Small Batch Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Now that I have just one child at home, I have to find yummy recipes that produce smaller batches. This is a good one. It comes from Mybakingbliss.com.

Note: Ramekin (or muffin) size matters. The recipe creator made these in two 8-ounce ramekins which yields two larger servings. If using 6-ounce ramekins, split the batter evenly into three ramekins. If using 4-ounce ramekins, split the batter evenly into four ramekins. The smaller your ramekin, the quicker your cakes will cook, so check for doneness accordingly. (JW note: I used a muffin pan instead of ramekins, and the recipe made three good-sized muffins.)

Cake Batter:

2/3 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

4 tbsp unsalted butter softened to room temperature (or flavorless oil like canola or vegetable)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup whole milk at room temperature

3 tbsp brown sugar (I actually prefer regular sugar)

½ tsp cinnamon

Streusel Topping:

1 tbsp cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes

2 tbsp all purpose flour

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Spray ramekins (I used a muffin pan, making three muffins) with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until combined. Fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Pour half the batter into the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the cake batter. Pour in the rest of the cake batter evenly over the brown sugar mixture in the ramekins.
4. Prepare the streusel topping: in a small bowl mix together the butter, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. I like to use a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Make sure to leave some semi-large chunks of butter in the mixture (that’s the key to a good streusel!)
5. Top each ramekin with the streusel mixture.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.