Waking up to the aroma of freshly baked Greek yogurt coffee cake is a delightful way to start the day. This moist and flavorful coffee cake, with its cinnamon sugar filling, pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat or a cozy snack any time of the day, this recipe is a must-try for coffee and cake lovers alike.
Using Greek yogurt in this recipe not only adds a tangy richness but also ensures a tender and moist texture that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of the cinnamon streusel topping and the subtle sweetness of the cake creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this Greek yogurt coffee cake is a delicious treat that will elevate your coffee break to a whole new level.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to prepare this delightful Greek yogurt coffee cake, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Cake Ingredients
- 3 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 tablespoons milk (or enough to make it a glazing consistency)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Required Equipment
Mixing Tools
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is ideal for creaming the butter and sugar to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
- Mixing Bowls: Have various mixing bowls on hand for combining dry ingredients, making the streusel topping, and preparing the batter.
- Spatula: A spatula will come in handy for gently folding in the flour mixture to ensure the batter is thoroughly mixed.
- Tube Pan: A 10-inch tube pan is recommended for baking the Greek yogurt coffee cake to achieve the perfect texture and shape.
- 9×13-inch Pan: If you prefer baking a larger batch or feeding a crowd, you can use a 9×13-inch pan for a double recipe to create a larger coffee cake.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Streusel
To begin, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of cold butter in a bowl. Using your fingers, pinch the mixture together until it forms a crumble. This streusel will add a delightful texture and flavor to your coffee cake.
Mixing the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of white sugar, and 2 eggs until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 cup of Greek Yogurt (I used fat-free vanilla) to the mixture, blending them well. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined. This luscious cake batter will be the perfect complement to the streusel topping.
Baking the Coffee Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Properly Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for about 4-5 minutes to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adding Eggs One at a Time: Incorporate the eggs into the batter one at a time to ensure proper emulsification and aeration.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to remove lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the batter gently after adding the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing and a tough cake texture.
- Even Streusel Distribution: Ensure an even distribution of the streusel by layering it properly within the batter.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Bake the coffee cake at the recommended temperature and duration for a perfectly cooked cake.
- Cooling Before Serving: Allow the coffee cake to cool completely before slicing to retain its moisture and structure.
- Storage: Properly store any leftover coffee cake by wrapping it tightly in parchment paper, then freezing it for future enjoyment.
Assembling the Coffee Cake
- Spoon half of the prepared cake batter into your greased and floured pan. Use a knife to spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter, ensuring an even distribution of the crumbly topping.
- Add the remaining cake batter on top of the streusel layer, spreading it out gently.
- Scatter the rest of the streusel on top of the second cake layer, covering it evenly.
- Ensure that the streusel is generously spread, as it adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the coffee cake.
- Your coffee cake is now ready to go into the oven and bake to golden perfection.
Glazing and Finishing Touches
After baking your Greek yogurt coffee cake to golden perfection, it’s time to add the final touches that will elevate this indulgent treat. I love to finish off my coffee cake with a luscious glaze that adds a sweet and tangy layer to every bite.
Making the Glaze:
- In a bowl, combine 3 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of butter at room temperature.
- Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla to the bowl.
- Gradually pour in 3 tablespoons of milk, or enough to reach a glazing consistency, while whisking until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.
- Allow the glaze to cascade down the sides of the cake for a beautiful presentation.
- The creamy texture of the glaze perfectly complements the moist crumb of the cake, adding an extra layer of flavor to every slice.
By adding this simple yet delicious glaze, you’ll take your Greek yogurt coffee cake to the next level, making it an irresistible dessert or indulgent breakfast option. Enjoy the rich flavors and moist texture of this coffee cake with a delightful glaze that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Storing and Serving
Best Practices for Storage
After enjoying a delightful slice of Greek yogurt coffee cake, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness. To keep the coffee cake moist and flavorful, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate the cake for extended freshness, ensuring it remains delicious for up to 3-4 days. Avoid leaving the cake out at room temperature for too long to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Greek yogurt coffee cake, there are various delightful ways to enhance the experience. For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before slicing it. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert. Alternatively, serve the coffee cake alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful morning or afternoon treat. Experiment with different toppings, such as fresh berries or a drizzle of honey, to add a personal touch to this delectable indulgence.
Conclusion
Indulge in the delightful experience of baking and savoring a moist and flavorful Greek yogurt coffee cake. The tangy richness of Greek yogurt adds a unique twist to this classic treat, perfect for any time of the day. With a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, elevate your coffee cake to a decadent dessert. Experiment with different toppings to personalize your indulgence and enjoy it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Remember to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Treat yourself to the harmonious balance of flavors in a slice of Greek yogurt coffee cake and make each moment a delightful one.