Decadent Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
Indulge in the morning with this Decadent Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake, an irresistible blend of moist, fluffy batter topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfectly suited for special occasions and leisurely weekends, this cake captures the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of sharing. The delightful combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour adds a hearty texture, while the dark brown sugar imparts a rich flavor that complements the aromatic cinnamon. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or served at a brunch, this cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Try variations like adding chocolate chips or fruit to make it your own! This recipe yields a 9-inch square pan, and it can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
flour
2 tablespoons (for streusel)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons
butter
2 tablespoons (melted, for streusel)
chopped nuts
1/2 cup (optional)
sugar
3/4 cup
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
egg
1
milk
3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup
whole wheat flour
1 cup
baking powder
2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by greasing and flouring a 9-inch square baking pan, then preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2
In a small bowl, combine the packed dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped nuts (if using) to create a crumbly streusel topping. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4
Add the egg to the sugar and butter mixture, and beat until well incorporated.
5
Stir in the milk, mixing until just combined.
6
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—do not overmix.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Take the reserved streusel mixture and sprinkle it generously over the top, ensuring to clump some together into pebble-sized chunks for added texture.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake.
What size pan is required for this coffee cake?
A 9-inch square baking pan is required.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
You should grease and flour the 9-inch square baking pan before adding the batter.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
What ingredients are needed for the streusel topping?
The streusel consists of dark brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and optional chopped nuts.
Are nuts required for the streusel?
No, chopped nuts are optional and can be omitted if preferred.
What kind of sugar is best for the streusel?
The recipe calls for packed dark brown sugar to impart a rich flavor.
How do I start the batter preparation?
Start by creaming together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Should the butter for the batter be melted or softened?
The butter for the batter should be softened, whereas the butter for the streusel should be melted.
What types of flour are used in this cake?
The cake uses a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour.
Why does the recipe use whole wheat flour?
Whole wheat flour is added to provide a hearty texture to the coffee cake.
How long does the coffee cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for 25 to 35 minutes.
How can I tell when the coffee cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, adding fruit is a suggested variation to make the recipe your own.
Is it possible to add chocolate chips?
Yes, you can add chocolate chips as a variation to the recipe.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
How long should the cake cool before serving?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
What is a good beverage to serve with this cake?
This cake is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.
What occasions is this cake suitable for?
It is perfect for special occasions, leisurely weekends, brunch, and holidays.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake features a moist and fluffy batter with a crunchy, pebble-like streusel topping.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
While dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich flavor, light brown sugar can be used as a substitute.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can result in a tougher cake; stir gently until the ingredients are just combined.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, the recipe recommends sifting together the flours, baking powder, and salt.
What are the aromatic notes in this recipe?
The cake features the warm, aromatic flavor of cinnamon.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as a quick and easy recipe suitable for family baking.
When should I add the milk to the batter?
Stir in the milk after adding the egg to the creamed sugar and butter mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 13 ingredients in total.
Is this cake appropriate for a holiday breakfast?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch.
What role does baking powder play in this cake?
Baking powder acts as the leavening agent to help the cake rise.
How should the streusel be applied to the batter?
Sprinkle it generously over the top, ensuring you clump some together for added texture.