Classic Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping

• •0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• •0.3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• •2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• •0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• •4 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes
• •1.5 cup all-purpose flour
• •0.5 cup granulated sugar
• •1.5 teaspoon baking powder
• •0.3 teaspoon salt
• •1 large egg
• •0.8 cup whole milk
• •0.3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8-inch round baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 0.25 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add 4 tablespoons cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces. Set aside.

3. 3

   Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, and 0.25 teaspoon salt.

4. 4

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 0.75 cup whole milk, 0.25 cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

6. 6

   Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared 8-inch baking pan.

7. 7

   Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the cake batter.

8. 8

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The crumb topping should be golden brown.

9. 9

   Remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Do not overmix the cake batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dry cake. Mix until just combined.
• 💡Ensure your butter for the crumb topping is very cold. This helps create distinct crumbs rather than a paste when mixed.
• 💡For an extra touch, you can add a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzling it over the cooled cake.
• 💡Coffee cake is best served warm, either fresh from the oven or gently reheated. Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.