If you’re searching for a warm, cozy treat that feels like home in every bite, this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Fluffy, tender cake layers wrapped in a swirl of cinnamon spiced streusel create the perfect harmony of texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re waking up to a slow weekend morning or inviting friends over for coffee, this cake promises to be your new favorite go-to with its irresistible crumb topping and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients makes this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe a breeze to whip up, while each one plays a crucial role in creating that tender, flavorful crumb and crumbly streusel topping you’ll love. From the richness of butter to the tang of sour cream, these essentials bring balance to every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter enriches the cake and helps create a moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the streusel, balancing flavors.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help with leavening for that perfect rise.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant background flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s texture and body.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and remain light.
- Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to tenderize the crumb.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the cake moist.
- Light brown sugar: Brings deep molasses flavor to the streusel topping.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that signature cinnamon flavor punch.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose a 9-inch round or square baking pan, then grease and flour it thoroughly to ensure your coffee cake releases perfectly once baked.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for an airy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract for that delicious, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. This ensures even distribution for consistent texture and rise.
Step 5: Mix batter
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour, folding everything gently to keep the batter light but well combined.
Step 6: Make the streusel topping
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until crumbly. This topping will bake into its iconic crunch with just the right sweetness and spice.
Step 7: Assemble the cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out. Sprinkle half the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Add the remaining batter and spread it gently before topping with the remaining streusel.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the coffee cake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean – the sign of a perfectly baked cake.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes slicing much easier.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can elevate your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe for a touch of elegance. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add freshness and creaminess that balance the sweet cinnamon notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of black coffee or creamy latte. To bulk up a breakfast or brunch spread, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on a decorative platter for a party. You could also layer large chunks between layers of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper makes for charming homemade gifts, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover portions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the streusel crispy. For longer storage, refrigeration is okay but may soften the topping slightly.
Freezing
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Rewarm slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Freshly warmed streusel with melty butter is an irresistible way to enjoy this dessert all over again.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute that will still provide moisture and tanginess, helping maintain the tender crumb of the Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe.
What’s the best pan to use for this cake?
A 9-inch round or square baking pan works best here, ensuring even baking and that perfect cake thickness for the streusel layers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to enjoy this cake without compromising flavor or texture.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The easiest way is to insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your coffee cake is perfectly baked.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes! This recipe freezes well, making it easy to prepare ahead and enjoy later while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe enough – it’s a comforting hug on a plate with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver a spectacular breakfast or snack. Next time you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to something wonderfully homemade, give this recipe a try. You’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a tender, moist, and richly flavored cake perfect for breakfast or dessert. Featuring a buttery cinnamon streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, this coffee cake combines simple pantry ingredients to create a comforting and delicious treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
Streusel
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully combine, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This will ensure a smooth and moist batter.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until crumbly to form the streusel.
- Layer batter and streusel: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add remaining batter: Pour the remaining batter over the streusel layer, spreading it evenly to cover the streusel.
- Top with streusel: Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture evenly on top of the batter to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to let it set properly.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Alternating dry ingredients with sour cream prevents overmixing and keeps the cake tender.
- You can use a square or round 9-inch pan depending on your preference.
- Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the streusel mixture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely if you plan to refrigerate it to maintain texture and flavor.
