If you’re looking for a tasty treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings, this Make-Ahead Coffee Cake recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful coffee cake, with its moist texture and crumbly streusel topping, will quickly become a favorite in your household. Not only is it delicious, but it also saves you time by allowing you to prepare it in advance. Let’s dive into the recipe and some tips to ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer and then sprinkle the rest of the streusel on top.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Store and Serve: Once completely cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator if you’re making it ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips for the Perfect Make-Ahead Coffee Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you begin. This will help create a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Even Streusel Layers: For a beautifully layered coffee cake, try to spread the streusel and batter layers as evenly as possible. This will ensure every bite has a perfect balance of cake and streusel.
- Customize Your Streusel: Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the streusel topping for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to suit your taste.
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking the cake at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.