb topping for your coffee cake, mix cold butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the ingredients until a crumbly texture forms.
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in coffee cake. Both ingredients provide moisture and a rich texture, making Greek yogurt an excellent alternative while keeping the cake moist and fluffy.
To enhance the flavor of your coffee cake, add a dash of vanilla extract, or mix in a cinnamon layer for a warm, spicy taste. You can also add a cinnamon streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.
To store leftover coffee cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
