A moist and tender coffee cake layered with a rich cinnamon streusel, this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy midday snack. The blend of buttery cake and warm cinnamon crumble is an irresistible combination that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect Texture: The cake is moist and tender, with a delightful crunch from the streusel topping.
Versatile: Serve it plain or add a glaze for extra sweetness.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, brunches, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Customizable: Add nuts or skip them to suit personal preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Streusel:
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
For the streusel, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts, if desired.
Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly over the batter.
Carefully spread the remaining batter over the streusel layer and top with the remaining streusel.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze, if desired, and drizzle it over the cooled cake before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Variations
Nut-Free: Omit the nuts in the streusel for a simpler topping.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for additional warmth.
Mini Cakes: Divide the batter into muffin tins for individual servings.
Fruit Addition: Layer thinly sliced apples or pears between the batter for a fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
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FAQs
What makes coffee cake different from regular cake?
Coffee cake is designed to pair well with coffee and often includes a streusel topping or layers, giving it a crumbly texture and extra flavor.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?
Ensure the batter is thick enough to support the streusel and layer it carefully to maintain separation.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a touch of sweetness if desired.
What’s the best way to test for doneness?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Conclusion
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a next-day treat, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. I love serving it with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect indulgence.
📖 Recipe:
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Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a moist and tender Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake that’s layered with a buttery cinnamon crumble, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat. Easy to make with pantry staples and customizable to suit your preferences, this coffee cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Streusel:
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Prepare the streusel: mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then stir in melted butter and nuts (if using) until crumbly.
- Spread half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat with remaining batter and streusel.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with glaze before serving.
Notes
Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed.
To prevent streusel from sinking, ensure batter is thick and evenly layered.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
