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Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Coffee Cake Recipes

Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect blend of buttery, cinnamon-spiced, crumbly, and oh-so-moist coffee cake that pairs beautifully with your morning cup of joe, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of a true classic: the Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake.

This iconic recipe has been delighting kitchens and breakfast tables for decades, embodying everything we love about coffee cake – the tender crumb, the rich cinnamon-sugar swirl, and that irresistible streusel topping. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ready to whip up a slice of nostalgic goodness? Let’s explore everything you need to know, from the essential ingredients and science behind them, to expert tips and fun variations to make this coffee cake uniquely yours.

Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake Recipe

This recipe is straightforward but oh-so-satisfying, delivering a cake that’s:

Moist and tender with a soft crumb.
Swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling that adds that signature cozy flavor.
Topped with a buttery, crunchy streusel for a perfect textural contrast.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting afternoon snack.

What’s magical here is how Betty Crocker’s simple, reliable technique turns pantry staples into something truly special – a coffee cake that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients Needed

Before we jump into mixing and baking, here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll want to gather. Most of these are common household staples:

Dry Ingredients

All-purpose flour – The base of the cake; gives structure.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and balances flavors.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise, making it fluffy.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

Butter (softened) – Adds richness, moisture, and flavor.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and help with structure.
Milk – Moisturizes and aids in tender crumb formation.
Vanilla extract – Brings depth and aroma.

Filling & Topping

Brown sugar – Adds sweetness with a subtle molasses note.
Ground cinnamon – The star spice for that classic coffee cake flavor.
Butter (for streusel and filling) – Makes the filling gooey and the streusel crumbly.

This list might look simple, but each component plays a critical role in creating the cake’s texture and flavor profile.

How To Make Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s get to the fun part-baking this beauty! Here’s a step-by-step guide that’s easy to follow and guarantees success:

Prepare Your Pan And Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender crumb.

Add Eggs And Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
Stir in vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.

Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Prepare The Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Assemble The Coffee Cake

Spread half the batter evenly in the pan.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.
Dollop the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar and gently spread it out.
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top.

Make The Streusel Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.

Bake!

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool And Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
Slice and serve warm or at room temperature-perfect alongside your favorite coffee or tea.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, let’s geek out for a moment on the ingredient magic behind this cake:

Flour: The protein in flour (gluten) forms the framework for the cake. Using all-purpose flour strikes a balance – enough gluten for structure but not too much to make it tough.
Butter: The fat coats flour proteins, inhibiting gluten development, which results in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter also adds moisture and flavor.
Sugar: Not only sweetens, but sugar also tenderizes by absorbing water, slowing gluten formation. It also helps brown the cake and streusel for that golden crust.
Eggs: Proteins in eggs provide structure and stability. They also add moisture and richness.
Baking powder: This leavening agent releases carbon dioxide when heated, causing the batter to rise and become light and fluffy.
Milk: Adds moisture and interacts with dry ingredients to create the perfect crumb.
Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon adds warmth and aroma, making the cake irresistible.

Understanding these ingredients helps you appreciate why this recipe is crafted just so-and how you can tweak it without losing that classic Betty Crocker magic.

Expert Tips

To make sure your coffee cake turns out flawlessly every single time, keep these pro tips in mind:

Room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly and traps air for fluffiness.
Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, stir gently until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
Cream the butter and sugar well: This step incorporates air, which helps the cake rise.
Use fresh baking powder: Old leavening won’t give you the rise you want.
Evenly distribute the cinnamon sugar and streusel: This ensures every bite has that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Check doneness early: Oven temps vary, so start testing with a toothpick around 40 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to twist this classic recipe:

Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel for extra crunch.
Fruit Twist: Stir in fresh or frozen blueberries or diced apples into the batter for a fruity surprise.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend-just check that it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Maple Cinnamon: Swap brown sugar in the filling for maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese between the batter layers for a rich surprise.

Final Words

Betty Crocker’s Original Coffee Cake isn’t just a recipe-it’s a comforting tradition. It’s about gathering around the kitchen table with family or friends, savoring that first warm bite, and feeling that cozy, homemade goodness that makes life a little sweeter.

This cake’s beautiful balance of tender crumb, cinnamon spice, and crumbly streusel topping is the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Whether you follow the classic recipe to the letter or add your own twists, you’re creating more than a dessert-you’re making memories.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

The original Betty Crocker coffee cake recipe typically includes ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a cinnamon-sugar mixture for the topping.

Can I Make The Betty Crocker Coffee Cake Recipe Without Using Eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs in the Betty Crocker coffee cake recipe. Popular alternatives include using flax eggs, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers, though the texture may slightly vary.

How Long Should I Bake The Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

The coffee cake should be baked for about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For Betty Crocker’s Coffee Cake?

You can use whole wheat flour, almond flour, or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Adjustments in liquid amounts might also be needed.

Can I Freeze The Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. After baking and cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What Can I Use Instead Of Butter In Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

You can replace butter with vegetable oil, yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free butter substitute to make the coffee cake dairy-free. Each will slightly affect the flavor and texture.

How Can I Add More Flavor To The Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

To enhance the flavor, you can add ingredients such as chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), fresh fruit (like blueberries or apples), or a hint of lemon zest to the batter or topping.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake the night before. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for up to two days.

Is The Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake Recipe Suitable For A Dairy-free Diet?

The original recipe contains dairy products. To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with dairy-free margarine, and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk.

What Is The Best Way To Serve The Original Betty Crocker Coffee Cake?

The Betty Crocker coffee cake is best served warm, with a cup of coffee or tea. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a snack, or as a dessert for gatherings.