Streusel coffee cake has a way of transforming an ordinary coffee break into something delightful. This classic treat, brimming with sweet cinnamon flavors and a crumbly topping, holds a special place in my heart. It’s warm, inviting, and perfect for sharing with friends or family on a lazy weekend morning. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, this coffee cake is meant to be enjoyed over good conversation and even better company.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why you should take the time to bake this streusel coffee cake when store-bought options are readily available. The truth is, homemade coffee cake is a world apart. It’s budget-friendly, quick to whip up, and the ingredients are simple and wholesome. This dish also feels special without requiring hours of painstaking preparation.

Just imagine: a warm slice of coffee cake fresh out of the oven, the irresistible aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family brunches, or even just to treat yourself on a weekday, this cake is a delightful addition to any occasion.

"This coffee cake was the highlight of our family brunch! The streusel topping was the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch." — A happy baker

The Cooking Process Explained

Making streusel coffee cake is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll begin by creaming together the butter and sugar, then gradually mixing in the dry ingredients with milk for a rich batter. The magic happens when you layer the sweet streusel topping, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious cake to enjoy.

Gather These Items

Let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need to create this scrumptious coffee cake. Here’s what you’ll gather from your pantry and fridge:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

You can easily swap out certain ingredients if needed. For instance, whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor, or non-dairy milk can be used instead of regular milk for a lactose-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how you’ll bring this delicious coffee cake to life:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed butter, alternating with the milk until everything is well incorporated.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the streusel topping. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan.
Pour the remaining batter over the streusel, then top with the rest of the streusel mixture.
Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

Ideal Pairing Suggestions

When it comes to serving your delicious streusel coffee cake, the options are endless! A warm slice pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for the perfect breakfast or afternoon treat. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.

How to Store & Freeze

Leftovers? No problem! To maintain freshness, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw completely before enjoying!

Pro Chef Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and incorporates air better.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour. This can lead to a dense cake.
Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

Creative Twists

Feel like experimenting? Here are a few fun variations to try:

Fruit Additions: Add chopped apples or berries to the batter for a fruity twist.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts for a nut-free cake; try using seeds or coconut for texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to dietary needs.

Helpful Answers

What’s the prep time and cook time?
About 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute if you wish.
Is it safe to eat leftovers at room temperature?
Yes, as long as they’ve been stored properly in an airtight container and consumed within three days.

If you’ve been looking for a delightful coffee cake recipe that pleases the crowd, look no further than this streusel coffee cake. Happy baking!

Streusel Coffee Cake

Transform your coffee breaks with this delightful streusel coffee cake, featuring a sweet cinnamon flavor and a crumbly topping, perfect for sharing during brunch or afternoon snacks.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Room temperature for better mixing.
1 cup milk Can be replaced with non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped nuts Optional; can be omitted for a nut-free version.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed butter, alternating with the milk until everything is well incorporated.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) to create the streusel topping. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan.
Pour the remaining batter over the streusel, then top with the rest of the streusel mixture.
Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Keyword Brunch Dessert, Cinnamon Cake, Coffee Cake, Homemade Cake, Streusel