The Starter Jar's Best Sourdough Discard Coffee Cake: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and prevents sticking, a key tip from thestarterjar.com guide.

Step 2

Prepare the streusel topping by combining 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3

Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry streusel ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry blender, or a fork to cut the butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs form; set aside. This creates the signature crumbly texture.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined and light in color. A KitchenAid stand mixer with the whisk attachment makes this process effortless.

Step 5

Stir in the 1 cup (240g) of sourdough discard into the wet mixture. This adds a unique tang and moisture to the cake, contributing to its rich flavor profile.

Step 6

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Proper sifting ensures an airy texture.

Step 7

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 8

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform base layer.

Step 9

Sprinkle half of the prepared streusel topping over the batter layer. This creates pockets of delicious cinnamon-sugar goodness throughout the cake, a hallmark of the best coffee cake.

Step 10

Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the streusel layer, spreading gently to cover. Top with the remaining streusel mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 11

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake fragrant, indicating it's perfectly done.

Step 12

Allow the coffee cake to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps the cake set properly and makes it easier to slice, according to thestarterjar tips for optimal serving.

Step 13

For an optional glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled cake just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.