The Ultimate Coffee Cake Recipe with Oatmeal Streusel: A Simple and Delicious Treat

A coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel offers a perfect combination of textures and flavors that appeal to breakfast lovers, dessert enthusiasts, and anyone in between. Known for its moist, tender crumb and a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar topping, this cake is often paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal treat for a morning gathering or afternoon snack. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of oatmeal streusel, which gives the topping a hearty, satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy cake beneath.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It blends simple ingredients and a straightforward method, allowing you to indulge in a deliciously comforting dessert that will please a crowd. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so irresistible and how you can make it in your own kitchen.

What is a Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel?

A coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is a variation of traditional coffee cake that incorporates a crunchy, flavorful topping made with oats, butter, sugar, and spices. The streusel topping is what differentiates this cake from standard coffee cakes, adding both texture and an additional layer of flavor. Unlike cakes that are frosted or heavily glazed, the streusel is typically sprinkled over the top before baking, creating a sweet, crispy layer that contrasts with the moistness of the cake itself.

For more decadent ideas, try a similar chocolate cherry cake recipe, which offers another twist on comforting, classic desserts.

The coffee cake portion is light and fluffy, made with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. It’s often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg, giving it a warm, comforting taste. However, it’s the oatmeal streusel that truly elevates this recipe, making it more hearty and flavorful. This particular version of coffee cake has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it suitable for both casual breakfasts and celebratory events.

Ingredients for Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel

When preparing a coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel, the ingredients are simple and easy to find. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components you’ll need to make this delicious treat:

For the Coffee Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour : This provides the base for the cake’s structure, giving it a soft and airy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar :Adds sweetness to the cake batter.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder : Helps the cake rise and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda : Works with the baking powder to make the cake light and airy.
• ½ teaspoon salt : Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon : Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the streusel.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened : Adds richness and tenderness to the batter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract : Offers a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• ¾ cup sour cream : Makes the cake moist and adds a slight tang.

For the Oatmeal Streusel:

• ¾ cup rolled oats – These are the key ingredient in creating the crunchy streusel topping.
• ¾ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a molasses-like flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Binds the streusel ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Gives the streusel its warm spice.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness of the topping.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces – Adds richness and helps form the crumbly streusel.

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a moist cake and crumbly topping. For a wholesome alternative, pair your coffee cake with this vanilla nut granola recipe.

How to Make Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel

Prepare the Streusel

Start by making the oatmeal streusel topping. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are well mixed. Next, add the cold butter pieces to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Once the streusel is ready, set it aside.

For those looking for more breakfast-inspired recipes, you might also enjoy this guide to mini pancakes recipes, perfect for brunch.

Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a square baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk everything together to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until all the wet ingredients are well combined. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Assemble and Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Once the batter is in the pan, sprinkle the oatmeal streusel topping evenly over the top of the batter. The streusel will create a deliciously crunchy layer once baked.

Bake the coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel firm to the touch.

Cool and Serve

After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, slice it into pieces and serve. You can enjoy the cake as it is or with a cup of coffee or tea.

Variations and Customizations for Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel

One of the simplest ways to modify a coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is by incorporating fruit into the batter or streusel topping. Some popular options include:

• Blueberries: Add fresh or frozen blueberries directly to the batter before baking. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake and streusel topping.
• Apples: Chop up apples and fold them into the batter for a warm, comforting flavor. You can even sauté the apples with cinnamon before adding them for an extra boost of sweetness.
• Raspberries or Blackberries: These fruits add a touch of acidity, creating a nice contrast with the rich cake and buttery streusel.

If you enjoy a bit more texture in your coffee cake, consider adding chopped nuts to the streusel or batter. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds all work wonderfully with the oatmeal streusel, enhancing the flavor and adding a satisfying crunch. Here’s how you can incorporate nuts:

• Chop nuts finely and mix them into the streusel topping before sprinkling it on the batter.
• Add nuts directly into the cake batter for a nutty interior, which pairs perfectly with the oats in the streusel.

Each of these customizations will make your coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel even more unique and delicious.

Storage and Shelf Life of Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel

If you plan to enjoy your coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel within a few days, storing it at room temperature is a convenient option. Follow these steps:

• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• The cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature.

