Here’s a delightful Velvet Crumb Coffee Cake recipe, a true star among soft cake recipes, that will bring joy to your mornings. This tender cake, crowned with a rich, buttery streusel, is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Sour Cream: Plain yogurt or buttermilk works well as a substitute.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine can be used in a pinch, but butter provides the best flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar offers a more intense caramel note.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready for your delicious soft cake.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the essential base for a wonderfully soft cake.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients with the sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until coarse crumbs form.
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries) to the cake batter for a fruity twist.
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk) over the cooled cake for added sweetness.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Velvet Crumb Coffee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it the day before and store it at room temperature.
- My crumb topping disappeared into the cake, what happened?
Ensure your butter for the topping is melted, not just softened, and distribute the crumbs evenly over the batter.
- Can I use frozen berries in this recipe?
Yes, you can add frozen berries directly to the batter, no need to thaw them first.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- What makes this cake so soft?
The combination of sour cream and baking soda contributes to the incredibly soft texture, characteristic of many soft cake recipes.
- Can I bake this in a different size pan?
You can use a 9-inch round pan, but adjust baking time as it might bake a bit faster.