A Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a moist, buttery cake with a sweet cinnamon flavor and a crumbly streusel topping.
Despite its name, it doesn’t actually contain coffee.
It’s called “coffee cake” because it’s best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
The soft cake and rich cinnamon filling make it perfect for breakfast or brunch, giving you a delicious treat to savor any time of day.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious cake at home!
How To Make A Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake: At A Glance
- Step 1: Prepare the Topping and Filling
- Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Step 4: Bake and Cool
- Step 5: Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake delivers a perfectly moist and tender crumb, thanks to its rich cinnamon swirl layered throughout.
Topped with a crunchy streusel, each bite offers a satisfying balance of sweetness and spice.
The ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen, making it an easy recipe to follow without any complicated steps.
It’s ideal for breakfast or brunch, but it also makes a delightful snack alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients Overview
For the Cake Batter
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup (150ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (25g) sour cream or Greek yogurt (for moistness)
- 1 ⅔ cups (235g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt.
For the Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (for color, not flavor).
For the Streusel Topping
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
- ¾ cup (100g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Topping and Filling
Start by making the crumbly streusel topping.
In a bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Mix these dry ingredients well, then pour in the melted butter.
Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, which will become the crunchy topping for your cake.
For the cinnamon filling, simply mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Set both mixtures aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
After this, beat in the large egg until it’s fully incorporated.
Next, alternate between adding your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and the wet ingredients (sour cream and milk).
Start by adding half of the dry mixture, then pour in some of the milk.
Mix gently, and repeat until everything is combined.
Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Grease a baking pan and layer half of the cake batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon filling over the batter.
Next, gently spread the remaining batter on top of the filling.
It helps to use an offset spatula to prevent disturbing the filling layer.
Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil.
Once the cake is out of the oven, cover it with foil to trap steam, which will help soften the streusel.
Let the cake cool before serving.
Baking Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
One of the easiest ways to ensure your coffee cake turns out perfectly is to use room-temperature ingredients.
Softened butter, eggs, and dairy mix more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle, which can lead to uneven baking and a dense cake.
Take the butter, eggs, and sour cream (or yogurt) out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start.
Do Not Overmix the Batter
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the batter.
Overmixing can lead to too much gluten development, which will make the cake tough rather than light and tender.
Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth, and avoid beating the batter excessively once the flour is added.
Measure Flour Accurately
Accurate measurement of flour is key to preventing a dry cake.
Too much flour will absorb the moisture, leaving your cake dry and crumbly.
Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
This ensures you’re not packing in extra flour, which could affect the cake’s texture.
Optional Add-ons and Variations
Nuts
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
The nuts will add a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the cake and the sweetness of the cinnamon filling.
Simply mix the chopped nuts into the streusel mixture before sprinkling it on top of the cake.
This variation works well for those who enjoy a bit of crunch in every bite.
Glaze
If you want to elevate the sweetness and presentation, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake.
A quick glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk adds a smooth, sweet finish.
It’s an easy addition that makes the coffee cake look more elegant while adding a bit of extra sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
For those who need a gluten-free version, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Make sure to choose a 1:1 replacement blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to ensure the cake holds together well.
The result will still be moist, tender, and packed with flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To keep your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This will maintain its moisture and flavor, preventing it from drying out.
If you want to enjoy it over a longer period, the cake can be frozen in individual slices or as a whole for up to 2 months.
For best results, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or use freezer-safe containers.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the slices at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is best enjoyed warm, allowing the soft cake and crunchy streusel to complement each other perfectly.
Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
It’s an excellent choice for brunch gatherings, whether for holidays or casual mornings with family and friends.
The cake’s rich cinnamon flavor and tender crumb make it a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
The Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a must-try for any occasion.
Its soft, moist cake paired with the crunchy, cinnamon-streaked streusel topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying it with a cup of coffee, this cake delivers flavor and texture.
Simple to make and always delicious, it’s the perfect treat for any time of day!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and streusel topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge overnight.
When ready to bake, simply assemble and bake the cake as instructed.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Using low-fat sour cream or yogurt might slightly affect the texture of the cake, making it less rich and moist.
For the best results, it’s recommended to use full-fat versions to maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
