What’s your favorite breakfast treat? This easy homemade coffee cake recipe is a family favorite, made with sweet cinnamon and topped with a crumbly streusel topping, perfect for a quick weeknight breakfast, save for later

Irresistible Classic Coffee Cake Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the warm and comforting world of classic coffee cake, where the simplicity of everyday ingredients meets the richness of flavor and the joy of creativity. This irresistible recipe is designed to be easy to follow, accessible to all, and incredibly delicious, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, crumbly texture, and the aroma that fills your home, this coffee cake is sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, delight your friends, or simply treat yourself to something special, this recipe is your gateway to a world of baking pleasure.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of sugar, the richness of butter, and the depth of cinnamon, all while using ingredients that are easily found in most kitchens.
Ease of preparation: The steps are straightforward and simple, requiring minimal specialized equipment or baking expertise, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a beautifully presented coffee cake that is moist, flavorful, and adorned with a crumbly, sweet topping, sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Key Ingredients

The heart of this classic coffee cake recipe lies in its carefully selected ingredients. You will need all-purpose flour as the base, granulated sugar for sweetness, unsalted butter for richness, eggs for moisture, milk for tenderness, active dry yeast for rise, salt to balance flavors, and cinnamon for that warm, comforting aroma. For the crumb topping, you’ll use a combination of flour, granulated sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option or swapping granulated sugar with brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your ingredients by measuring out the flour, sugar, yeast, and spices. Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon) and whisk until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, and softened butter) until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
Step 3: Prepare the crumb topping by mixing flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a pinch of cinnamon to give it an extra boost of flavor. Layer the batter in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by the crumb topping, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake the coffee cake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a lighter texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can warm eggs by submerging them in warm water for a few minutes, and soften butter by microwaving it for a few seconds.
Don’t overmix the batter or the crumb topping, as this can lead to a dense coffee cake. Mix just until the ingredients come together in a cohesive mass.
For an extra crunchy topping, try adding some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well) to the crumb mixture before baking.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect bake, it’s crucial to control the heat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure you have a rack positioned in the middle of the oven for even baking. The coffee cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, you can also check for doneness by gently pressing on the top; it should feel firm and spring back quickly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this coffee cake comes from the crumb topping, which should be crispy and golden after baking. To enhance the crunch, make sure the butter in the crumb mixture is cold, as this will help create a nicer texture when baked. Also, avoid overbaking, as this can make the topping too dark and hard.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a professional finish, brush the top of the coffee cake with a little bit of milk or beaten egg before baking to give it a glazed look.
To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the batter and crumb topping.
Consider making the crumb topping ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for up to a day or freezing it for up to a month for future use.

Storage Tips

Once the coffee cake is completely cool, it can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
When storing, it’s a good idea to wrap the coffee cake in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent drying out and other odors from affecting its taste.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This classic coffee cake makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider wrapping a cooled coffee cake in decorative paper or placing slices in a gift tin or jar. You can also add a personal touch by including a packet of gourmet coffee or a few cinnamon sticks tied with a ribbon. For a more rustic look, wrap the coffee cake in a tea towel and tie with twine, adding a handwritten note with the recipe or baking tips.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
🌟 Creative toppings: Instead of the traditional crumb topping, consider using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to add texture and flavor contrast.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper sweetness.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your coffee cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Try mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently folding them together.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular ingredient, don’t be afraid to get creative with substitutions. For example, you can use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your coffee cake while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent overbrowning. If it’s not done after the recommended time, check every 5 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat when needed.
Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute, though the texture might vary.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger coffee cake. Just ensure you have a big enough baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

With its timeless appeal and ease of preparation, this classic coffee cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy morning at home, this recipe offers the perfect blend of tradition and versatility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the process of sharing this delicious treat with those around you. Happy baking, and let the aroma of freshly baked coffee cake fill your home with warmth and joy!

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