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Coffee cake has a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. The concept of enjoying a sweet baked good alongside coffee is thought to have originated in Europe. Early recipes can be traced to Germany, where cakes were often flavored with spices and served during coffee gatherings. These early varieties were typically less sweet than modern interpretations. As European settlers arrived in America, they brought their coffee cake traditions with them, adapting them to local tastes and ingredients.

Streusel Coffee Cake

Discover the joy of baking with this Heavenly Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake recipe. Combining a moist, tender cake with a rich streusel topping, this treat is perfect for coffee breaks, brunches, or cozy desserts after dinner. Learn about the origins of coffee cake, key ingredients, and step-by-step instructions that guarantee a delightful baking experience. Whether for a family gathering or a comforting indulgence, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
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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 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

      Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mix until combined.

        Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts to add extra texture.

          Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Pour the remaining cake batter and gently spread it over the streusel layer. Finish with a final sprinkling of the remaining streusel topping.

            Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake!

              Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly, slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12