I love coffee! It’s the perfect way to start my day, and I can’t imagine my mornings without it. But sometimes, I crave something more than just a cup of joe. That’s when I turn to coffee cake. Not only does it satisfy my caffeine fix, but it also satisfies my sweet tooth. If you’re a coffee lover like me, you’re in luck. Today, I’m going to share with you an easy and delicious recipe for coffee cake that you can make at home.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need for this scrumptious coffee cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the cake:
– 1 and ½ cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 and ½ teaspoons of baking powder
– ½ teaspoon of baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon of salt
– ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– ½ cup of sour cream
– ½ cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the streusel topping:
– ½ cup of granulated sugar
– ½ cup of all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Prepping the Cake Batter
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making the cake batter. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a square baking pan or use parchment paper for easier removal.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use in the recipe.
In a separate larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step, but a whisk or spoon will work just fine. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Alternate between adding the dry mixture and the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake.
Finally, gently fold in the cooled strong brewed coffee. The coffee will give the cake a rich and aromatic flavor that will complement the sweetness perfectly. Your cake batter is now ready!
Making the Streusel Topping
Now that the cake batter is complete, let’s move on to the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well combined. Then, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will add a delightful crunch to your coffee cake.
Assembling and Baking
It’s finally time to assemble the coffee cake and get it in the oven. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared square baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Then, spoon the remaining batter on top and spread it carefully. Finish it off by sprinkling the rest of the streusel topping over the batter.
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. The heavenly aroma of coffee and cinnamon will fill your kitchen as the cake bakes. Once fully baked, remove the 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.
The Final Touch: Optional Glaze
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take your coffee cake to the next level, you can add a simple glaze on top. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled coffee cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. This touch of sweetness will enhance the flavors of the cake and make it even more irresistible.
Serving and Storing
Your delicious homemade coffee cake is now ready to be served. Cut it into squares or slices and enjoy it with a steaming mug of your favorite coffee. This moist and tender cake, with its delicate crumb and crunchy streusel topping, is the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The coffee cake will stay fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Final Thoughts
Making coffee cake at home is an easy and rewarding experience. With this recipe, you can enjoy the delightful combination of coffee and cake right in your own kitchen. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet with a coffee kick, give this coffee cake recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all coffee lovers out there, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought cake again. Enjoy!