Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, the magic of a Butter Streusel Coffee Cake! Imagine waking up on a slow weekend morning, the aroma of warm cinnamon and buttery sweetness filling the air. This isn’t just any cake-it’s a tender, moist crumb with a golden buttery crust, crowned with that heavenly, crumbly streusel topping that makes every bite pure comfort. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a cozy coffee break, or impressing guests, this cake hits all the right notes.

• What makes it special? The streusel topping-a mix of butter, sugar, and cinnamon-is what gives this cake its signature crunch and sweetness.
• Perfect pairing: It’s tailor-made to go alongside a rich cup of coffee or tea.
• A nostalgic treat: It conjures memories of grandma’s kitchen or a charming bakery window.

Ready to become the ultimate coffee cake pro? Let’s break down everything you need to make this butter streusel coffee cake a hit.

Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is straightforward but packed with layers of flavor and texture. You’re going to bake a tender, buttery cake base, topped with a streusel crumble that bakes to golden perfection, adding crunch and sweetness with every forkful.

• Baking time: About 40-45 minutes.
• Yield: Perfect for 8 to 10 servings.
• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate-easy to follow, but will wow your friends and family.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s get to the essentials. These are the stars of the show, each playing a vital role:

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour: The structure builder.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and moisture.
• Butter: Unsalted, softened – this adds richness and tenderness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: A flavor enhancer.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents to make the cake light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

For The Streusel Topping

• Butter: Cold and cubed to create a crumbly texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: That warm, spicy note we all love.
• All-purpose flour: To create the crumbly texture.

How To Make Butter Streusel Coffee Cake

Step-by-step, here’s the delightful journey from ingredients to glorious cake:

1. Prep your pan: Grease and flour an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan – or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the streusel: In a bowl, combine cold butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy-this takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix!
7. Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly.
8. Sprinkle streusel: Generously scatter the streusel over the batter.
9. Bake: Place in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and enjoy: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a minute! Understanding the science behind these ingredients makes your baking more predictable and delicious:

• Butter: Provides fat that coats flour proteins, limiting gluten formation and resulting in a tender crumb. Also adds flavor and moisture.
• Sugar: Besides sweetness, sugar tenderizes the cake by absorbing liquid and slowing gluten formation.
• Sour cream: Its acidity reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise beautifully while adding moisture and a subtle tang.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents release gases during baking, causing the cake to puff up and become airy.
• Cold butter in streusel: When cold butter melts in the oven, it creates steam pockets that contribute to that perfect crumbly topping texture.

Knowing this makes the recipe less of a mystery and more of a science experiment with tasty results!

Expert Tips

Want your coffee cake to be next-level? Here are some tried-and-true pro tips:

• Butter temperature matters: For the batter, use softened butter (room temp). For the streusel, cold butter works best to create that crumbly texture.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter develops gluten, making the cake dense and tough.
• Layer the streusel thickly: Don’t be shy – a generous streusel topping is the best part!
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cake from 35 minutes onward.
• Use parchment paper: It makes lifting the cake out easy and keeps your pan clean.
• Let it cool before cutting: This helps the cake set and prevents it from crumbling apart.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some delicious twists you can try to make this butter streusel coffee cake uniquely yours:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel add crunch and depth.
• Fruit surprise: Toss fresh or frozen blueberries, apples, or raspberries into the batter for bursts of juicy sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice to the streusel for a cozy fall vibe.
• Drizzle glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk for a simple glaze drizzle after baking.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those avoiding gluten.

Final Words

Baking a Butter Streusel Coffee Cake is like wrapping yourself in a warm, buttery hug – the kind that lifts your spirits and brings smiles. It’s versatile, approachable, and downright delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast or coffee break.

And here’s the best part: once you master the basics, the possibilities to personalize and experiment are endless. Whether you stick to the classic or jazz it up with your favorite add-ins, you’re guaranteed to create something everyone will love.

FAQs

What Is Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Butter streusel coffee cake is a type of coffee cake made with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. The cake itself is typically moist and soft, flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It’s often served as a breakfast or snack and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.

What Ingredients Are Needed For A Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Common ingredients include all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, baking powder, milk, and vanilla extract. For the streusel topping, you’ll need butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Can I Substitute Ingredients In The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ingredients based on dietary needs. For example, you can use dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan version, or substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that the texture or flavor may change slightly.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For The Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle it evenly over the cake batter before baking for that signature crunchy texture.

Can I Add Fruit To The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Yes, fruit can be added to the cake batter, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples. For best results, fold the fruit into the batter gently before pouring into the pan, ensuring even distribution without breaking the fruit.

Is It Necessary To Use A Specific Type Of Pan For Baking The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

While you can use different pans, a 9×9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round cake pan works well. Ensure the pan is greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper, to make removing the cake easier after baking.

How Long Should I Bake The Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Typically, the cake needs to bake for 35-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C), depending on your oven and the size of your pan. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I Freeze Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Yes, butter streusel coffee cake freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or warm it in the oven.

How Can I Make My Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Extra Moist?

To make the cake more moist, ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense texture. Adding sour cream, yogurt, or even a little bit of applesauce to the batter can also help achieve a moist cake.

Can I Make Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Without Using An Electric Mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand. Use a whisk for the dry ingredients and a spoon or spatula for incorporating the wet ingredients. For the streusel topping, simply mix the ingredients with a fork or your hands until crumbly.