Why This Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel Will Steal Your Heart
There’s something magical about the combination of a tender, moist cake and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. This coffee cake with oatmeal streusel is the epitome of comfort food—a treat that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or even as a sweet ending to a hearty dinner. The addition of oatmeal in the streusel not only adds a delightful texture but also gives it a wholesome, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery cake.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be simple, approachable, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, like fresh fruit or nuts. Let’s dive into why this coffee cake with oatmeal streusel is a must-try and how you can make it your own.
What Makes This Coffee Cake with oatmeal streusel Stand Out?
This isn’t just any coffee cake with oatmeal streusel . Here’s what sets it apart:
- The Perfect Texture: The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of sour cream and butter. It’s soft, tender, and melts in your mouth.
- The Oatmeal Streusel: The streusel topping is where the magic happens. Rolled oats add a hearty crunch, while cinnamon and brown sugar bring warmth and sweetness.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Add fruit, nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze for extra flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly every time.
2. Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold—this ensures the streusel stays crumbly and doesn’t melt into the cake during baking. Set the streusel aside while you prepare the batter.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop as soon as the ingredients are incorporated.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the oatmeal streusel topping over the batter, covering it completely. The streusel will form a delicious, crunchy layer as it bakes.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched.
5. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
Tips for the Perfect Coffee Cake with oatmeal streusel
- Use Cold Butter for Streusel: This ensures the topping stays crumbly and doesn’t melt into the cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
- Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Fold in fresh blueberries, diced apples, or chopped nuts for a personalized twist.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of sour cream and butter keeps the cake moist and tender, while the oatmeal streusel adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a balanced treat that’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for any time of day. Plus, the recipe is flexible, so you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences.
To make this recipe even easier, here are some kitchen tools I recommend:
- Non-Stick Cake Pan: This one is my go-to for perfect cakes every time.
- Mixing Bowls: A set of stainless steel mixing bowls makes prep a breeze.
- Oatmeal: For the best streusel, use high-quality rolled oats.
Recipe Variations
- Add Fruit: Fold in fresh blueberries or diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Go Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 42g
- Protein: 5g
Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Oatmeal Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the softened butter, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the oatmeal streusel topping over the batter, covering it completely. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
Notes
- Add Fruit: Fold in fresh blueberries or diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Go Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake.
Have you tried this coffee cake with oatmeal streusel? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and follow me on Instagram for more delicious ideas.