There’s just something about the aroma of coffee cake wafting through the kitchen that instantly wraps you in a warm hug, don’t you think? My Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or cozy gatherings with friends. I remember the first time I made this cake—it was for a small get-together, and as soon as it came out of the oven, my friends couldn’t resist sneaking bites while it was still warm. The crunchy streusel topping paired with the soft, fluffy cake just makes it sing! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings people together, one slice at a time!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, but they add a lovely crunch!)
Make sure your butter is softened—it makes a world of difference when you’re creaming it with the sugar. Trust me, you’ll want that velvety texture for your cake!
How to Prepare Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering treat that will impress everyone.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly. I always set a timer while I prep the ingredients to make sure I don’t forget this crucial step!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This combination helps create the structure of your cake, so don’t skip this step! Make sure it’s well mixed to get rid of any lumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, it’s time to cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The air incorporated during this step will give your cake that delightful texture, so mix it well.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well combined. You’ll want those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Start with a third of the dry mix, then a splash of milk, and continue until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake tender and soft!
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, if you’re using them. Mix until everything is well combined. This topping is what makes your cake extra special!
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Now, let’s layer it up! Pour half of the batter into a greased pan. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter—oh, it’s going to be so good! Follow this with the remaining batter and top it all off with the rest of the streusel. Yum!
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Let it cool for a few moments before digging in. You’re going to love this part!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this means no cold chunks sneaking in. Room temperature ingredients mix better and help create that fluffy texture we all love. When you’re creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it! Take your time—about 3-5 minutes is ideal to incorporate enough air.
Also, remember, when combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid! Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a little different. If you’re unsure, start checking a few minutes early. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake: about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It also contains 15g of sugar and 1g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels for specifics!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you’re baking:
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit, making it denser. You could also try a mix of both for a healthier option.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce—a quarter cup per egg works great!
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready! If it’s sticky, give it a few more minutes.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Sure! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just warm it up slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The warm cinnamon and sweet streusel topping create a comforting, cozy taste that’s simply addictive.
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping this up!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a brunch, dessert, or just a treat with coffee, this cake fits right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or even fruit to make it your own!
- Deliciously shareable: Great for gatherings, everyone will love grabbing a slice (or two!) to enjoy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual slices! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick 15-20 seconds to warm them up. Enjoy that delightful aroma all over again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this coffee cake recipe or this apple cinnamon crumb cake recipe.
Print
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake: 8 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious coffee cake with a cinnamon streusel topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts for the streusel.
- Pour half of the cake batter into a greased pan.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining streusel.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Let the cake cool before serving.
- This cake pairs well with coffee or tea.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake