Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a rich, moist cake with cinnamon streusel swirled throughout the cake and more cinnamon streusel topping on the cake.ย Serve it for breakfast or as a pick me up snack in the afternoon with coffee or tea. My Apple Cinnamon Scones or Peach Scones are also great afternoon snacks.ย
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My mom used to say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.ย If she would have made this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, scones, or Stuffed French Toast I would have agreed with that statement.ย But somehow, as a kid, hot cereal (mom called it MUSH) just didn’t meet my criteria for what I was putting on my priority list.ย ย
What Ingredients Will You Need for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?
The Streusel topping is butter, sugar, flour, and the all-important cinnamon. Oh, there is one more “secret” ingredient, finely chopped pecans.
Sour cream and butter give the cake it’s moist, rich texture and taste. The rest of the ingredients are what you expect to find in a cake. They are sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. For leavening, in addition to the egg, I added baking powder and baking soda. Don’t forget the salt. Salt always enhances the flavor of something sweet.
Step by Step Instructions for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.ย
Make the Streusel:
The Streusel topping is butter, sugar, flour, and the all-important cinnamon. Oh, there is one more “secret” ingredient, finely chopped pecans.ย
Sour cream and butter give the cake it’s moist, rich texture and taste. The rest of the ingredients are what you expect to find in a cake. They are sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. For leavening, in addition to the egg, I added baking powder and baking soda. Don’t forget the salt. Salt always enhances the flavor of something sweet.ย
- ย Combine the flour, sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and mix together. Add the room temperature butter and crumble in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.ย
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.ย
Make the Cake:
- Cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy.ย ย
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix after each egg. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.ย ย
- Add the vanilla and lemon juice.
- Mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Alternating between the flour mixture and sour cream, add 1/3 of each at a time, ending with the sour cream. Beat after each addition and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. After all of the flour and sour cream is added, beat on medium for 2 minutes.ย
- Put a piece of parchment in the bottom of a 9 X 9-inch baking pan. Spray the pan with a non-stick spray and add 1/2 of the batter to the pan.ย
- Add 1/2 of the streusel topping and swirl in with a knife. (see video)
- Add the rest of the batter and top with the rest of the streusel mixture.ย
- Bake for 35-45 minutes at 350-degrees F. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean.ย
Pop on over to my social media sites where youโll find exclusive Doctor Joโs pictures of whatโs new in my gardens. Also, what new recipes Iโm creating in my kitchen. I love your comments. The comment section is down at the end of the blog, after the recipe. So let me know what you think in the Leave a Reply section at the end of this blog. Please leave your first name at the end of your comment, and I will reply to you by name.ย ย
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
Cinnamon Streusel
- 1 cup white sugar(198g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour(240g)
- ยฝ cup finely chopped pecans(57g)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 6 tbsp butter(85g)
Cake
- 1 cup white sugar(198g)
- 1 stick butter (1 stick)(113g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour(240g)
- ยฝ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ยฝ tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream (227g)
Instructions
Cinnamon Streusel
- In a bowl mix together the streusel ingredients: sugar, pecans,flour, butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly consistency.
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF
- In a stand mixer bowl add the sugar and butter, mix on medium until fluffy. Scape sides and bottom of bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg. Scrape bowl before adding the vanilla and lemon juice. Mix on medium for 1 minute and scrape sides and bottom of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt until well blended.
- on low alternately add โ of the flour mixture alternating with โ of the sour cream. Beat for 1 minute after each addition and scrape down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
- Once all of the flour and sour cream is mixed in, add a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of a 9 X 9-inch baking pan, Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add ยฝ of the batter to the pan and top with 1/2 of the streusel mixture. Lightly swirl the streusel into the cake with a knife. Add the rest of the batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 35 - 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool before serving.
- Store cake at room temperature for 2-3 days in a covered container.
Video
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions about Streusel.
Whatโs the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
Coffee cake and streusel are two delicious treats that often go hand in hand, but what exactly sets them apart? The main difference lies in the topping. Coffee cake typically has a streusel topping, a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. This topping adds a sweet and crunchy element to the cake, perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee. On the other hand, streusel refers to the topping rather than the entire cake. It can be used on various baked goods, such as muffins or pies, and consists of the same flour, sugar, and butter. So, while coffee cake and streusel contain this delectable topping, coffee cake is a specific type of cake often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch.
Is coffee cake American?
Coffee cake is a beloved treat that many people enjoy with their morning cup of joe. But is it truly an American creation? While the exact origin of coffee cake is unknown, it has become a staple in American culture. The term โcoffee cakeโ itself is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. However, variations of coffee cake can be found in various countries worldwide. For example, Germany has a traditional coffee cake called โkuchen.โ So while coffee cake may not be exclusively American, it has certainly found a home in American kitchens and hearts.
What is a coffee cake topping made of?
A coffee cake topping is a delicious and irresistible addition to any coffee cake. It adds a layer of sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the moist and flavorful cake underneath. So, what is a coffee cake topping made of? It can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe used. Some popular options include streusel, a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar sprinkled over the cake before baking. Others may opt for a glaze made of powdered sugar and milk, which adds a glossy finish to the cake. Some creative bakers even experiment with adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit to their coffee cake toppings for an extra burst of flavor. Ultimately, the choice of coffee cake topping is up to you, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
What makes coffee cake different from cake?
Coffee cake is a delightful treat that is often enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, hence the name. What sets coffee cake apart from regular cake is its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional cake, coffee cake tends to be denser and more crumbly, making it perfect for pairing with a hot beverage. Additionally, coffee cake is often infused with flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg, giving it a warm and comforting taste that complements the rich flavors of coffee. So, next time youโre craving something sweet to go with your morning coffee, reach for a slice of coffee cake and experience the delicious difference.
Why is it called a streusel?
Have you ever wondered why that delicious crumbly topping on your favorite baked goods is called a streusel? Well, letโs uncover the origin of this mouthwatering term. The word โstreuselโ comes from the German language, specifically from the verb โstreuen,โ which means to sprinkle or scatter. And thatโs exactly what a streusel does โ itโs a crumbly mixture sprinkled or scattered on top of pastries, muffins, and cakes to add a delightful texture and flavor. So, the next time you enjoy a slice of streusel-topped apple pie or a warm streusel muffin, remember its German roots and savor every deliciously scattered crumb.
Why is my streusel not crumbly?
Have you ever baked a delicious streusel-topped dessert only to find that your streusel turned out more like a solid mass than a crumbly topping? It can be frustrating, especially when expecting those delightful crumbs to add textural contrast to your dish. Well, fear not because Iโm here to shed some light on this baking conundrum. One possible reason your streusel is not crumbly enough is the proportion of butter to dry ingredients. Streusel is typically made by combining flour, sugar, and cold butter. If the ratio of butter to dry ingredients is too high, the streusel will become more like a paste. So, next time you make the streusel, try reducing the amount of butter slightly and see if that improves the crumbliness. Another factor to consider is the temperature of the butter. If the butter is too warm when you mix it with the dry ingredients, it can cause the streusel to clump together rather than forming those desired crumbs. So, make sure your butter is cold and firm before incorporating it into the streusel mixture. With these tips in mind, youโll soon master the art of crumbly streusel toppings for all your baked treats!
Is streusel the same as crumble?
Streusel and crumble may seem similar, but they are not the same thing. Both streusel and crumble are toppings used in baking, typically on fruit-based desserts. However, the main difference lies in their texture and ingredients. Streusel combines flour, sugar, and butter, creating a crumbly and sandy texture. It is often flavored with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. On the other hand, crumble is made by combining flour, sugar, and butter, but it includes rolled oats or nuts to give it a coarser and crunchier texture. So while they may share some similarities, streusel and crumble are distinct in their delicious ways.
What is streusel topping made of?
Streusel topping is the perfect way to add a delicious, crumbly texture to your favorite baked goods. But what exactly is it made of? Well, the beauty of streusel topping lies in its simplicity. It typically consists of three main ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter. The flour provides the base for the crumbly texture, while the sugar adds sweetness. The butter combines everything, creating those irresistible clumps that make the streusel topping so delectable. Some variations may include spices like cinnamon or nuts for added flavor and crunch. Whether sprinkling it on top of a coffee cake or using it as a crust for a fruit pie, streusel topping will surely take your baked treats to the next level.
Whatโs the difference between a strudel and a streusel?
If youโre a fan of pastries, you may have come across the terms โstrudelโ and โstreuselโ at some point. While they may sound similar, these two words actually refer to very different things. Letโs start with the strudel. Originating from Austria, a strudel is a type of pastry made with thin layers of dough that are stretched and rolled out until they become translucent. The dough is then filled with various sweet or savory fillings, such as apples, cherries, or cheese. On the other hand, a streusel is a crumbly topping that is often sprinkled over baked goods like cakes or muffins. It is made by combining flour, sugar, and butter until it forms small clumps. So, the next time youโre faced with the choice between a strudel and a streusel, remember that one is a delicious pastry filled with goodness, while the other is a delightful crumbly topping.
