Traditional German Streusel Coffee Cake

I'm fascinated with food history so I decided to research the origin of Coffee Cake. I spent some time living with a family in Wetzlar, Germany in the early 70's. There was a pantry in the kitchen with a screen door. It was where they kept all of their tarts, pies and coffee cake. I had never seen that before I lived there. Every morning Mrs. Weller would serve something from the pantry for breakfast along with delicious coffee. Here's a recipe for a Traditional German Coffee Cake.

Here's a bit of Food History:

Food Historians agree the concept of Coffee Cake, eating Sweet Cakes with a Cup of Coffee, most likely originated in Northern Central Europe in the 17th Century.
These countries were already known for their traditional Sweet Yeast Breads. When Europe was introduced to Coffee, these Cakes were  the perfect accompaniment.
German, Dutch and Scandinavian Immigrants brought their Coffee Cake Recipes to America.
The original recipes were more like Bread than Cake. They were simple recipes with Yeast, Flour. Eggs, Sugar, Nuts, Dried Fruit and Spices.
Over a period of time, Coffee Cake recipes began to evolve with the addition of Sugared Fruits, Cheese, Yogurt and other Cream Fillings that are used today in American Coffee Cake Recipes.


Traditional German Streusel Coffee Cake


Here's what you'll need:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 9" X 9" Glass Baking Dish greased well with Butter.

2 C of Sifted All Purpose Flour
2 C of well packed Brown Sugar
2/3 C Butter, Room Temperature
1/2 tsp Salt
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, divided.
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 tsp Cloves
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
2 Large Eggs, beaten
1 C Buttermilk

In a Large Mixing Bowl with a Wooden Spoon:
Flour
Sugar
Butter
Salt
Mix by hand until well combined.

For the Streusel Topping, in a separate small bowl:
Remove 3/4 C of this mixture and add:
1/2 tsp Cinnamon.
Stir to combine well.
Set aside.

To the Original Large Bowl of Mix:
Remaining 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Baking Powder
Baking Soda
Mix to combine well.

In a separate Mixing Bowl:
Eggs
Buttermilk
Whisk well.
Add to the Dry Ingredients.
Mix well by hand.

Spoon Batter into the Pan.
Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes.

Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!