What is the best Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe? What is the kind of cake that disappears in a flash when you bring it to brunch? Your kitchen with a warmth that makes everyone feel instantly cozy. Why do some people like banana bread? In my house, this coffee cake reigns supreme. What is that perfect balance of sweet and slightly tangy, with a crumbly streusel topping that is creamy and creamy? Is it irresistible? Isn’t the first bite like a trip to my grandma’s house?
What is Streusel Coffee Cake?
Think of Streusel Coffee Cake as a sweet, tender cake with sprinkling of buttery, crumbly frosting. Is streusel sprinkled on top What makes this a breakfast cake? The name “streusel” comes from German, meaning “something scattered or sprinkled”. And that’s exactly what it is – a delicious scattering of flour, butter, and sugar, often with some sour cream. Can nuts or spices be mixed in, that bakes into golden-brown, crunchy perfection. What I love about this is that it’s not overly sweet, which is what I like about it – just the right amount of sweetness to start with. What are some of the best ways to satisfy an afternoon craving?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall head-over-heels for this Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. First, the flavor is just divine. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with a subtle tang from the sour cream that keeps it from being overly sweet. Then there’s the streusel topping, which is buttery, crunchy, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that just work so well together.
But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, don’t let the word “cake” intimidate you. This recipe is straightforward and simple, even for beginner bakers. I’ve streamlined the process so that you can whip it up in under an hour, from start to finish. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need on hand. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. I’ve even been known to sneak a slice at 10 pm when I need a little something sweet. If you love simple baking recipes that deliver big flavor, like my apple crumble or blueberry muffins, you’re going to adore this Streusel Coffee Cake!
How do you make a Streusel coffee cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Streusel Coffee Cake? How do I make a streusel cake? Half the batter in a pan, sprinkle with half the streusel, repeat, and bake until golden brown. What makes it special is the simplicity. No effort for maximum flavor. I promise you, the aroma alone will have everyone drooling!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour (I prefer unbleached for a better texture)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (it makes a big difference!)
* 1/2 cup Sour Cream (full fat gives the best flavor and moisture, but you can use low-fat in a blender).
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light Brown Sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes (this is key for a crumbly crumbley texture).
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (I sometimes use a splash of vanilla extract, too!)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square Baking Pan. I find that using a baking spray with flour works wonders to prevent sticking. This is important so that the cake comes out clean and beautifully!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise properly. Don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and Sour Cream until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure your butter is truly softened – if it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly and your batter will be lumpy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? If you overmix flour, you can develop gluten in the flour. This can result in a tough cake. When the flour starts to disappear, stop mixing.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, combine the flour, Brown Sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse powder. The colder the butter, the better the streusel texture. Some people add nuts to their streusel, feel free to add about 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
If you have a cake pan, pour half of the batter into it and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. What is the best way to spread the batter over a streusel? Gently press the streusel into the batter. If you want swirled effect, you can gently swirl a knife through the batter and streusel.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Is it safe to overbake something? If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
What is the best way to serve Streusel Coffee Cake? Can you store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days? I love to enjoy a slice of bread with iced tea.
What should I serve it with?
This Streusel Coffee Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served for various occasions.
For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or latte. What are some healthy side dishes to serve with fresh berries or yogurt? The warmth of the cake complements the coolness of berries beautifully.
For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and a fruit salad. What is a good cocktail to serve with your favorite beverage? I always arrange it on a pretty platter to make it extra special.
As Dessert:What is a good dessert to serve after dinner? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates it to another decadent treat. What are some good pairings for dessert wine or port?
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot tea or cocoa on a chilly afternoon. It’s the perfect comfort food for a relaxing day at home. My kids love to have it as an after-school snack. In my family, we always serve it during the holidays – it’s become a tradition!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Streusel Coffee Cake
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure this Streusel Coffee Cake comes out perfectly every time.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at the right temperature for both the cake batter and the streusel. Softened butter for the batter ensures a smooth, creamy texture, while cold butter for the streusel creates those perfect crumbs.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Streusel Consistency: The streusel should resemble coarse crumbs. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more butter.
Even Baking: To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. This helps the cake bake evenly and prevents the edges from browning too quickly.
Doneness Test: Use a wooden skewer to test for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less milk. For a thinner glaze, use more milk. I also like to add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping your Streusel Coffee Cake fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cake from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, refrigerating may dry out the cake slightly, so it’s best to warm it up before serving.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze it without the glaze. Add the glaze after thawing. This prevents the glaze from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Streusel Coffee Cake recipe is more than just a cake; it’s a memory waiting to be made. It’s the perfect addition to any brunch, a delightful dessert, or a cozy snack on a rainy day. The combination of the moist cake, the crumbly streusel, and the sweet glaze is simply irresistible. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic chocolate cake or my lemon poppy seed muffins. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. And most importantly, have fun! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
