Family Hack of the Week

This easy, crowd-pleasing coffee cake adapted from Food Network is perfect for National Coffee Cake Day (April 7) or anytime you’re craving something sweet. It serves 8 to 10.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.

In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 3 extra-large eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 1/4 cups sour cream until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and1/2 teaspoon salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter just until combined.

For the streusel, mix 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, and use your fingers to work it in until the mixture becomes crumbly. If using, stir in 3/4 cup chopped walnuts.

Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared pan, sprinkle with about 3/4 cup of the streusel, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.