There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of streusel coffee cake. Maybe it’s the crumbly, buttery streusel topping, or perhaps it’s the soft, moist cake beneath. Whatever the reason, streusel coffee cake always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones over a cup of coffee or tea, or even to enjoy on your own as a sweet indulgence. Today, we’ll unlock the secrets to baking a perfect streusel coffee cake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
The Story Behind the Crumbs
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a quick trip back in time. Streusel coffee cake finds its roots in German baking traditions. The word “streusel” itself comes from the German word “streuen,” which means “to sprinkle”—an apt description for how this delicious topping is made. Traditionally enjoyed during coffee breaks, or “kaffee und kuchen,” streusel coffee cake quickly became a beloved treat across generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (55g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Tools of the Trade
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Streusel Coffee Cake
Baking the Perfect Streusel Coffee Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Batter
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For an effortless cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
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Cream the butter and sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
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Incorporate the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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The secret to a moist cake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Creating the Crumbly Streusel
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
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Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assembling and Baking Your Masterpiece
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Spread the cake batter: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle the streusel generously: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
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Baking time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Streusel Coffee Cake Baking
4. Cooling and Serving
- Cooling the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to firm up and prevents it from crumbling.
Tips and Tricks for Coffee Cake Success
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Room temperature ingredients: For best results, use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream. Room temperature ingredients incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a lighter, more even cake.
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Don’t overmix!: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.
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Cold butter for the streusel: Using cold butter for the streusel topping is crucial for achieving a crumbly texture. If the butter is too warm, the streusel will melt into the cake batter while baking.
FAQs: Answering Your Coffee Cake Queries
Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of sour cream?
A: While sour cream contributes to the cake’s signature moistness, you can substitute it with equal parts of plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy flavor.
Q: Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
A: Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make excellent additions to the streusel. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them for enhanced flavor. You can find a delicious walnut coffee cake recipe here.
Q: How do I store leftover streusel coffee cake?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
A Slice of Happiness
Baking a streusel coffee cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a warm and inviting experience. With this guide, you’ll be able to bake a coffee cake that’s not just delicious but also filled with love and shared moments. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked streusel coffee cake!
What are your favorite coffee cake variations? Share your baking adventures and tag us on social media—we’d love to see your culinary creations! And don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on Family Cuisine!
