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1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch square baking dish. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. **Mix the Cake Batter:**
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can do this with a hand mixer or a stand mixer, but if you’re feeling old-school, a wooden spoon works just fine. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. **Make the Cinnamon Filling:**
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set this aside for later, as it will be used to create the delicious swirl in the center of the cake.
4. **Assemble the Cake:**
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, then add the remaining batter on top. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the cake batter. Be careful not to overdo it; you want the cinnamon to be swirled throughout, not fully mixed in.
6. **Bake the Cake:**
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If the topping starts to get too dark, cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature, with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat. It’s also great for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to treat your loved ones to something special.
This coffee cake is the epitome of comfort baking. Here’s why it remains a go-to recipe for so many:
1. **Simple Ingredients:** The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, making it an easy choice for when you want something homemade without a trip to the grocery store.
2. **Perfect Balance of Flavors:** The cinnamon swirl adds warmth and spice, while the buttery, crumbly topping provides just the right amount of crunch. The cake itself is moist and tender, with a slight tang from the sour cream that balances the sweetness.
3. **A Crowd-Pleaser:** This coffee cake is a hit with just about everyone. It’s not overly sweet but has enough richness to feel like a treat. It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for a casual coffee break or a more formal gathering.
4. **Adaptable:** You can easily customize this coffee cake by adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, into the cinnamon filling or topping for a little extra crunch. You can also add fruit, like fresh blueberries or raspberries, to the batter for a twist.
– **Sour Cream Substitute:** If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will give the cake a similar texture and tang.
– **Swirl it Just Right:** When swirling the cinnamon-sugar filling, don’t over-mix. A gentle swirl ensures you get the beautiful streaks of cinnamon throughout the cake without fully mixing it into the batter.
– **Make it Ahead:** This coffee cake is perfect for making ahead. It stays moist for days and can even be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.
### **Final Thoughts: A Timeless Favorite**
So, the next time you’re in the mood to bake something that’s both comforting and impressive, give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed winner, and just like Betty Crocker intended, it’s bound to become a family favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
