Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, friends, let’s talk about the ultimate cozy breakfast or afternoon treat – Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Imagine waking up to a slice of soft, buttery cake with a tender crumb, infused with warm cinnamon spice, and topped with a crumbly, sweet streusel that’s just begging to be dunked in your morning coffee or tea. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and spice, crumbly and moist, simple but absolutely crave-worthy.

Why does this cake hold such a special place in so many hearts? Because it’s comfort in dessert form, a nostalgic hug on a plate, and a versatile recipe that’s just as at home at a fancy brunch as it is at a lazy weekend breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so whether you’re a kitchen novice or a baking pro, you’re gonna love this recipe.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore every delicious detail, from ingredients to expert tips, variations, and more. Let’s make some magic happen!

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Here’s the star of the show – a recipe that’s classic, foolproof, and seriously addictive. This cake is rich, tender, and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel that crunches just right.

What You’ll End Up With

• A moist, fluffy cake base that practically melts in your mouth.
• A generous swirl of cinnamon sugar inside, giving every bite that warm, spicy kick.
• A crisp, buttery streusel topping loaded with cinnamon and brown sugar that adds texture and sweetness.
• The perfect partner to your morning brew or afternoon cuppa.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the rundown of what you’ll need to bring this cake to life. No mystery ingredients here – just pantry staples you probably already have.

For The Cake

• All-purpose flour – the structure base, keeping things tender but sturdy.
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness and that lovely caramelization.
• Baking powder – the rising agent to make it fluffy and light.
• Salt – to balance flavors and enhance sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened) – for richness and moisture.
• Eggs – binding everything together, adding richness.
• Whole milk or buttermilk – adds moisture and tenderness.
• Vanilla extract – for that warm, aromatic undertone.

For The Cinnamon Swirl & Streusel Topping

• Brown sugar – packed with molasses flavor, deeper sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – the star spice.
• Butter (melted or softened) – for that buttery crumble.
• All-purpose flour – to create the crumbly texture.
• Optional: chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) – for added crunch and nuttiness.

How To Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Here’s where the fun starts. I’ll walk you through every step so you don’t miss a beat.

Step-by-step

1. Preheat & prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan (9×9 inch or similar).
2. Make the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter until it’s crumbly and sandy. Add nuts if you like – I highly recommend it!
3. Mix the dry cake ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
4. Cream butter and eggs: In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture until just combined – don’t overmix!
6. Layer the cake batter: Pour half the batter into your pan, then sprinkle half the streusel evenly over it.
7. Add cinnamon swirl: Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar (mix cinnamon and granulated sugar) over the streusel layer.
8. Top with remaining batter: Spread the remaining cake batter gently over the cinnamon swirl.
9. Finish with streusel: Top it all off with the rest of your streusel topping.
10. Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Cool & serve: Let it cool a bit before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temp, ideally with a cup of coffee.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Now, let’s nerd out just a bit because understanding the why behind ingredients makes baking even more satisfying.

• Butter: This little powerhouse adds fat that coats flour proteins, reducing gluten formation and keeping the cake tender and moist. It also caramelizes slightly in baking, giving a golden crust.
• Baking Powder: This is your magic leavener. It creates bubbles by releasing carbon dioxide when it reacts with moisture and heat, making the cake rise and become airy.
• Brown Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar’s molasses content adds moisture and a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor. This is why your streusel topping is so irresistibly rich.
• Cinnamon: Besides flavor, cinnamon has a subtle warming effect on the palate and even has natural preservative qualities, keeping your cake tasting fresh longer.
• Buttermilk or Milk: Buttermilk adds a slight tang and reacts with baking powder to enhance rise and tenderness. Milk hydrates the dry ingredients and dissolves sugar and salt.

Expert Tips

Want your coffee cake to be absolutely stellar? Here are my best insider secrets:

• Don’t overmix your batter! Once the flour hits the wet ingredients, mix just enough to combine. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
• Layer carefully: The cinnamon swirl should be thick enough to get that lovely stripe in each slice but not so thick it sinks.
• Chill the streusel topping if your kitchen is warm – it holds together better when cold, giving a better crunch.
• Test with a toothpick at 40 minutes – ovens vary, so keep an eye out so it doesn’t dry out.
• Let it cool before slicing (at least 15 minutes) to set the crumb structure.

Recipe Variations

Feel like getting creative? Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is incredibly flexible:

• Add fruit: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or even pears in the batter for a fruity twist.
• Nutty streusel: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your topping for crunch and flavor complexity.
• Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake for extra decadence.
• Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom into your cinnamon sugar for a holiday vibe.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.

Final Words

So there you have it – a warm, inviting recipe that’s perfect for practically any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. The real magic is in the layering of flavors and textures: soft cake, gooey cinnamon swirl, and that crunchy streusel topping that keeps you coming back for just one more bite.

FAQs

What Is Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

Cinnamon streusel coffee cake is a moist, spongy cake flavored with cinnamon, typically topped with a crumbly streusel topping. It’s a popular treat for breakfast or as a snack, often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee.

How Do You Make The Streusel Topping For Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, you combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. The ingredients are mixed together until crumbly, then sprinkled over the cake batter before baking.

Can I Use Sour Cream In My Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake. It also helps create a tender crumb, making it a great addition to the batter for a soft texture.

Can I Substitute Butter With Oil In The Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute oil for butter in most cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipes. However, butter adds flavor and helps with texture, so the cake might be slightly different in taste and crumb.

How Long Should I Bake Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

Typically, cinnamon streusel coffee cake should bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-45 minutes. It’s important to check with a toothpick, which should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when inserted into the center of the cake.

Can I Add Nuts To The Streusel Topping?

Yes, adding nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping can provide extra crunch and flavor. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients for the topping before sprinkling it over the batter.

Can I Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to a week.

What’s The Difference Between Coffee Cake And Regular Cake?

Coffee cake is typically a lighter, less sweet cake with a crumbly streusel topping and a hint of spice, like cinnamon. It’s designed to be served with coffee or tea, while regular cakes are usually sweeter and more elaborate with icing or frosting.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For The Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture, or almond flour for a gluten-free version. However, if you substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, you may need to adjust other ingredients to maintain the cake’s texture.

Can I Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake In A Bundt Pan?

Yes, you can make cinnamon streusel coffee cake in a bundt pan. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan well to prevent sticking. The baking time may vary slightly, so check the cake after 30 minutes and adjust as needed.