Coffee cake is a beloved dessert, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee, making it a perfect addition to any breakfast or afternoon snack. One of the most popular variations of this cake, the coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel, combines the soft, moist texture of the cake with the crunchy, flavorful topping of oatmeal streusel. As a result, it becomes a delightful treat for any occasion. In this article, we will first explore the history of coffee cake, then discuss the essential ingredients needed for the oatmeal streusel topping, and finally, provide a step-by-step guide to help you bake this delicious dessert.. Additionally, we will explore some variations of the classic coffee cake and give you tips on serving and storing your creation.
A Brief History of Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel
The origin of coffee cake is debated, but many believe it has roots in European baking traditions. In 19th-century Europe, people began pairing cake with coffee, often serving it at social gatherings. Initially, early coffee cakes used simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour. Over time, however, people started adding spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, which gave today’s coffee cakes their characteristic sweet, spiced flavor.
In the United States, the coffee cake gained popularity in the 1950s, especially in Scandinavian-American communities. Over the years, different variations of coffee cake have emerged, including the coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel. This variation is a perfect balance of moist cake and crunchy topping, offering a modern twist on a traditional favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel
To make a delicious coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel, you will need to gather a few key ingredients. The cake batter requires both dry and wet ingredients, while the streusel topping has its own unique set of components. Below, we break down the essential ingredients for each part of the recipe.
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients form the base of your cake and provide structure. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used in most coffee cake recipes. It gives the cake its structure and light crumb.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake, ensuring it has the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Cinnamon: For a warm, spiced flavor, cinnamon is a key ingredient in the dry mix.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients help bind the dry ingredients and provide moisture. As a result, they are essential for achieving a soft, tender cake. These ingredients include:
- Butter: Butter is used for richness and flavor. Be sure to use softened butter for easier mixing.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together, making the cake light and airy.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter, helping to achieve the ideal consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake and adds a sweet aroma.
Oatmeal Streusel Topping
The oatmeal streusel topping is what sets this coffee cake apart. It adds both texture and flavor, creating a perfect contrast with the soft cake. For the topping, you will need:
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats add a chewy texture and a nutty flavor to the streusel topping.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the streusel its caramel-like sweetness and deep flavor.
- Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon is added to the streusel for that classic coffee cake flavor.
- Butter: Butter helps bind the streusel mixture and makes it crumbly and delicious.
- Flour: Flour is used to give the streusel its crumbly texture.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to bake a coffee cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Preparing the Cake Batter
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Next, in a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Afterward, set this bowl aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
Layering the Streusel
- In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the streusel topping. Stir well.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter.
- Next, add the remaining batter to the pan and smooth the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining streusel topping over the batter, gently pressing it into the surface.
Baking the Coffee Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations on the Classic Coffee Cake
While the traditional coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Fruit Addition: You can add fruit like blueberries, apples, or strawberries to the cake batter or streusel topping. Doing so will add extra flavor and moisture, making the cake even more delicious.
- Nutty Streusel: For a more decadent streusel topping, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This will not only enhance the crunch but also deepen the flavor of the cake.
- Glaze: After the coffee cake has cooled, drizzle a simple glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice for a smooth, sweet finish.
Additionally, you might enjoy trying Pumpkin Pie with Condensed Milk for a seasonal variation.
Serving and Storing Tips
Once your coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is baked and cooled, you can serve it. Here are a few tips for serving and storing:
- Serving: Coffee cake is best served at room temperature, ideally alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. Simply slice it into wedges, and you’re ready to enjoy!
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, for longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?
People serve coffee cake with coffee, often featuring a sweet, spiced batter. Streusel is a crumbly topping made from sugar, butter, and flour, added to coffee cake for extra flavor and texture.
Why was Aunt Jemima coffee cake discontinued?
The company discontinued Aunt Jemima coffee cake when it rebranded its product line as part of a broader effort to update its image and offerings.
What is the difference between a crumb topping and a streusel?
Both crumb topping and streusel are similar, but streusel includes oats, adding texture. Crumb topping, however, consists of just flour, butter, and sugar, creating a finer texture.
What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?
Both cakes feature a crumb topping, but coffee cake has a spiced batter and is lighter. Crumb cake has a denser, richer, butter-based batter.
Conclusion
The coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is a timeless dessert that strikes the perfect balance between a moist cake and a crunchy topping. As a result, it offers a delightful combination of textures that will satisfy any craving.. Enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, and it will surely satisfy your cravings. Follow the step-by-step guide to easily bake this delicious treat in your own kitchen. Experiment with different variations to make it your own, and enjoy creating this classic dessert!