Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Introduction

This delightful Bread Machine Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is the perfect treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. With its rich cinnamon flavor and crumbly streusel topping, this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The best part? You can let your bread machine do most of the work for you! In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step, providing tips and tricks to ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly every time.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (depending on your bread machine)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 slices

Recipe Intensity

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
• Bread Machine Cycle: Basic or Sweet Bread Cycle

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons bread machine yeast

For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans work well)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature where needed. This helps in achieving the best texture for your coffee cake.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Bread Machine

1. Layer Wet Ingredients: Start by pouring the warm milk into the bread machine pan. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the bread flour on top of the wet ingredients. Make sure to cover the liquid completely.
3. Add Sugar and Salt: Sprinkle the granulated sugar and salt over the flour.
4. Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the bread machine yeast. This prevents the yeast from coming into contact with the liquid too early.

Step 3: Select the Bread Machine Settings

• Set your bread machine to the Basic or Sweet Bread Cycle. Choose the medium crust setting if your machine has options for crust color.
• Start the machine and let it mix and knead the dough. This should take about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

While the dough is mixing, you can prepare the cinnamon streusel topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
3. If using, stir in the chopped nuts. Set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once the bread machine signals that the first rise is complete (usually after about 1 hour), open the lid and gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12×8 inches.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon streusel topping evenly over the dough, pressing it down slightly to adhere.

Step 6: Form the Cake

1. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Pinch the seams to seal and place the log into a greased loaf pan, seam side down.
3. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

Step 7: Bake the Coffee Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

1. Once baked, remove the coffee cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the coffee cake into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For an extra touch, serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

Conclusion

This Bread Machine Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of a soft, fluffy cake with a crunchy, sweet streusel topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, this coffee cake is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your baking adventure