Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe with Oatmeal Streusel

Are you looking for the perfect coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel? Look no further! This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake topped with a crunchy, buttery oatmeal streusel. In addition, it’s easy to make, making it ideal for weekend brunches or a sweet treat any time of day. This coffee cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Why This Oatmeal Streusel Coffee Cake is the Best

First and foremost, this coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel stands out because of its incredible taste and texture. The cake itself is moist and tender, thanks to the addition of sour cream. Oatmeal streusel, on the other hand, adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. The combination is simply irresistible! Furthermore, this recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Finally, the aroma of this cake baking in the oven is simply divine!

Moreover, what sets this oatmeal streusel coffee cake apart is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. A touch of cinnamon in both the cake and the streusel adds warmth and depth of flavor. The oatmeal in the streusel provides a wholesome, nutty taste that complements the richness of the cake. For additional ideas and insights, explore baking blogs such as https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/. So, if you are seeking a coffee cake that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious, this oatmeal streusel coffee cake is the perfect choice. If you love baking, you should also check out our chocolate chip cookie recipe. Also, you might enjoy our banana bread recipe as well. Finally, if you want something lighter, check out our lemon poppy seed muffin recipe.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Coffee Cake Perfection

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the cake and the oatmeal streusel:

For the Coffee Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup sour cream

For the Oatmeal Streusel:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Step-by-Step Guide: Baking Your Oatmeal Streusel Coffee Cake

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious coffee cake.

1. Preheat the oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.

2. Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Pour into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

8. Sprinkle with streusel: Sprinkle the oatmeal streusel evenly over the batter.

9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together smoothly and evenly.

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.

• Use cold butter for the streusel: This creates a crumbly texture.

• Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

• Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing prevents it from falling apart.

Variations to Elevate Your Coffee Cake

Looking to add a twist to your coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel? Here are a few variations to try:

• Add fruit: Berries, apples, or peaches can be added to the batter for extra flavor and moisture.

• Use different spices: Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can be used in place of or in addition to cinnamon.

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be added to the streusel for extra crunch.

• Drizzle with glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze can add extra sweetness and visual appeal.

• Chocolate chips: Mix chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate oatmeal streusel coffee cake.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Coffee Cake

This coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy brunch.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

• Cut into squares and serve as a dessert at your next gathering.

The Science Behind the Coffee Cake Recipe with Oatmeal Streusel

The coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel involves several scientific principles that contribute to its texture, flavor, and overall success.

Gluten Development

• Flour: The all-purpose flour contains gluten proteins.

• Mixing: When flour is mixed with water (from the sour cream and eggs), gluten strands develop.

• Avoiding Overmixing: Overmixing leads to excessive gluten development, resulting in a tough cake.

Leavening Agents

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These are chemical leavening agents.

• Reaction: They produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the cake to rise.

• Balance: The balance between these agents ensures the cake is light and airy.

Role of Fats

• Butter: Provides richness and tenderness.

• Creaming: Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air, creating a light and fluffy base.

• Cold Butter in Streusel: The cold butter in the streusel melts during baking, creating a crumbly texture.

Maillard Reaction

• Browning: The Maillard reaction occurs when sugars and amino acids are heated.

• Flavor Development: This creates complex flavors and a golden-brown crust.

• Temperature: Occurs at temperatures above 285°F (140°C).

Moisture and Texture

• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess.

• Fat Content: The fat in sour cream also contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.

• Oats: In the streusel, oats provide texture and absorb moisture.

Heat Transfer

• Oven Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oven temperature is essential for even baking.

• Conduction and Convection: Heat is transferred through conduction (direct contact) and convection (air movement).

• Baking Pan: A metal baking pan conducts heat efficiently, ensuring the cake bakes evenly.

Nutritional Benefits of This Coffee Cake Recipe with Oatmeal Streusel

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits you can get from this coffee cake:

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel:

1. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can bake the coffee cake a day ahead of time and store it covered at room temperature. The streusel might lose some of its crunch, but the cake will still be delicious.

2. How do I store coffee cake?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

3. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can use cake flour for a more tender cake. Avoid using bread flour, as it will result in a tougher cake.

4. Can I use a different type of sugar in the streusel?

Yes, you can use granulated sugar in place of brown sugar, but the streusel will have a slightly different flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor.

5. Can I add nuts to the streusel?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds make a great addition to the streusel.

6. What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt or plain yogurt as a substitute.

7. How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?

Make sure the streusel is evenly distributed over the batter. Also, ensure that the batter is not too wet.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking.

9. Can I freeze coffee cake?

Yes, you can freeze coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

10. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the outcome. However, keep in mind that sugar contributes to the cake’s moisture and tenderness.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Oatmeal Streusel Coffee Cake

In conclusion, this coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake and crunchy streusel, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen. Happy baking!