Description
This classic Streusel Coffee Cake features a moist, tender crumb with a rich vanilla and sour cream base, topped with a buttery cinnamon brown sugar crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, this easy-to-make cake combines simple pantry ingredients with a delicious streusel that adds a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Streusel Topping
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake won’t stick and will have an even surface for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the sour cream beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will create a delicious crunchy layer on top of the cake.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. This resting period helps to set the cake and makes it easier to cut clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
- Make sure the butter for the streusel is cold to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and a slight protein boost.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to refresh the cake’s softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: streusel coffee cake, coffee cake recipe, cinnamon streusel, sour cream cake, breakfast cake, easy coffee cake