If you need to store the cake for a longer period, refrigerating it is the best option. To do so:

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil to protect it from moisture.
• Store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.
• The coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel can last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

While refrigeration helps prolong shelf life, the cake may lose some of its softness after being chilled. To restore its freshness, you can warm it up before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Coffee Cake with Oatmeal Streusel

A classic pairing for any coffee cake is a hot beverage. The rich, crumbly texture of the coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel pairs wonderfully with a wide range of drinks. Some of the best options include:

• Coffee: As the name suggests, coffee is a natural match for coffee cake. Choose a bold brew or a creamy latte to complement the cake’s flavor.
• Tea: If you prefer tea, try pairing the cake with black tea or a lightly spiced chai. The warmth of the tea enhances the comforting flavors of the cake.
• Hot Chocolate: For a more indulgent treat, hot chocolate is a fantastic option, especially during the colder months.

If you’re hosting a brunch or a casual gathering, serving the coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel can be a great way to impress your guests. Here’s how to make it even more special:

• Slice the cake into smaller pieces for easy sharing. You can serve it alongside fresh fruit like berries, apples, or grapes for a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
• Add whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is a simple but luxurious way to serve the cake, especially if you’re serving it for dessert.
• Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkling of powdered sugar on top of the streusel can add an extra touch of elegance to your presentation.

Conclusion

A coffee cake recipe with oatmeal streusel is a delicious and versatile treat that offers endless customization options. You can easily tailor the cake to suit various tastes by adding fruit, nuts, or extra spices. Proper storage keeps the cake fresh for days, and the right serving suggestions make it enjoyable at any time of the day. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, the coffee cake with oatmeal streusel will impress and satisfy everyone who tries it.

Learn more about the origins of coffee cake and its variations.

FAQs

What’s the difference between coffee cake and streusel?

The main difference between coffee cake and streusel comes down to their purpose and form. Coffee cake is a type of cake traditionally served with coffee, featuring a moist, flavorful base. Bakers often top it with ingredients like fruits, nuts, or spices, and it may include a streusel topping.

In contrast, streusel is a crumbly topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes oats or nuts. Bakers frequently use it as a topping for cakes, muffins, and pies to create a sweet, crunchy texture. While streusel can be part of a coffee cake, it also works in other baked goods. Simply put, coffee cake refers to the entire cake, while streusel is just the topping.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?

The difference between coffee cake and crumb cake mainly lies in the amount of crumb topping they have.

• Coffee Cake: A coffee cake typically has a moderate amount of topping, which can be streusel, glaze, or even fruit. The cake itself is soft and light, with flavors that pair well with coffee.
• Crumb Cake: A crumb cake, on the other hand, has a generous amount of crumbly topping that is the star of the dish. This topping is often made of a larger quantity of streusel, creating a dense and sweet crust on top of the cake. The cake beneath is typically denser compared to a coffee cake.

While both cakes share a similar flavor profile and are often served as breakfast or a snack, the crumb cake is characterized by its higher proportion of topping compared to the coffee cake.

Should the streusel topping be added before or after baking?

The streusel topping should generally be added before baking. When added to the batter before baking, the streusel becomes part of the cake, forming a delicious, crunchy crust on top. As the cake bakes, the butter in the streusel melts and creates a golden-brown, crumbly texture that adds both flavor and visual appeal.

However, if you’re making a cake with a streusel that is more delicate or you prefer it to stay firmer, you could add the streusel towards the middle or later stages of baking. But in most cases, to get that signature crumbly texture and caramelized effect, streusel is best added before baking.

How do you keep crumb topping from getting soggy?

To keep the crumb topping from getting soggy, consider the following tips:

1. Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a more structured and firm topping, which is less likely to absorb moisture from the cake.
2. Bake at the right temperature: Baking at a proper temperature (typically around 350°F or 175°C) ensures that the crumb topping crisps up before the moisture in the cake has a chance to soak into it. If the oven temperature is too low, the topping might soften.
3. Avoid overmixing the topping: When preparing the crumb topping, it’s essential to avoid overmixing. The more you mix, the more the butter will melt, making the topping denser and prone to getting soggy.
4. Use a moderate amount of streusel: Using an excessive amount of topping can overwhelm the cake and lead to sogginess. Stick to the recommended amounts to ensure a balanced texture.
5. Cool the cake properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. If you cover it while it’s still warm, the moisture will transfer to the topping, potentially making it soggy.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the crumb topping stays crisp and adds the perfect crunch to your cake.