This bakery style cake recipe for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a breakfast dream come true. You’ll love how simple it is to make this moist, tender cake crowned with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar streusel. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this delightful treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or buttermilk can be used as a substitute for a similar tang and moisture.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar for the streusel and cake.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic coffee cake flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Coffee Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Streusel
First, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Stir well until everything is incorporated, then add the flour. Mix until crumbly, creating your irresistible streusel topping. Set this aside.
2. Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your bakery style cake recipe doesn’t stick.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined. This is a crucial step for a well-risen cake.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. An electric mixer works wonders here. This creates the base for a tender cake.
5. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, then alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
6. Assemble the Cake
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle the remaining streusel evenly over the top.
7. Bake Your Coffee Cake
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving. This bakery style cake recipe will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Streusel: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to your streusel mixture for extra crunch.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar and vanilla) onto the cake batter and swirl it gently with a knife.
- Fruit Infusion: Fold ½ cup of fresh blueberries or finely diced apple into the cake batter for a fruity twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the streusel and cake batter the night before and assemble and bake it in the morning. Store the batter and streusel separately in the refrigerator.
Why is my coffee cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake can lead to dryness. Mix only until ingredients are just combined and bake only until a skewer comes out clean.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
What kind of pan should I use?
A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, but an 8×8 inch square pan can also work if you adjust baking time.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for sour cream to achieve a similar moisture and tang.
Is this a true bakery style cake recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to replicate the tender crumb and rich flavor found in your favorite bakery coffee cakes.