Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – it’s one of those magical treats that can instantly transform an ordinary morning into a cozy, comforting ritual. And if you’ve ever wandered down the frozen dessert aisle, you probably know Sara Lee’s Butter Streusel Coffee Cake – that golden, buttery, crumbly masterpiece topped with the perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar streusel. It’s the kind of cake that pairs beautifully with your morning brew or afternoon tea and feels like a warm hug in pastry form.

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s a celebration of textures – the moist cake, the buttery richness, and the crunchy, sugary streusel topping. Plus, making it yourself means you can tweak it to your heart’s content, impress your friends, and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. So, whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, I’m here to walk you through every step, spill some ingredient science, and even share some expert tips to make your coffee cake next-level delicious.

Ready? Let’s get baking!

Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the lowdown on what you’re about to create:

• A soft, buttery coffee cake base that’s moist and tender.
• A golden, crunchy streusel topping bursting with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a hint of salt.
• Layers of buttery goodness that melt in your mouth.
• A recipe that’s simple, straightforward, and perfect for sharing with family or guests.

Imagine slicing into this beauty, watching the crumbly topping crumble ever so slightly as you lift the fork, and tasting the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and spicy. That’s what we’re aiming for here!

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down everything you need to gather before you start. Having all these ready means smooth sailing:

• For The Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (the backbone of our cake’s structure)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (think rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (adds moisture and a slight tang)
  • 2 large eggs (binder and adds richness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (flavor enhancer – trust me, don’t skip this!)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (helps the cake rise and be fluffy)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (works with the sour cream for lift)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavor)

• For The Streusel Topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed – adds caramel notes)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for that signature crumbly texture)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (warmth and spice)
  • Pinch of salt (brings out all those sweet spices)

How To Make Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake

Now, the step-by-step magic. I’ll guide you through the entire process with easy-to-follow tips:

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   • Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make The Streusel Topping

   • In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the batter – chilling keeps the topping crumbly.

3. Prepare The Cake Batter

   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy – this is crucial for a tender crumb.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in vanilla extract.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix or the cake will be dense.

4. Assemble

   • Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it evenly.
   • Sprinkle half the streusel topping over the batter.
   • Pour the remaining batter over the streusel and gently spread it without disturbing the layer below.
   • Finish by sprinkling the remaining streusel topping on top.

5. Bake

   • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (some moist crumbs are okay).
   • Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a moment and talk about the science behind these ingredients and why they work so well together:

• Flour: Provides structure through gluten formation. Too much mixing = tough cake. Just the right amount of gluten development = tender crumb.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Creaming butter with sugar traps air, which helps leaven the cake.
• Sour Cream: The secret weapon! Its acidity reacts with baking soda to create lift, while also tenderizing the cake and adding moisture.
• Brown Sugar in Streusel: Contains molasses, which adds moisture and a deeper flavor than plain white sugar.
• Cinnamon: Beyond flavor, cinnamon has natural preservative qualities and adds warmth and complexity.

Understanding these ingredients helps you tweak and improve the recipe to your liking.

Expert Tips

Want that bakery-level coffee cake? Here are some pro tips:

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for the batter but keep it cold for the streusel. This contrast creates that melt-in-your-mouth cake with crunchy topping.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
• Chill the Streusel: Keep it cold before baking to ensure it stays crumbly and doesn’t melt into the batter.
• Add a Touch of Nutmeg or Cloves: For extra warmth in your streusel, try a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Old leavening agents can make your cake flat.
• Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely to set the crumb and make slicing easier.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Nutty Streusel: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Layer thinly sliced apples or blueberries between the batter and streusel for fruity surprise bites.
• Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
• Spiced Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a more autumnal flavor.
• Mini Muffins: Use this recipe to make individual coffee cake muffins – perfect for grab-and-go mornings.

Final Words

Making Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake at home isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the joy of baking and filling your home with those warm, buttery aromas. The layers of soft cake and crunchy topping deliver a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to special brunches.

Once you nail this recipe, it’s a fantastic base for experimenting – you can play with flavors, textures, and even presentation. Plus, homemade always tastes better and gives you that extra satisfaction of creating something truly delightful from scratch.

FAQs

What Is The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake recipe is a beloved dessert featuring a rich, moist cake base topped with a crumbly streusel topping. It combines butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the streusel, offering a sweet, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, mix together butter, flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this mixture over the cake batter before baking.

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

Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. For example, you can use margarine instead of butter, almond milk instead of regular milk, or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. However, substituting may slightly alter the texture and taste of the final product.

What Kind Of Pan Should I Use For The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

It’s recommended to use a 9×13-inch baking pan or an 8-inch round cake pan for this recipe. Make sure to grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

How Long Do I Bake The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake?

Bake the coffee cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time can vary based on your oven and the size of the pan used.

Can I Make The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. It can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Is The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Suitable For Freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for several hours before serving.

What Variations Can I Make To The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

You can experiment with different flavorings by adding vanilla extract, nutmeg, or orange zest to the batter. You could also fold in fruits like blueberries or apples for added texture and flavor.

Can I Use A Box Cake Mix For The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

While the traditional recipe uses ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, you can substitute a box cake mix for a quicker option. However, the streusel topping should still be made from scratch for the best flavor and texture.

How Can I Make The Sara Lee Butter Streusel Coffee Cake More Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to both the batter and the streusel topping. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the cake can add a rich caramel-like depth to the flavor.