Award Winning Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’ve ever craved a coffee cake that perfectly balances tender crumb, buttery sweetness, and that oh-so-satisfying cinnamon streusel topping, you’ve come to the right place. Coffee cake isn’t just a dessert – it’s a cozy hug on a plate, an aromatic invitation for conversation, and a morning pick-me-up all rolled into one.

What makes a coffee cake truly award-winning? It’s a magical blend of texture, flavor, and that delicate crumb that melts in your mouth. Today, I’m going to take you on a delicious journey, sharing a recipe that’s been tested, tweaked, and loved by judges, judges’ judges, and countless happy tummies.

Get ready to whip out your mixing bowls and flour-smeared aprons, because this coffee cake is about to become your go-to classic!

Award Winning Coffee Cake Recipe

This isn’t just any coffee cake recipe – this one has taken top honors in local bake-offs, impressing both amateurs and pros alike. Why? Because it nails the trifecta:

• Moist, tender crumb – thanks to a perfect balance of butter and sour cream.
• Crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel topping – the hallmark of great coffee cake.
• Rich buttery flavor – but not too sweet, so it pairs beautifully with your morning brew or afternoon tea.

Imagine biting into a slice that has a moist interior dotted with cinnamon swirls and a golden, crumbly top that crackles slightly under your fork. Heavenly, right? Let’s dive into the ingredients and technique that make this happen.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s your all-star lineup of ingredients – simple, accessible, and totally worth the pantry space:

Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of your cake structure.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): For sweetness and tender crumb.
• Brown sugar (for the streusel topping): Adds moisture and a caramel depth.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Helps the cake rise to a light fluffiness.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Works with the sour cream for lift.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Richness and moisture.
• Sour cream (1 cup): The secret to tender crumb and slight tang.
• Eggs (2 large): Structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth.

Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar (½ cup)
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp)
• Cold unsalted butter (6 tbsp, cubed)
• All-purpose flour (½ cup)
• Chopped nuts (optional, ½ cup walnuts or pecans): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.

How To Make Award Winning Coffee Cake

Alright, this is where the magic happens! Follow these steps for baking glory:

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cubed cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to crumble it into a coarse, sandy mixture. Stir in nuts if you want that extra crunch.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy – about 3 minutes. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
6. Add dry ingredients and sour cream alternately: Mix in a third of the flour mixture, then half the sour cream, repeating until all are combined. Don’t overmix-just blend until smooth.
7. Assemble: Pour half the batter into your pan. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly over it. Layer the remaining batter, then finish with the remaining streusel on top.
8. Bake: Pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick-it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool and serve: Let cool for 15 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite coffee.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Why does this recipe work so well? Let’s geek out a bit!

• Sour cream: It’s acidic, which reacts with baking soda to create carbon dioxide bubbles, helping the cake rise and stay moist. It also adds tenderness by breaking down gluten slightly.
• Butter: Provides fat that coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation, resulting in a tender crumb and rich flavor.
• Brown sugar in the streusel: The molasses in brown sugar keeps the topping moist and adds caramel notes that contrast beautifully with cinnamon’s warmth.
• Eggs: They provide structure and trap air for lightness but also add moisture and richness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together for the perfect lift and crumb texture.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate your coffee cake game even more? Here’s the inside scoop:

• Use room temperature ingredients – it helps everything blend smoothly and creates a better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter – once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake dense.
• Chill your butter for the streusel – cold butter creates those irresistible crumbly chunks instead of melting into the batter.
• Toast nuts before adding – it intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
• Use fresh spices – cinnamon loses potency over time; fresh ground makes a huge difference.
• Let the cake cool before slicing – it helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty twists to try:

• Blueberry coffee cake: Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries into the batter before layering.
• Apple cinnamon swirl: Add diced apples and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar in the batter.
• Gluten-free: Swap flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour (adjust liquids slightly).
• Maple pecan streusel: Use maple syrup and pecans in the topping for a fall-inspired treat.
• Chocolate chip coffee cake: Toss in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Vegan version: Use flax eggs and dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream, plus vegan butter substitutes.

Final Words

This coffee cake is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and the joy of baking. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, sharing it at brunch, or packing it for a picnic, this cake brings people together.

It’s approachable enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers to call their own. The layers of tender crumb, rich flavor, and crumbly cinnamon topping hit every note for a truly memorable treat.

FAQs

What Makes A Coffee Cake Recipe ’award-winning’?

An ’award-winning’ coffee cake recipe typically stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors, texture, and presentation. It often features a moist crumb, flavorful streusel topping, and a unique twist on traditional ingredients. The recipe is usually well-tested and praised by both judges and home bakers for its exceptional taste and quality.

Can I Make An Award-winning Coffee Cake Recipe Without Sour Cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with alternatives like plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture. These substitutes help maintain the moisture and richness that sour cream provides in the cake.

What Is The Best Type Of Flour To Use For An Award-winning Coffee Cake Recipe?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to use all-purpose flour for your coffee cake. You can also combine it with cake flour for a lighter crumb. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid excess flour, which can make the cake dense.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For An Award-winning Coffee Cake?

To create a delicious streusel topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra flavor and texture. The streusel is sprinkled over the cake batter before baking to create a sweet, crispy topping.

Can I Add Fruit Or Nuts To An Award-winning Coffee Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding fruit such as berries, apples, or bananas, or mixing in nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans, can enhance the flavor and texture of your coffee cake. Be sure to fold them gently into the batter to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.

What Temperature Should I Bake An Award-winning Coffee Cake At?

Typically, coffee cakes are baked at 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the cake to cook evenly, producing a golden-brown exterior and a soft, moist interior. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before placing the cake inside to ensure consistent results.

Can I Make An Award-winning Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make coffee cake ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day before serving, and store it in an airtight container. If you prefer it warm, simply reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

How Can I Make My Coffee Cake Moist And Tender?

To achieve a moist and tender coffee cake, use ingredients like sour cream or yogurt, and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser texture. Additionally, ensuring that you don’t overbake the cake is key to preserving its moisture.

Can I Freeze An Award-winning Coffee Cake For Later Use?

Yes, you can freeze coffee cake! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature or warm it up in the oven.

How Do I Decorate An Award-winning Coffee Cake?

To decorate an award-winning coffee cake, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Adding a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar enhances the cake’s presentation. You can also top it with fresh fruit or a few extra crumbles of streusel for a finishing touch.