Coffee and cake—a match made in heaven! This recipe elevates the classic streusel cake with a rich coffee flavor infused throughout the moist, buttery cake and its crunchy, irresistible topping. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success, resulting in a coffee cake that's both beautiful and delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
What Makes This Coffee Streusel Cake Special?
This recipe isn't just another coffee cake; it's a carefully crafted experience. We've focused on creating a balance of flavors and textures: a moist and tender cake base infused with the robust aroma of coffee, contrasted with the delightful crunch of the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping. The secret lies in using freshly brewed, strong coffee throughout the recipe, enhancing both the cake's flavor and its overall moistness.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup strongly brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
2. Making the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Baking the Coffee Streusel Cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can substitute instant coffee. Use about 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 cup of hot water, then let it cool completely before adding it to the batter. Keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
What kind of coffee should I use?
Use a strong brew of your favorite coffee. A dark roast will give a more intense coffee flavor, while a medium roast will offer a milder taste.
Can I add chocolate chips to this cake?
Absolutely! Adding ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter would be a delicious addition.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This recipe offers a delightful coffee experience, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and savoring this incredibly moist and flavorful coffee streusel cake!
