Baking this coffee cake will make your kitchen smell like a cozy café. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Recipe Works
- The buttery crumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast to the soft cake.
- Sour cream in the batter ensures the cake is moist and tender.
- A hint of cinnamon and vanilla elevates the flavor profile beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt. This blend is the foundation of your cake’s structure.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to your cake.
Bring It All Together
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra moist cake, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you’re a fan of nuts, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping adds a nice crunch. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter without overmixing. For a more intense cinnamon flavor, you can increase the amount in the topping to 2 teaspoons.
Recipe Variations
- Add a layer of thinly sliced apples or pears between the batter and the crumb topping for a fruity twist.
- Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice mix in the fall for a seasonal flavor.
- For a chocolate version, mix 1/2 cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This coffee cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days when covered tightly. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly denser.
Why did my cake turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit. Start checking your cake at the 30-minute mark, even if the recipe says 35-40 minutes. Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s better to check early.
Summary
This coffee cake recipe is a foolproof way to bring a little joy to your table. With its moist crumb, buttery topping, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.