Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe: A Delicious Treat for Coffee Lovers
Are you a coffee fanatic looking for the perfect accompaniment to your morning brew? Look no further! This cinnamon coffee cake recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite breakfast or brunch treat. It's moist, fluffy, and bursting with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up even on a busy weekday. Here's what you'll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Batter
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
- Creaming Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Adding Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to fully incorporate each ingredient before adding the next.
- Combining Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: While the oven preheats, prepare the streusel topping. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Baking the Coffee Cake:
- Pour & Sprinkle: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and sprinkle with the rest of the streusel topping.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
- Cool & Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a cup of your favorite coffee!
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough coffee cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baking powder and baking soda will ensure your cake rises properly.
- Adjust Cinnamon: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon in both the cake and streusel topping to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
This cinnamon coffee cake is delicious on its own, but you can also enhance it with:
- Fresh berries: A sprinkle of fresh blueberries or raspberries adds a burst of freshness.
- Cream cheese frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting adds richness and sweetness.
- A scoop of ice cream: A warm slice of coffee cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ultimate indulgence.
This cinnamon coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its delicious flavor and simple preparation make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
