Cooking Lesson #756: Old Fashioned Buttery Streusel Coffee Cake

…from the Perspectives’  Oven

ow you doin’? I am constantly asked, do you put coffee in a coffee cake recipe? The answer is not necessarily. While some early versions of coffee cake did contain coffee, this snack cake is meant to be an accompaniment, not a cake full of caffeine. Most have simple sugar and cinnamon fillings, with variations using chocolate, nuts, fruit and cream cheese to complement the delicate flavor of the cake.
 
Nothing goes better with a steaming cup of “joe” than a perfectly spiced slice of coffee cake. The enticing aroma, ribbons of sugar and cinnamon filling, and traditional crumb topping make it a treat at breakfast, a midday indulgence or a midnight snack.
 
Coffee cakes are synonymous with casual dining and, best of all, they don't require any of the fuss of frosted, labor-intensive cakes. Coffee cakes can be baked with just a few pantry staples. What a great way to start the day!
 
Coffee cake, or Kaffekuchen, is a single layer cake with a sweet, sugar-cinnamon-layer of--and topped with--a streusel made from flour, butter and sugar. Both yeast and baking powder can be used to give lift to coffee cakes, with some versions presented as a braided ring or lattice-style like a babka.
 
Coffee cakes became popular soon after coffee was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. German, Dutch, and Scandinavian communities began to pair spiced sweet breads with the new world beverage. A ritual called kaffeeklatsch emerged, where people would gather for caffeine, sugar and neighborhood gossip. These groups continued their coffeehouse traditions when they came to America.
As coffee became more prevalent in the U.S. and more affordable to all, coffee cakes became a treat for Americans both wealthy and working-class. By the late 1800's, several coffee cake recipes made their way into American cookbooks, boosting the popularity of the humble dessert even higher.
 
Coffee cakes use basic pantry ingredients like flour, brown and granulated sugar, and baking powder to create a basic recipe. Many recipes call for milk or sour cream to maximize moisture and to create a perfect texture. No need to frost or glaze (but you can sugar glaze, if desired). The thick buttery streusel topping acts as delicious baked-on finish.
 
Simply combine cake ingredients, then top with the streusel crumbs for a delightfully crisp layer. Coffee cakes are budget-friendly, totally customizable, and great for making ahead. Make your own luscious, shareable cake with this tasty recipe. 
 
Prep time:  25 minutes
Bake time:  35 minutes
Yield:  10 to 12 servings
 
Ingredients 
For the streusel topping
1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1-1/2 teaspoons almond extract
5 tablespoons butter, melted
 
For the coffee cake batter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 large eggs
1/2 cup half-and-half
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
 
Directions
To make the streusel topping

1. Preheat an oven to 375˚F (190˚C).
2. Grease and flour a 9 X13-inch baking pan.
3. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, pecans and almond extract.
4.  Stir in the melted butter.

To make the coffee cake batter

1. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in half and half and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together 1-1/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt.
5. Stir the flour mixture into cream/egg mixture.
6. Spread half of the cake batter in the bottom of the prepared pan.
7. Sprinkle one third of the streusel mixture over the batter.
8. Spread the other half of the batter over the streusel mixture.
9. Top off with the rest of the streusel mixture.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into center of the cake comes out clean.
11. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes and serve warm.

 
ChefSecret:  I prefer a nice thick, crisp streusel topping. If you prefer more cake with a lighter topping, cut the streusel recipe in half.

Quip of the Day:  The best way to teach your kids about taxes is to reward them with a slice of warm coffee cake after finishing a chore, then taking 30% of their cake and eating it yourself.
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To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to  Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross.

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