Coffee Cake Recipe - Moist and Delicious

If you’re a baking enthusiast, coffee lover, or home cook, a classic coffee cake is an essential recipe to have in your repertoire. This delightful treat, characterized by its tender crumb and rich streusel topping, pairs perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or serves as a delightful afternoon snack. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a foolproof recipe to bake a mouthwatering coffee cake that’s sure to impress.

List of Ingredients for a Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

For the Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Guide to Creating the Perfect Streusel Topping

1. Combine streusel ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cubed cold butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembling and Baking Your Coffee Cake to Golden Perfection

1. Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Add the streusel: Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter.
3. Top with remaining batter: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer.
4. Finish with streusel: Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Optional Add-Ins and Variations for the Adventurous Baker

• Add fruits: Incorporate fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples into the batter for extra flavor.
• Nuts: Mix chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the streusel topping for added crunch.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Complementary Beverages

Serve your coffee cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, a latte, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a refreshing twist, try serving it with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion and Encouragement to Share

Congratulations! You’ve just baked a delectable coffee cake that’s sure to delight your taste buds and those of anyone you share it with. We encourage you to experiment with different variations and make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share your baking successes with friends and family and inspire others by sharing your creations on social media. Happy baking!