Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
If there’s one thing that can brighten up a morning or sweeten an afternoon, it’s a homemade Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This beloved treat is the perfect combination of moist, buttery cake and a heavenly swirl of cinnamon sugar, topped with a crumbly, golden streusel. Every bite delivers cozy nostalgia and irresistible flavor, making it just the thing to share with loved ones over coffee, or to bring to a brunch gathering. There’s something magic about that hint of cinnamon layered with buttery crumbs that never fails to delight, which is why it’s a staple recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long grocery list or fancy ingredients to make a memorable Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Each element has its own essential role, from creating velvety softness to delivering those signature ribbons of cinnamon. Here’s the breakdown so you know exactly why these staples matter—and a few handy tips, too.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake and streusel, giving structure and that perfect crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, balances the cinnamon spice, and creates a tender texture.
- Unsalted butter (softened for cake, cold for streusel): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the cake, plus makes for buttery, irresistible crumbs on top.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cake ultra-moist and lends a lovely tang to balance the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind the batter together and add richness for a soft, plush texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors for that classic homemade taste.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These work as leaveners so your cake bakes up fluffy and tall.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the other flavors and keeps things from tasting flat.
- Light brown sugar (for streusel): Brings a mellow, caramel-like depth to the cinnamon swirl and crumbly topping.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its signature warm aroma and cozy flavor.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel
Let’s kick things off with the part everyone fights over—the crumb topping! Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl, then cut in the cold, cubed butter until you have a mixture resembling chunky, buttery sand. This trick ensures pockets of crumbly goodness throughout both the filling and top layer of your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Set this delicious business aside for now.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy. It’s worth an extra minute or two here—creaming these together traps air in the batter, ensuring your cake will be soft and beautifully risen.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Now, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. This mixture will look creamy and a bit luscious—the sour cream’s job is to keep things rich and moist, and the vanilla brings a familiar, comforting aroma you’ll notice instantly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately avoids any clumps and makes sure your leavening agents are evenly distributed for the best cake texture.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—just enough for the batter to come together smoothly. At this stage, the sweet, floral smell of the vanilla really starts to come to life.
Step 6: Layer the Cake and Streusel
Spread half the cake batter into your greased 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch) pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle half of that glorious cinnamon streusel over the batter, creating a secret, molten-sweet ribbon in the middle. Dollop the rest of the batter on top (it’s fine if it doesn’t cover perfectly), and finish with the remaining streusel—pile it on with gleeful abandon.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden, crisp, and a toothpick emerges from the center with only a few moist crumbs. Let your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake cool for at least 15 minutes; as hard as waiting may be, it makes each slice hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Serve your cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish. If you like a little extra flair, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze or even a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts will add sparkle and a welcome crunch to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake truly shines alongside a hot mug of coffee or tea, but it’s also wonderful with tangy berries or a fruit salad for contrast. Try it with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a breakfast that feels like a treat but stays balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Make things festive by cutting the cake into mini squares and serving them as part of a brunch platter. Or, for a sweet brunch bar, pair slices with bowls of assorted spreads (think: whipped cream cheese, honey, or even a thin layer of apple butter) and let guests personalize their perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is always a big “if”), just cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices into an airtight container. This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days; as always, a quick zap in the microwave refreshes it in seconds.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently rewarm before serving; the streusel stays delightfully crumbly.
Reheating
Nothing beats a warm piece! Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. The cake regains its bakery-fresh aroma and tender crumb, as if it just came out of your oven.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had a chance to blend. Bake it the day before, cool fully, and cover tightly until you’re ready to serve.
What kind of pan should I use?
A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square baking pan is perfect for this recipe. Metal or glass both work—just watch the baking time, as glass sometimes requires a couple extra minutes.
Can I add nuts or fruits to the recipe?
Definitely! Stirring in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries into the streusel or batter adds flavor and texture, making your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake even more special.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when the top is golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake so the cake stays nice and moist.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, you can double everything and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may be a little longer, so check at 40 minutes and continue as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake has stood the test of time—it’s as welcoming and comforting as breakfast gets. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones over coffee or sneaking a sweet bite for yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like home every single time. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This moist and tender cake is swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery streusel for the perfect breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping and Filling:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Streusel: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Make Batter: Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half the batter, sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat layers. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This coffee cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Add nuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Can be made ahead and stored at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
