Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked treat filling your kitchen. This classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipe delivers bakery-quality taste right in your kitchen. It’s the perfect companion to your morning brew or a delightful anytime snack. Get ready for an easy recipe that promises an irresistible, moist crumb and a sweet, crunchy topping.

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

• Better-than-bakery taste: Enjoy a rich, flavorful cake that tastes homemade, because it is!
• Easy to make at home: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this a beginner-friendly baking project.
• Moist, tender crumb texture: Every bite is wonderfully soft and never dry, thanks to our careful recipe.
• Delicious streusel and cinnamon swirl: The crunchy topping and fragrant cinnamon layer add incredible flavor and texture.
• Perfect for breakfast or brunch: This sweet baked good makes any morning special.
• Great for sharing with guests: Impress your friends and family with this delightful coffee cake.
• Freezes wonderfully for later: Enjoy a slice now and save the rest for another day.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious coffee cake. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture, from the buttery streusel to the moist cake batter itself.

For the Streusel Topping

• 1 cup (96g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, very soft

For the Cinnamon Layer

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

• 3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups (450g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, very soft
• 1 cup (227g) sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Understanding the distinct functions of leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda is crucial for successful baking. Learn more about the difference between baking powder and baking soda for optimal results.

Notes & Substitutions

You can use either dark or light brown sugar for the streusel, depending on your preference. Dark brown sugar provides a richer molasses flavor. Greek yogurt works beautifully as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream, offering a similar tang and moisture. If you don’t have whole milk, heavy cream or even 2% milk can work, though whole milk offers the best richness for this sweet streusel cake. Don’t have brown sugar? Mix one cup of granulated sugar with one tablespoon of molasses to create your own. Finally, ensure your butter is very soft, almost room temperature, for easy blending and a smooth batter.

Equipment

You will need a 9×13 inch baking pan for this recipe. Gather a small mixing bowl for the streusel and another for the cinnamon layer. A medium bowl is perfect for the wet ingredients. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment will make combining the batter quick and easy. A whisk, a rubber spatula, measuring cups, and measuring spoons are also essential. Finally, a wire cooling rack will help the cake cool evenly.

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delightful coffee cake.
2. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a fork or your fingertips to mash the very soft 1/2 cup unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it’s completely combined and forms coarse, crumbly pieces. Set this aside.
3. Prepare the cinnamon layer: In another small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix evenly, then set this aside too.
4. Combine dry batter ingredients: In the bowl of your stand mixer, add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Attach the paddle and stir on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine these dry ingredients thoroughly.
5. Add butter to dry mix: Add the 1 cup of very soft unsalted butter to the dry ingredients in the mixer.
6. Beat until crumbly: Beat the mixture on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Continue mixing until all the butter is incorporated, and the mixture resembles moist sand or fine crumbs. This step helps create a tender crumb for your streusel cake.
7. Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup whole milk, 4 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
8. Combine wet and dry: Add the whisked wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredients in the mixer bowl. Beat the batter on medium speed until you achieve a smooth batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and do not indicate an issue.
9. Spread half the batter: Carefully spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer.
10. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture you prepared earlier over the top of the batter. This creates the delicious cinnamon swirl.
11. Spread remaining batter: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. This step requires a bit of patience, as the batter might try to lift the cinnamon layer. Take your time and gently spread it out.
12. Add streusel topping: Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture over the top of the cake batter. Ensure good coverage for that delightful crunch.
13. Bake the cake: Bake for 55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the coffee cake comes out clean. If the streusel browns too quickly, you can loosely tent the cake with foil.
14. Cool before serving: Remove the cake from the oven and cool it on a wire rack for at least 1 hour, or until it reaches room temperature, before slicing and serving. This allows the cake to set properly.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Do not overmix your cake batter once you add the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry cake. For spreading the top layer of batter, lightly grease your rubber or offset spatula. This prevents the batter from sticking and helps you spread it more easily without disturbing the cinnamon layer. Always use real butter for the streusel for the best flavor and texture; margarine won’t give the same results. If your streusel browns too quickly during baking, loosely tent the cake with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning while the cake bakes through. For even baking, ensure your oven rack is in the center position. Finally, make sure all your refrigerated ingredients, like butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream, are at room temperature. Many baking experts emphasize the significant role of room temperature ingredients in baking for achieving optimal texture and consistency in baked goods. This helps them combine more smoothly, creating a uniform, tender crumb for your streusel cake.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve this delightful coffee cake warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It is, of course, absolutely perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea for breakfast or an afternoon treat. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also get creative with flavor variations. Incorporate a teaspoon of cardamom or the zest of one orange or lemon into the cake batter for a brighter taste. For a seasonal twist, try adding a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice blend to the cinnamon layer. Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Nutrition

Enjoying this classic coffee cake can be part of a balanced diet. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, keeping in mind that exact values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

FAQ

• What is coffee cake? A coffee cake is typically a sweet baked good designed to be eaten with coffee or tea. It often features a streusel or crumb topping and sometimes a fruit filling or cinnamon swirl, but it does not actually contain coffee as an ingredient.
• Can I make this recipe ahead? Yes, you can prepare the batter for this streusel cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve.
• How do I store leftover coffee cake? Store leftover coffee cake at room temperature, tightly covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake, wrapped well in plastic and then foil, for up to 3 months.
• Can I use milk substitutes? While whole milk is recommended for richness, you can use 2% milk, almond milk, or oat milk as substitutes. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Why is my coffee cake dry? A dry coffee cake often results from overmixing the batter or overbaking. Ensure you mix until just combined and remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a true delight, combining a moist, tender crumb with a sweet, crunchy topping and a fragrant cinnamon swirl. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that brings the comforting taste of your favorite bakery right into your home. Don’t hesitate to bake this easy, flavorful treat for your next breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s the ultimate comfort food, making this sweet streusel cake a new favorite in your kitchen.