There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked coffee cake wafting through your kitchen. Imagine a warm, buttery crumb topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel, inviting you to take that first delicious bite. The aroma alone is enough to turn any Monday morning into a sweet celebration, making it the perfect companion for your morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up.
I still remember the first time I baked this delightful treat for my best friend’s birthday brunch. My kitchen felt like a cozy café, and as soon as she walked in, her eyes lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July. We ended up devouring almost the entire cake in one sitting—it was just that good! Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny afternoon gathering, this coffee cake is bound to make any occasion feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This coffee cake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- With its rich flavor and delightful texture, it’s sure to impress your friends and family
- Its visual appeal adds charm to any table setting, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary ones
- Plus, you can easily customize it with fruits or nuts to suit your taste!
Baking this coffee cake always brings back fond memories of laughter and shared stories over slices of warm goodness. It’s those little moments that make life sweeter.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cake; choose a good-quality brand for the best results.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to give your cake that perfect rise and fluffiness.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making it taste salty.
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Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for richness; let it soften at room temperature before mixing.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients together beautifully.
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Milk: Whole milk works best here; it keeps your cake moist and tender.
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Cinnamon: This spice gives the cake its signature flavor; don’t skimp on it!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the overall taste.
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Chopped Nuts (optional): Pecans or walnuts add crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray for easy removal later.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale yellow and airy.
Mix in eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and fully combined—don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredient mixture followed by milk until smooth. Then add remaining dry ingredients until just combined—avoid over-mixing!
Add nuts (optional): If you’re using nuts, fold them gently into the batter with a spatula for those delightful crunchy bits throughout your cake.
Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix together additional sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the streusel topping. Use a fork to combine until crumbly.
Layer batter: Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over it. Layer on remaining batter followed by more streusel on top.
Bake the cake: Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean—resist opening the oven too early!
Cool down: Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Trust me; patience pays off when serving!
Serve warm: Slice into squares and serve warm with coffee or tea—a match made in culinary heaven! Your taste buds will thank you later.
Now that you’ve followed these steps, you’re ready to indulge in a slice (or two) of heavenly coffee cake—perfectly paired with laughter and good company! Enjoy every crumb as you create new memories around this delightful treat!
You Must Know
- This delightful coffee cake is not just for breakfast; it’s perfect for brunch and snacks too
- The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the kitchen will make everyone feel at home
- Pair it with coffee, and you’ve got a comforting treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you mix your ingredients. Prepare your batter, then layer it with streusel before baking for even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in fresh fruits like blueberries or apples for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle nuts on top for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better rise
- Don’t skip the streusel topping; it’s essential for that irresistible crunch
- Remember to check your cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s baked through perfectly!
The first time I made this coffee cake, my friends devoured it so quickly that I barely got a slice. They insisted it was the best they’d ever tasted!
FAQ
Can I freeze coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze coffee cake wrapped tightly for up to three months without losing flavor.
What makes coffee cake different from regular cake?
Coffee cake is typically less sweet and has a crumbly topping, ideal for pairing with coffee.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your coffee cake is ready!
Irresistible Coffee Cake Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Breathe in the comforting aroma of freshly baked coffee cake, a delightful blend of buttery crumb and crunchy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this cake transforms any gathering into a sweet celebration. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, it’s sure to impress friends and family. Customize it with fruits or nuts to make it your own!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fold in nuts if desired.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan; sprinkle half of the streusel topping over it. Repeat with remaining batter and topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
