Coffee Cake With Pecan-Cinnamon Streusel Cook's Illustrated
The Perfect Coffee Cake Recipe
Coffee cake is a classic breakfast pastry that everyone loves. The combination of a light, fluffy cake with a sweet, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. However, not all coffee cake recipes are created equal. Some are dry and flavorless, while others are too dense and heavy. If you're looking for the perfect coffee cake recipe, look no further than Cook's Illustrated's Coffee Cake with Pecan-Cinnamon Streusel.
Why Cook's Illustrated's Coffee Cake is the Best
Cook's Illustrated is known for their rigorous testing and development of recipes, and their Coffee Cake with Pecan-Cinnamon Streusel is no exception. They've perfected the ratio of ingredients to create a cake that's moist and tender, but still light and fluffy. The streusel topping is perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, with just the right amount of cinnamon to give it warmth and depth.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make this delicious coffee cake, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start making the cake.
How to Make the Coffee Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to start making the coffee cake. Here are the steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon to make the streusel topping.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the streusel and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining streusel over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Store Leftover Coffee Cake
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 1 month.
Final Thoughts
Coffee cake is a beloved breakfast treat, and Cook's Illustrated's Coffee Cake with Pecan-Cinnamon Streusel is the perfect recipe. With its light, fluffy cake and sweet, nutty streusel topping, this coffee cake is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and see for yourself!