Description
Classic German coffee cake blends sweet streusel with tender crumb for a delightful morning treat. Rich layers of cinnamon and butter create a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 oz) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (240 mL / 8 fl oz) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and strategically line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth release after baking.
- Streusel Creation: Combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Integrate cold butter using a fork until the mixture transforms into a grainy, sandy texture that will crown the cake with a delectable crunch.
- Batter Development: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Introduce eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract for aromatic complexity. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream to maintain a luxurious, tender batter consistency.
- Assembly and Topping: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then liberally sprinkle the reserved streusel across the surface, creating a promising golden-brown crust that will tantalize the senses.
- Baking and Verification: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center – it should emerge pristine and free of raw batter.
- Cooling and Serving: Rest the cake in the pan for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to stabilize. Slice and serve, savoring the cake’s warmth or at room temperature for maximum gustatory pleasure.
Notes
- Prevent Over-Mixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender cake texture, avoiding tough or dense results.
- Temperature Precision: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent cake structure.
- Streusel Technique: Use cold butter and work quickly when creating the streusel topping to achieve a perfect crumbly consistency that doesn’t melt before baking.
- Moisture Check: Store cake in an airtight container to preserve softness, and if it starts to dry out, briefly microwave individual slices or add a light glaze to refresh moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 153
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 118 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg