Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Delight

Welcome to Your New Favorite Morning Treat!

Imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon wafting through your home, the sweet aroma mingling with earthy coffee, creating a symphony of scents that beckons you to the kitchen. This delightful experience can be yours with a cinnamon streusel coffee cake that promises to elevate your breakfast game like never before. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that merges the warmth of cinnamon with a rich, moist cake base and a crumbly streusel top. Today, we'll embark on a culinary journey to create this delightful treat that will soon become a staple in your home.

Whether you're hosting a brunch, looking to impress your family, or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, this coffee cake combines nostalgia with an irresistible twist. Each bite is a heavenly blend of sweet and savory, crispy and soft, making it the perfect pairing for your morning coffee or tea. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have you coming back for seconds!

Ingredients List

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Streusel Topping:
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Make sure everything is well combined, but do not overmix.

Making the Streusel Topping

1. Prepare the Streusel: In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. This is the secret to that crunchy topping that will make your coffee cake truly unforgettable!

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer it Up: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer and top off with the rest of the streusel.
2. Bake to Perfection: Place your cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Cooling and Serving

1. Cool Down: Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Serve: Cut into generous squares and enjoy your warm cinnamon streusel coffee cake with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Don’t forget to share—you might want to keep this delight all to yourself!

Cooking Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 320 calories per slice

Common Questions About Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

How should I store leftover coffee cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it or freeze slices, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil, for up to 3 months.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and streusel topping in advance and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh in the morning for warm, delicious coffee cake.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. This will give your cake a similar moisture and tangy flavor.

Expert Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fresh Fruit: Consider folding in fresh blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve each slice warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• For a Nutty Flavor: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel mixture for additional crunch and depth.

Conclusion

Your mornings deserve this cinnamon streusel coffee cake delight—a truly exceptional treat that brings warmth and joy to any table. With the ease of preparation and the delightful results, it’s bound to become a cherished recipe among family and friends. Let the enticing aromas and flavors inspire you to bake this cake time and again, whether for a cozy family brunch or for a quiet moment with your morning coffee. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this delicious creation more often than you anticipated!