Zesty mornings call for something special, and this Butter Streusel Coffee Cake is just the ticket. Perfectly moist, with a crumbly streusel topping that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee.
Why This Recipe Works
- The buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.
- Using sour cream in the batter ensures the cake stays moist and tender, even after baking.
- The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg in the streusel offers a warm, spicy flavor that’s irresistible.
- It’s versatile! Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a show-stopping cake that’s easier to make than you’d think.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the streusel: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cold butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9-inch cake pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly. Tip: Use butter for greasing to add extra flavor.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Make the Streusel
For the streusel, mix brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping is what makes the cake special, so don’t skimp!
Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel evenly on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tip: Check at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra moist cake, consider substituting half the sour cream with Greek yogurt. If you’re a fan of nuts, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel adds a nice crunch. For a more decadent version, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for the batter but cold for the streusel to achieve the perfect texture. Lastly, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Recipe Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears between the batter and streusel for a fruity twist.
- Swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin spice mix in the streusel for a fall-inspired version.
- For a chocolatey take, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter and top with a chocolate streusel by adding cocoa powder to the mix.
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free flour blend in both the cake and streusel.
- Turn it into muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and reducing the baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain yogurt can be a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will keep the cake moist while adding a slight tanginess. Just make sure it’s the same thickness as sour cream for the best results.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan slightly.
Summary
This Butter Streusel Coffee Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a moist, flavorful cake with a crunchy, sweet topping. It’s perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to suit your tastes.