Waking up on a weekend morning craving a cozy breakfast that perfectly complements a steaming cup of coffee is a delightful ritual. One of my go-to recipes for such occasions is a scrumptious yogurt streusel coffee cake. This classic treat not only pairs well with coffee but also becomes more flavorful as the day goes on. My homemade version of this blueberry-infused delight incorporates Greek yogurt for added richness and moisture, making it a favorite in my baking repertoire.
The marriage of tangy Greek yogurt, sweet fresh blueberries, and a cinnamon streusel topping creates a delectable coffee cake that is a joy to savor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a leisurely morning, this make-ahead dessert is a perfect companion to your morning brew. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, this yogurt streusel coffee cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients
Creating a delicious yogurt streusel coffee cake requires a combination of carefully selected ingredients. Let’s gather what we need to bring this delightful treat to life.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 12 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh blueberries
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
Streusel Topping Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Necessary Tools and Equipment
As I indulge in the art of baking my delectable yogurt streusel coffee cake, having the right tools and equipment on hand is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here are the necessary items you’ll need to prepare this scrumptious treat:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Multiple mixing bowls of various sizes for combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar efficiently and ensure a smooth batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so have a set of measuring cups and spoons ready.
- Rubber Spatula: For folding in dry ingredients and ensuring thorough mixing.
- Whisk: To whisk together the wet ingredients thoroughly.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: To bake the coffee cake to perfection.
- Fork: Essential for making the crumb topping with precision.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for baking the coffee cake.
- Sifter: To sift the dry ingredients and ensure a lump-free batter.
- Pastry Cutter or Fingers: To prepare the streusel topping by cutting the butter into the dry ingredients.
- Knife: For spreading the batter evenly in the baking pan.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the coffee cake after baking.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Streusel Topping
I start by mixing together brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter in a bowl. Using my fingers, I pinch the ingredients until a crumbly mixture forms. This streusel topping adds a deliciously sweet and crunchy texture to the coffee cake.
Preparing the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, I cream together softened butter, sugar, and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture is creamy. I then add vanilla and Greek yogurt, mixing until smooth. After sifting together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in another bowl, I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while beating on low speed. The resulting batter is then poured into the prepared pan and topped with the streusel mixture before baking to perfection.
Baking the Cake
To bake the yogurt streusel coffee cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Assembling the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine very soft unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add the egg as a binder and mix until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt. The full-fat Greek yogurt ensures a rich and moist cake.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
- Preparing the Blueberries:
- Toss fresh or frozen blueberries with a little flour to coat them. This prevents the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
- Layering and Baking:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the blueberries coated with flour evenly over the batter layer.
- Add the remaining batter on top, spreading it carefully to cover the blueberries.
- Adding the Streusel Topping:
- Prepare the streusel by mixing brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter in a bowl. Use your fingers to blend the mixture until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the cake batter.
- Baking the Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
By following these steps carefully, you’ll achieve a delightful yogurt streusel coffee cake that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast treat or a delicious dessert.
Optional Glaze Preparation
For those who enjoy an extra touch of sweetness, preparing a simple glaze can enhance the flavors of the yogurt streusel coffee cake. Follow these easy steps to create a delightful glaze that will complement the cake perfectly:
- Ingredients for Glaze:
- 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
- Glaze Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and room temperature butter.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla to the mixture.
- Gradually pour in the milk while stirring, until the glaze reaches a smooth and pourable consistency.
- Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve the desired thickness of the glaze.
Assembly and Finishing Touches
After preparing the yogurt streusel coffee cake batter and adding blueberries, it’s time to assemble the cake for baking. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:
- Layering the Batter: Spoon half of the prepared batter into the greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Use a knife to spread it evenly along the bottom of the pan.
- Adding the Streusel: Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top of the first layer of batter. Ensure an even distribution for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Second Batter Layer: Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading it out carefully to cover the streusel completely.
- Finishing with Streusel: Scatter the remaining streusel mixture over the top layer of batter, creating a textured and flavorful topping for the cake.
- Baking the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place the assembled cake in the center. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Glazing (Optional): If desired, prepare a simple glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for an added touch of sweetness.
By following these assembly and finishing touches steps, you’ll have a beautifully layered and flavorful yogurt streusel coffee cake, perfect for any occasion.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
When it comes to enjoying your delicious yogurt streusel coffee cake for longer, proper storage is key. Here are some tips to help you preserve the freshness and flavors of your baked creation:
Storage Tips:
- Once the yogurt streusel coffee cake has cooled completely, it’s important to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- For optimal freshness, keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to enjoy it beyond that timeframe, refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life.
- If you want to make your baking experience more convenient, you can prepare the streusel topping and cake batter in advance. Store the streusel in a sealed container and the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking the cake.
- Additionally, you can freeze the unbaked cake in the pan. Once the cake is assembled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This way, you can have a freshly baked yogurt streusel coffee cake ready to go whenever you desire.
By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy your yogurt streusel coffee cake at its best, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade treat.
Conclusion
In crafting a delectable yogurt streusel coffee cake, attention to detail and the right techniques are key. From the luscious blueberries to the perfect streusel topping, each step plays a crucial role in achieving a moist and flavorful cake. By following the outlined instructions and utilizing the recommended tools, you can create a delightful treat that is sure to impress. Remember, the baking process is as important as the preparation, ensuring that your cake emerges golden brown and irresistible. With storage and make-ahead tips at your disposal, you can savor this delectable cake at any time, making it a versatile option for various occasions. Embrace the joy of baking and indulge in the delightful flavors of a homemade yogurt streusel coffee cake.