If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate coffee cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, a delectable crunchy streusel, and a hint of cinnamon filling, your search ends here! Welcome to Marmalade Cafe, where we share delicious homemade dishes for you and your loved ones.
The Secret to Delicious Coffee Cake
The cinnamon filling in this recipe adds a burst of flavor to the cake, but if you prefer, you can skip this step. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of lightly packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of flour. Mix well, breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar. This filling will dissolve and create a delicious blend in the cake.
Next, let’s make the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, mix 2/3 cup of lightly packed light brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Cut 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together until it resembles a crumbly texture. This streusel topping is a must-have for the perfect coffee cake.
Creating the Cake Batter
Now, let’s prepare the dry ingredients. In a bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch (or 2 1/2 cups of cake flour), 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together and set aside.
For the wet ingredients, cream 3/4 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1/2 cup of light brown sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream (or plain yogurt). Mix well after each addition, scraping the bowl as needed.
Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until almost combined. Finish mixing by hand with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be slightly thicker than a typical cake batter.
Assembling the Coffee Cake
Line a 9×9″ baking dish with parchment paper. Spread half of the batter evenly in the dish, followed by a generous layer of the cinnamon filling. Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, making sure to get it into the corners for that extra crunch.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the coffee cake for approximately 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, let it cool before indulging in a slice of this mouthwatering treat.
Enjoy the Perfect Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake pairs beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping. The cinnamon filling adds a delightful touch of warmth and richness.
If you’re looking for a decadent treat, this recipe for the perfect coffee cake is a must-try. Share it with your family and friends, or keep it all to yourself for a special indulgence. Visit Marmalade Cafe for more delightful recipes like this. Happy baking!