Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the streusel topping:

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

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter in a small bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter in the baking pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Electric mixer or whisk - To cream the butter and sugar, and beat the eggs.
Whisk - For whisking together the dry ingredients.
9-inch square baking pan - The pan in which the coffee cake will be baked.
Pastry cutter or fingers - To mix the streusel topping until crumbly.
Toothpick - To test if the coffee cake is done baking.
Grease or cooking spray - To grease the baking pan and prevent sticking.
Oven - To preheat and bake the coffee cake.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Coffee Cake recipe! This delicious and moist cake is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert. Made with a tender crumb and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel, it's sure to become a family favorite. In this recipe, you'll find a simple list of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The cake batter comes together easily, and the streusel topping adds a delightful crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. To make this coffee cake, you'll start by preheating your oven and greasing a square baking pan. Then, you'll cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy before adding eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, you'll whisk together the dry ingredients and alternate adding them with milk to the butter mixture. The batter will be smooth and ready to spread into the pan. Next comes the streusel topping, which is made by combining flour, sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. This crumbly mixture is sprinkled generously over the batter, adding a deliciously sweet and spiced layer. Once everything is assembled, you'll pop the pan into the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of cinnamon and baked goods will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist the temptation to dig in right away. After baking, allow the coffee cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for brunches, gatherings, or a cozy morning at home. So, get ready to enjoy a slice of this delectable Coffee Cake that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and aroma. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create your own homemade masterpiece. Let's get baking!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
No, it is better to use unsalted butter to have better control over the saltiness of the coffee cake.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use alternative flours like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but it may affect the texture and taste of the coffee cake.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I omit the streusel topping?
Yes, you can omit the streusel topping if you prefer a simpler coffee cake.
Can I freeze the coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cooled coffee cake for up to 3 months. Make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine ingredients and prepare the batter.
Whisk - Use a whisk to blend the dry ingredients together and ensure they are well combined.
Electric mixer - An electric mixer can be used to cream the butter and sugar, and beat the eggs into the batter.
9-inch square baking pan - This baking pan is used to bake the coffee cake in the oven.
Pastry cutter - A pastry cutter is helpful for making the streusel topping by cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients.
Cooling rack - A cooling rack is used to allow the coffee cake to cool properly after baking.
Serving platter or plate - Transfer the coffee cake onto a serving platter or plate to present it for serving.
Serrated knife - Use a serrated knife to slice and serve the coffee cake.

Origin stories

Coffee cake originated in Europe and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Germany, where it is known as "Kaffee und Kuchen," which translates to "coffee and cake." In the 17th century, it became popular among European immigrants who settled in America. Coffee cake is often served with coffee or tea and is a beloved treat enjoyed during breakfast or as a sweet indulgence throughout the day.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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