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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup sour cream - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans, optional) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this cake shine. Start with all-purpose flour for the best texture. Granulated sugar gives it sweetness, while unsalted butter adds richness. Sour cream makes it moist and tangy. Use room temperature eggs for a smooth batter and vanilla extract for extra flavor. Baking powder and soda help the cake rise. Salt balances the sweetness, and ground cinnamon brings warmth. Brown sugar adds depth, and nuts offer crunch, if you like. Each ingredient plays a role. Measure them carefully to ensure your cake is perfect. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x13-inch baking pan and grease it lightly with butter or oil. After that, dust it with flour to stop the cake from sticking. This simple step makes a big difference. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it looks light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps spread the leavening ingredients evenly. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine. Do this gently; some lumps are okay. Now it’s time to create the streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, and chopped nuts if you want. This adds a nice crunch. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Then sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Carefully add the rest of the batter over this layer. Spread it gently so you don’t mix the layers. Finally, top with the remaining streusel. Bake your cake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm slice with coffee or tea! To make a perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, pay attention to the batter. Avoiding overmixing the batter is key. Mix just until the dry ingredients blend with the wet ones. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Ensuring even baking is also important. Use an oven thermometer to check your oven's temperature. If you bake at the wrong temp, the cake may not rise well. Place the cake in the center of the oven for even heat. To make the cake look special, dusting powdered sugar on top is a great idea. This adds a nice touch. You can do this just before serving. It makes the cake look elegant and inviting. For serving suggestions, pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cake go well with both drinks. This makes it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter. Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense coffee cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even omit them entirely to suit your taste preferences. Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking. {{image_4}} You can add fruits to your coffee cake for more flavor. Apples and berries work well. Chopped apples give the cake a sweet and moist touch. Blueberries or raspberries add a nice tartness. You can mix and match fruits based on what you like. Try using different nuts, too. Walnuts give a rich taste. Pecans offer a buttery flavor. You can even skip the nuts if you want a nut-free treat. Just make sure to keep the streusel topping for that crunchy texture. If you need a gluten-free cake, use gluten-free flour. Many blends work well as a substitute. Make sure to check the package for the right ratio. This way, you can still enjoy the cake without gluten. For a vegan option, swap the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based butter in place of regular butter. You can also choose a dairy-free sour cream or yogurt. These changes keep the cake soft and tasty while making it plant-based. To keep your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, follow these steps: - Cooling and transferring the cake: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack. This step helps avoid sogginess. Allow it to cool completely before storing. - Refrigeration and shelf life: Once cooled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. In the fridge, it lasts about 5-7 days. If you keep it at room temperature, it stays good for 2-3 days. To enjoy your cake warm, reheating is a simple task: - How to reheat for best flavor and texture: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the cake moist and brings back its delicious flavors. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the cake dry. What is the best way to measure flour? To measure flour well, use a spoon to scoop it into a dry measuring cup. Then, level it off with a knife. This method stops the flour from packing down. You want a light and fluffy cup of flour for the best texture. Can I substitute sour cream? Yes, you can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Greek yogurt works well too. Both will keep your cake moist and add a nice tangy taste. You could also use buttermilk if you have that on hand. How do I know when the coffee cake is done? To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's ready. If wet batter sticks to it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Can I freeze Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake? Yes, you can freeze this coffee cake. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up. You now know the key steps to make a delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. By following the ingredient list, step-by-step guide, and tips, you’ll bake a tasty treat. Don’t forget to try different flavors and dietary options to suit your needs. Store it right to enjoy later and reheat for the best taste. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

A delightful coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
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 to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or oil, then dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
  • Prepare the streusel topping by combining the ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, and chopped nuts (if using) in a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top of the batter.
  • Carefully pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer, using the spatula to spread it gently without disturbing the first layer. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the streusel mixture evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
  • Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant finishing touch, serve the cake warm or at room temperature dusted lightly with powdered sugar.
Keyword cinnamon, coffee cake, dessert