Cranberry-Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake

Source:Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association

Ingredients

For the Streusel
1¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour *
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
 

For the Coffeecake
1¼ cups whole wheat pastry flour, sifted * 
¾ cup white sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup buttermilk **
2 eggs
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

* Regular pastry flour can be substituted for whole wheat pastry flour.
** If buttermilk is not available, place 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar in a measuring cup and fill to the ¼ cup mark with milk.

Method

1. To make the streusel:  Combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Rub the softened butter into the flour mixture until it holds together when squeezed.  Gently mix in the pecans; set aside.
2. To make the coffeecake:  In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, baking soda, salt, flavorings, and buttermilk.
3. Mix on low speed for one minute, scrape the bowl, and beat for another 30 seconds; scrape the bowl.
4. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, combining well after each addition; scrape the bowl after each egg is added.
5. Once all the eggs are added, scrape the bowl and mix on medium speed for one minute.  Gently fold the cranberries in by hand.
6. To assemble the Cranberry-Pecan Streusel Coffeecake:  Grease an 8x8 inch square pan and place about half of the batter in the pan.  Smooth it out evenly with a small offset spatula or a knife.
7. Spread 1/3 of the streusel topping over the coffeecake batter.  Place the remaining coffeecake batter on top of the streusel topping and gently smooth out to the edges of the pan.
8. Top with the remaining streusel.
9. An alternative to layering the coffeecake and streusel is to place all of the coffeecake batter in the pan, top with 2/3 of the streusel, and marble the streusel through the coffeecake with a knife by drawing the knife down through the streusel and into the batter, making swirling motions.  Once swirled, top with the remaining streusel.
10. Bake the coffeecake in a 350°F preheated oven for 45 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center tests clean.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.

This cake is very delicate with a crunchy streusel if served warm the same day, so if you prefer a slightly denser coffeecake with a softer streusel crumb, serve the coffeecake the next day.  After the cake has cooled, wrap it well in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator overnight.  Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

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