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To make this tasty coffee cake, you need a few key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional) These items work together to create the soft, moist cake and the sweet, crunchy streusel topping. If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty taste. Instead of granulated sugar, brown sugar works well, too. For a dairy-free option, try using almond milk or coconut yogurt in place of sour cream. You can also swap unsalted butter for coconut oil if needed. Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs for a vegan version. To make your coffee cake even better, consider adding some optional ingredients: - 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty flavor. - 1/2 cup of fresh berries or chocolate chips to brighten the cake. - A pinch of nutmeg to deepen the spice flavor. These additions can make your coffee cake unique and delightful! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. Grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then, dust it lightly with flour. This step helps the cake release easily after baking. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer until it looks light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually blend the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently, and don’t worry about lumps. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if you like. This mixture will create a crunchy topping that adds great flavor. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the rest of the batter on top and spread it gently. Finally, add the remaining streusel mixture on top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch. Enjoy your cake warm or at room temperature, paired with a hot cup of coffee. To make your coffee cake shine, follow these simple tips: - Use fresh ingredients. Old baking powder or stale flour can spoil your cake. - Measure accurately. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially with flour. - Do not overmix. Mix just until combined. Lumps are okay! - Check the oven temperature. An oven thermometer ensures your cake bakes at the right heat. - Use a cake tester. Stick a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when done. Here are some common problems you might face: - Cake is too dry. You might have overbaked it or added too much flour. - Cake is too dense. Ensure you measured your ingredients right and used enough leavening agents. - Streusel sinks. Make sure to layer the streusel properly and don’t overmix the batter. Want to make your cake even better? Try these ideas: - Add spices. Mix in nutmeg or cloves for a warm flavor. - Use flavored sour cream. Vanilla or lemon sour cream adds a nice twist. - Top with fruit. Fresh berries or bananas can add moisture and taste. - Drizzle with glaze. A simple icing of powdered sugar and milk can elevate your cake. - Serve warm. Warm coffee cake pairs well with a hot cup of coffee, enhancing both flavors. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier cake. Prevent Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and tender. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Experiment with Flavors: Try adding vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile in your coffee cake. Storing Your Cake: Store the cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} If you want a nut-free version, just skip the nuts. The cake will still taste great! The streusel will remain crunchy and sweet. Use the same amount of brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. You might not even miss the nuts! Fruits and chocolate bring new flavors to this cake. You can add berries, apples, or even bananas. Just chop them small and mix them into the batter. If you love chocolate, fold in chocolate chips. They melt and add a lovely richness to each slice. If you need a gluten-free cake, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that can replace regular flour cup for cup. This will keep the cake soft and moist. Always check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free. To keep your cinnamon streusel coffee cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For best taste, eat the cake within three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze this coffee cake easily. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. The cake will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, just take out a slice and let it thaw. To enjoy your coffee cake warm, reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat a slice for about 20-30 seconds. This method is quick but may make the cake a bit softer. Enjoy your warm treat with coffee! Yes, you can use other flours. For example, whole wheat flour adds fiber. Almond flour works too, but it may change the texture. If using gluten-free flour, check for a blend that mimics all-purpose flour. This may keep the cake moist and fluffy. The cake can stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep moisture in. You can also place it in the fridge for a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap it well, and it can last for up to three months. Yes, you can make it dairy-free easily. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt. These swaps will keep the cake moist and tasty without dairy. This cake pairs well with many drinks. A hot cup of coffee is perfect. Tea or milk also works well. Fresh fruit, like berries, adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We covered the key parts of making a great Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. You learned about essential ingredients and how to swap them. I shared steps for mixing, baking, and serving this tasty treat. With tips for success and fun variations, you can adapt this recipe to your needs. In the end, enjoy the joy this cake brings. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

A delicious coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for pairing with coffee.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts (if using). This will be your streusel topping.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top.
  • Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer and spread gently. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, dusted lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair with a hot cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon treat!
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, dessert