How to Make Coffee Cake

For the Cake:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

* 3 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 cup milk

For the Crumb Topping:

* 1 cup packed light brown sugar

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

To Make the Crumb Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

To Assemble the Coffee Cake:

1. Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.

2. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

3. Let the coffee cake cool completely before serving.

Tips

* For a richer cake, use 2 cups of butter instead of 1 cup.

* For a denser cake, use 2 1/2 cups of flour instead of 2 1/4 cups.

* For a more flavorful cake, add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter.

* For a crunchy topping, use chopped nuts or oats instead of butter.

* Serve the coffee cake with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit.