Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Okay, picture this: a soft, fluffy coffee cake, layered with a sweet, buttery cinnamon streusel that crumbles perfectly on every bite. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like heaven and your morning feel instantly cozier. If you’re a fan of classic American bakery treats, Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is basically your new best friend.

This coffee cake isn’t just about flavor-it’s about experience. The contrast of tender cake with crunchy streusel topping is like a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a lazy Sunday morning, or need that little pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers. So, get ready to master this iconic coffee cake at home, and trust me, your friends and family will be begging for your baking secrets.

Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Let’s talk turkey-or rather, cake. This recipe mirrors the classic, nostalgic Hostess version we all love but with the joy of homemade freshness and no mystery ingredients. It’s soft, moist, and perfectly sweet with just the right cinnamon punch and a buttery, crumbly streusel topping that’s all about texture and flavor.

Here’s What You’ll Need To Whip This Masterpiece Together

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, gather these goodies:

• All-purpose flour (about 2 cups): The base of your cake, giving it structure and body.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness to the cake batter.
• Brown sugar (for the streusel topping, 1/2 cup): Gives that deep, caramel-like richness.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp): The magical leavening agent to make your cake rise fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tbsp, divided): The star of the show! One tablespoon for the batter, another for the streusel.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened for batter + 1/2 cup cold for streusel): Adds moisture and richness.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

How To Make Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves! Follow these simple steps for coffee cake perfection:

1. Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan.

2. Make The Streusel Topping

   • Combine brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, flour (1/2 cup), and cold butter cubes.
   • Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until you get crumbly, pea-sized bits.

3. Mix The Batter

   • Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy (this step is key for texture).
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 tbsp cinnamon.
   • Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry. Don’t overmix-keep it tender.

4. Assemble

   • Pour half the batter into your prepared pan.
   • Sprinkle half the streusel evenly on top.
   • Add the remaining batter carefully, spreading gently.
   • Finish by topping with the remaining streusel.

5. Bake

   • Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a second and talk about why each ingredient matters:

• Flour: All-purpose flour contains gluten proteins that, when hydrated and mixed, create the structure to hold your cake together. Too much mixing? You’ll get a tough cake instead of a soft one.
• Butter: Fat tenderizes by coating flour proteins, limiting gluten formation. Softened butter cream-whipped with sugar traps air, giving the cake lightness.
• Sugar: Sugar doesn’t just sweeten-it tenderizes and helps the cake brown, thanks to caramelization.
• Baking Powder: This little leavening agent releases carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the batter to rise, giving that fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. The proteins coagulate as you bake, holding everything in place, while the fats add richness.
• Cinnamon: Besides that warm, comforting flavor, cinnamon has antioxidant properties-just a neat bonus!

Expert Tips

Ready for some insider knowledge to nail this recipe?

• Butter temperature matters: Use softened butter for the batter (it should be soft enough to press your finger in but not melted). Cold butter in the streusel ensures those lovely crunchy crumbs.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Use fresh cinnamon: Old spices lose potency. Fresh cinnamon will make your cake sing.
• Room temperature eggs: They incorporate better and help your batter rise evenly.
• Chill your streusel: If you have time, refrigerate the streusel mixture for 10 minutes before topping the cake for even better crumble.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up or cater to different tastes? Here are some fun twists:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel or batter add delightful crunch.
• Cream cheese swirl: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese in the middle for extra richness.
• Glaze it: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze or a maple drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Fruit twist: Toss in fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, apples, or raisins for bursts of flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon mixture for more complexity.

Final Words

Making Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake from scratch is like bringing a little nostalgia into your kitchen-but better, because you control the quality and freshness of every ingredient. This cake strikes a perfect balance between sweet, soft, and crunchy. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

To make Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, sour cream, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts (optional for the streusel topping).

Can I Substitute Sour Cream With Greek Yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in the recipe. Greek yogurt will provide a similar texture and tang, although it might make the cake slightly denser.

How Do I Make The Streusel Topping For The Coffee Cake?

To make the streusel topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a fork or your hands to combine the ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. You can also add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra flavor.

Can I Make The Coffee Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can make the coffee cake ahead of time. Once baked, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Hostess Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake?

Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate or freeze it. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven for a few seconds to bring back its moist texture.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Flour For This Recipe?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cake.

What Can I Do If I Don’t Have A Bundt Pan For The Coffee Cake?

If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can bake the coffee cake in a regular round or square cake pan. The baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick.

How Do I Know When The Coffee Cake Is Done Baking?

The coffee cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs. It should also be golden brown on top and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

Can I Add Other Flavors Or Ingredients To Customize This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can customize the flavor of the coffee cake by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins), or citrus zest (like lemon or orange) for a unique twist.

Is It Necessary To Use Butter In This Recipe, Or Can I Substitute It With Oil?

Butter is an essential ingredient for the flavor and texture of the coffee cake. While you can substitute it with oil, the result might be less rich and slightly different in texture. For the best results, use unsalted butter as specified in the recipe.