Coffee cake is one of my all-time favorite desserts. It’s the perfect treat to pair with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Making the perfect coffee cake may seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe and a step-by-step guide, it can be a breeze. In this article, I will share with you my tried and true recipe for the perfect coffee cake, along with detailed instructions on how to make it.
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making any cake is gathering all the necessary ingredients. For this coffee cake recipe, you will need the following:
For the Cake
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Cake Batter
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start making the cake batter.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
Creating the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping adds a delicious crunchy texture and flavor to the coffee cake. Here’s how to make it:
1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembling the Coffee Cake
Now that both the cake batter and streusel topping are ready, it’s time to assemble the coffee cake.
1. Pour half of the cake batter into the greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the cake batter.
3. Add the remaining cake batter on top, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
4. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the streusel topping over the cake batter.
Baking and Glazing the Coffee Cake
With the coffee cake assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection and add a final touch of sweetness with the glaze.
1. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or a small piping bag.
Enjoying the Perfect Coffee Cake
Now that your coffee cake is ready, it’s time to cut yourself a generous slice and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The combination of moist cake, crunchy streusel topping, and sweet glaze is simply irresistible.
This coffee cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices for later enjoyment.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating yourself to a special breakfast, or simply looking for a delicious dessert, this coffee cake recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab your ingredients, follow the step-by-step guide, and indulge in the perfect coffee cake.