Next, I slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. I’m careful not to overmix—nobody likes a dense cake! Now comes the fun part: for the streusel topping, I combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit more flour—then I cut in some butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step truly fills my kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Once I’ve prepared the batter and the streusel, I pour half of the batter into the greased baking pan. Then, I sprinkle half of my streusel mix over the batter. I repeat this layer with the remaining batter before topping it off with the rest of the streusel. I love how it looks all layered up, ready to become something beautiful in the oven! After about 35-40 minutes of baking, I check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
When the cake is golden brown and my kitchen is filled with delightful aromas, I pull it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s hard to resist the warm, sugary aroma that envelops me. I can’t wait for a slice!
Pro Tips for Best Results
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different butter temperatures. I’ve found that if you let your butter soften slightly at room temperature (not melted!), it helps achieve that perfect creaminess in the batter. I once used melted butter, and although it still tasted good, the texture wasn’t as fluffy.
Another thing I’ve learned through trial and error is to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature prior to mixing. This small step can heavily impact how well everything incorporates and how fluffy your cake turns out! I like to take my eggs and milk out of the fridge about 30 minutes before I start baking.
Finally, I’ve tested variations on the toppings. Occasionally, I will add a handful of chocolate chips or swap out the nuts for some shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The streusel is versatile, and playing around with it has made my coffee cake baking even more fun!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past is not measuring my flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake, and trust me, it’s disappointing to have a dense masterpiece instead of a light, airy treat. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accurate portions. (See the next page below to continue…)