Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Coffee cake evolved from German 'kaffeekuchen' brought to America by immigrants in the 18th-19th centuries. The name refers to cake served with coffee, not cake containing coffee. American coffee cake typically features a tender crumb, cinnamon streusel swirl, and crumb topping, baked in a tube or bundt pan. Sour cream adds moisture and tang; the streusel provides textural contrast. Jewish bakeries developed their own versions (babka); Scandinavian immigrants contributed their traditions. Mass-produced versions (Drake's, Entenmann's) made coffee cake ubiquitous by the mid-20th century.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- 9x13 pan or bundt — Holds coffee cake batter during baking and provides even heat distribution for golden results
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Use caution with hot surfaces and oils.
- Handle knives carefully when prepping ingredients.
- Ensure proteins are cooked to safe internal temperatures.
- Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated until ready to use.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Make the streusel
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add pecans.
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Make the batter
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream. Mix in flour, baking powder, soda.
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Assemble and bake
Spread half the batter in greased pan. Sprinkle half the streusel. Add remaining batter, top with re...
Prep Get set first
About 10 min of prep
- Prepare 9x13 pan or bundt
This recipe takes about 55 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
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-
Make the streusel
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add pecans.
-
Make the batter
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, sour cream. Mix in flour, baking powder, soda.
-
Assemble and bake
Spread half the batter in greased pan. Sprinkle half the streusel. Add remaining batter, top with remaining streusel. Bake at 350°F 45-55 minutes.