Ultimate Cream Coffee Cake Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings

Introduction

As the leaves start to change and the crisp fall air sets in, there’s no better way to warm up your mornings than with a slice (or two) of the ultimate cream coffee cake. This recipe is a masterclass in comfort food, combining the fluffiest, most tender crumb with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some simple mixing and baking. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick breakfast solution, a brunch enthusiast seeking the perfect centerpiece, or simply a coffee cake lover, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite.

Why This Works

• The perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the sweetness of the cake and streusel to the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting.
• Ease of preparation – just mix, pour, and bake, with no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required.
• Impressive results with minimal effort, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting (see below for recipe)
• 1/2 cup streusel topping (see below for recipe)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then stir in the sour cream and flour mixture until just combined.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping – In a small bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
3. Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Coffee Cake – Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting – Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until combined. Adjust the consistency and flavor as needed.
5. Step 5: Frost and Serve – Allow the coffee cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting with the cream cheese frosting. Slice and serve, enjoying the ultimate cream coffee cake experience.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and sour cream, for the best results.
• Don’t overmix the batter or streusel topping, as this can lead to a tough or dense coffee cake.
• Consider adding different mix-ins, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips, to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Heat Control

To ensure the perfect bake, keep an eye on your coffee cake after 30 minutes of baking. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping is golden brown. If you prefer a more golden-brown crust, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The streusel topping is the perfect addition to this coffee cake, providing a satisfying crunch and texture contrast to the soft, fluffy cake. To enhance the crunch factor, try adding some chopped nuts or oats to the streusel topping, or sprinkling a few extra granules of sugar on top before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a high-quality, European-style butter for the best flavor and texture in your coffee cake.
• Don’t overbake – a slightly underbaked coffee cake is better than one that’s dry and overcooked.
• Consider making the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for up to a week, allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Storage Tips

• Store the coffee cake at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days.
• Freeze the coffee cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast or snack.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This ultimate cream coffee cake is the perfect gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging it in a beautiful basket or tin, wrapped in decorative paper or twine, and topped with a ribbon or gift tag. You could also include a few extra treats, such as a bag of gourmet coffee or a few pieces of fresh fruit, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the batter for added warmth and depth.
• Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy coffee cake.
• Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a different topping, such as a powdered sugar glaze or a dollop of whipped cream.

Troubleshooting

• If your coffee cake is too dense or dry, try adding more sour cream or buttermilk to the batter.
• If your streusel topping is too crumbly, try adding a little more butter or flour to the mixture.
• If your cream cheese frosting is too thin, try adding more powdered sugar or chilling it in the fridge for a few minutes to set.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the coffee cake? Yes, you can freeze the coffee cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Is the coffee cake gluten-free? No, this coffee cake recipe contains gluten. However, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger coffee cake. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

This ultimate cream coffee cake recipe is the perfect treat for cozy fall mornings. With its tender crumb, rich cream cheese frosting, and crunchy streusel topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients. So why not give it a try and start your day off right with a slice (or two) of this delicious coffee cake? Happy baking!