I have always been a fan of Starbucks and their delicious coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is enough to get me out of bed in the morning. But it’s not just their coffee that keeps me coming back, it’s the delectable treats they offer as well. One of my favorite treats is the Starbucks Coffee Cake. It’s moist, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a cup of their signature brew. After years of enjoying this cake, I decided it was time to try making it at home. And let me tell you, it was a game changer!
Preparing the Ingredients
Get Ready to Bake!
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and of high quality to achieve the best flavor.
Preheat the Oven
One of the first steps in any baking recipe is preheating the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cake bakes evenly and has a golden brown crust.
Mixing the Batter
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients together until well blended. The batter should be thick and creamy.
Get the Right Consistency
If you find that your batter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Mix it in slowly until the batter becomes smooth and pourable, but not too runny.
Assembling the Cake
Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure that your cake doesn’t stick. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Layer the Batter
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Add the Streusel Topping
Now it’s time to make the delicious streusel topping that gives Starbucks Coffee Cake its distinctive flavor. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix the ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter in the pan.
Repeat the Layers
Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the rest of the streusel mixture on top, covering the entire surface of the batter.
Baking and Serving
Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
Cool and Enjoy
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without it falling apart. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Indulge
Now comes the best part – serving and enjoying your homemade Starbucks Coffee Cake! Cut the cake into generous slices and serve it alongside a steaming cup of your favorite coffee. The moistness of the cake, combined with the buttery streusel topping, will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
Customization and Variations
Get Creative!
While the classic Starbucks Coffee Cake is undeniably delicious, feel free to put your own spin on it. You can add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for added crunch. Additionally, you can mix in a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit into the batter for extra bursts of flavor.
Try Different Frostings
If you’re a fan of frosting, you can experiment with different options to top your coffee cake. Cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the cake can take it to a whole new level of decadence. Feel free to get creative and customize the cake to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Making Starbucks Coffee Cake at home is a delightful experience that allows you to enjoy the flavors of your favorite café right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a moist and indulgent dessert that will impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try? Get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious Starbucks-inspired treat!