Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that’s as delicious as it is easy to make? Look no further! This original Betty Crocker coffee cake recipe is a classic for a reason. It's the perfect blend of moist crumb cake and a sweet, crunchy streusel topping, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This recipe is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason: it's incredibly simple, requires readily available ingredients, and delivers consistently amazing results. Get ready to bake up some happiness!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even leavening throughout the cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, nuts (if using), and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- 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. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary.
- Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room-temperature eggs ensures proper emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Evenly Distributed Streusel: Make sure to evenly distribute the streusel topping for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delicious twist.
- Lemon Coffee Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the buttermilk for a bright citrus flavor.
- Apple Coffee Cake: Add ½ cup chopped apples to the cake batter for a warm, autumnal treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your serving and the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient measurements. Expect a moderate calorie count due to the butter and sugar content.
This classic Betty Crocker coffee cake recipe is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking and the delicious aroma that will fill your kitchen! It's a perfect recipe for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking enthusiasts. Share this delicious recipe with your friends and family – you won't regret it!