The Recipe Buffet

The Best Streusel Coffee Cake: A Cozy Treat for Coffee Lovers

As a passionate coffee blogger and home baker, I’ve discovered that there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked streusel coffee cake wafting through the kitchen on a chilly Wisconsin morning. This delightful treat pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of espresso, making it a favorite among my coffee-loving readers. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for a moist and flavorful streusel coffee cake that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Why This Streusel Coffee Cake is Special

Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why this coffee cake stands out:

1. Perfect Texture: The cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of sour cream.
2. Balanced Sweetness: The streusel topping adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cake.
3. Cinnamon-Spiced Perfection: A generous dose of cinnamon in both the cake and streusel creates a warm, comforting flavor.
4. Coffee Pairing: This cake is designed to complement your favorite brew perfectly.

The Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

For the Streusel:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake batter. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, mix the milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition.
7. For the streusel, mix all ingredients in a small bowl until crumbly.
8. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Perfect Coffee Pairing

As a coffee enthusiast, I can’t resist sharing my favorite way to enjoy this streusel coffee cake. I love to pair it with a rich, medium-roast coffee brewed in my trusty espresso machine. The bold coffee flavors complement the sweet, cinnamon-spiced cake beautifully. If you’re not an espresso fan, a creamy latte or a robust French press brew works wonderfully too.

Wrapping Up

This streusel coffee cake is more than just a breakfast treat; it’s a comforting indulgence that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, serving it at a brunch with friends, or savoring a slice as an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face.Remember, the key to a great coffee cake is in the details. Don’t rush the process, and be sure to bring your ingredients to room temperature for the best results. Your patience will be rewarded with a perfectly moist, flavorful cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.Happy baking, and even happier eating! Don’t forget to share your coffee cake adventures in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more coffee-friendly recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts for inspiration!