This recipe presents a classic breakfast or brunch cake that is equally enjoyable as a dessert. It’s a versatile treat that can be customized with different glazes or sauces to elevate its flavors. The cake itself is moist, tender, and filled with delightful cinnamon and nut streusel layers. Whether served warm or reheated, this coffee cake is sure to please any time of the day.
MAKES: At least 8 servings
TIME: About 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) cold butter, plus butter for the pan
- 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter.
- In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of cold butter with the chopped nuts. Mix the ingredients with your fingers until they are just coming together. Set this streusel mixture aside.
- In another bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, remaining teaspoon of cinnamon, and remaining 5 tablespoons of cold butter (cut into small pieces). Mix well with a fork until all the flour is coated with some of the butter.
- On low speed, beat the egg into the batter, and then gradually add the milk until blended.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle about half of the streusel mixture over it. Add the remaining batter and top it with the remaining streusel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before cutting.
- Serve the coffee cake warm for the best flavor. If you have leftovers, it can be reheated and enjoyed later.
VARIATIONS:
Cinnamon-Orange Coffee Cake:
- Add 2 teaspoons of grated or finely minced orange zest to the batter.
- Substitute 1/4 cup of orange juice for the same amount of milk.
Quick Coffee Cake with Cardamom:
- Use almonds instead of walnuts or pecans.
- Add 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom to the batter. Use 1 teaspoon in Step 1 for the streusel and 1 teaspoon in the batter in place of the cinnamon.
These variations offer a delightful twist to the classic cinnamon coffee cake, infusing it with citrusy orange notes or the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Feel free to experiment with other flavor combinations or toppings to make it your own.
TIPS:
- To ensure a tender and moist coffee cake, make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the streusel and batter. This creates a crumbly texture and prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
- For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter.
- If you prefer a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of ground cinnamon in the streusel or sprinkle some on top of the batter before baking.
- Customize the streusel by adding other ingredients such as shredded coconut, oats, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of walnuts or pecans, feel free to substitute them with your preferred nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- When mixing the streusel, be careful not to overmix. It should have a crumbly texture, with some larger chunks for added crunch.
- Be sure to evenly distribute the streusel layers throughout the cake batter for a balanced taste in each bite. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread it over the batter.
- To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, generously grease it with butter or use parchment paper to line the bottom and sides.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the cake set and prevents it from falling apart.
- Serve the coffee cake warm for the best taste and texture. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat.
- Leftover coffee cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Enjoy this classic cinnamon coffee cake as a comforting treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Its tender crumb and delicious streusel layers will make it a favorite among family and friends.
