Irresistible Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Perfect Streusel Crumb Topping

Welcome to a world of delectable delight with this Irresistible Cinnamon Coffee Cake topped with a perfect streusel crumb. This scrumptious treat is a quintessential recipe for cozy mornings and elegant gatherings, offering a harmonious blend of cinnamon-spiced cake and a buttery, crumbly topping that’s simply unparalleled.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Cost: $$

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The aroma of cinnamon warmth fills your kitchen as this coffee cake bakes to perfection. The combination of tender, moist cake and buttery streusel is a treat for the senses, making it an ideal choice for brunches and coffee dates. Its versatility means you can serve it as both a savory breakfast and a delightful dessert.

Context/Background

Cinnamon coffee cake has deep roots in American baking, where it’s cherished for its comforting flavors and rich textures. Traditionally served with coffee, this cake has evolved with various adaptations, all maintaining the classic streusel topping we love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overmixing the batter, as it leads to a dense cake.
• Ensure the butter for the streusel is cold for a crumbly texture.
• Don’t skip letting the cake cool; this helps in achieving the perfect texture.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake

• Use high-quality cinnamon for deeper flavor.
• Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly to incorporate air into the batter.
• Allow the cake to cool a bit before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel for added crunch.
• Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cinnamon coffee cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. It also pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert servings.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, although it might lose some of its freshness after a couple of days.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the streusel topping in advance and refrigerate it. You can also mix the dry ingredients a day ahead, so you only need to mix and bake on serving day.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g

Dietary Notes

• Vegetarian

The Recipe

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Oven

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• For the Streusel Topping:
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
7. For the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, mixing with a fork until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter.
9. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Recipe Notes

• This coffee cake is best served fresh but can be reheated slightly to recapture its warm aroma and flavor.
• You can experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg for additional spice.

Community Tips and Photos

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Questions and Answers

• Can I freeze this coffee cake? Yes, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Can I use other spices? Sure! Nutmeg and cardamom can add wonderful depth to the flavor profile.