Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
If you dream of lazy weekend mornings spent with a crumb-topped treat and a steaming cup of coffee, this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake will instantly become your new favorite. With its tender crumb, generous ribbon of cinnamon-sugar streusel running through the center, and a sweet glaze on top, it manages to be nostalgic and irresistible all at once. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or sneaking a piece for dessert, this cake is always the star of the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most wonderful things about this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is just how accessible the ingredients are. Every component serves a purpose—from the tangy sour cream that ensures a moist crumb, to the warming cinnamon and that buttery crunch from the streusel. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the cake and the streusel, giving structure and just the right amount of tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps the cake achieve a golden hue during baking.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that unmistakable buttery flavor to both the cake base and the crumbly topping.
- Sour cream: Secret weapon for a plush, moist texture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bring it all together for a soft, cohesive crumb that lifts nicely in the oven.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a hint of floral sweetness that’s simply essential in coffee cake.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo that ensures your cake rises beautifully and is never dense.
- Salt: Amplifies every flavor—don’t skip it!
- Light brown sugar: Key to a deep, caramelized, irresistible streusel topping.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings in that nostalgic, cozy warmth which makes this cake shine.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a bit of crunch and toasty flavor in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Used to create a pretty (and tasty!) glaze drizzle to finish it all off.
- Milk or cream (optional): Thins out the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it well—or, for extra insurance, line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy release and keeps your beautiful Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake picture-perfect at serving time.
Step 2: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick step guarantees even leavening throughout the cake, so every bite is light and fluffy. Set aside while you build the rest of the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar for about 3-4 minutes, until pale and fluffy. The air you incorporate here will lend the cake its lovely light texture—and dreamy aroma as it bakes!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Splash in the vanilla extract for that aromatic sweetness. Scrape down the bowl as needed so everything is perfectly combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Alternating with Sour Cream
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream, mixing just until combined. Take care not to overmix; this ensures your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake stays tender, not tough.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Streusel
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon (and nuts, if you’re using them). Pour in the melted butter and mix until you’ve got a gloriously crumbly, fragrant streusel—this is what makes each slice unforgettable.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Pour half the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle with half the streusel. Dollop and spread the rest of the batter on top, then finish with the remaining streusel. You’ll have beautiful layers of spice and crunch throughout!
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Slide the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack to keep everything moist and easy to handle.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve (Optional)
If you’re going for that coffee shop finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle lovingly over the cooled cake. The glaze sets off the cinnamon crumble perfectly, elevating each slice.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Garnishes
For a bit of flair, dust slices with extra powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or even sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the top. A few toasted nuts scattered on each slice give a hint of crunch and a gorgeous look.
Side Dishes
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake pairs so well with simple sides that won’t overshadow its comforting flavors. Try serving alongside fresh fruit, creamy Greek yogurt, or even just your favorite coffee or tea for a truly satisfying breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress your cake up for guests by slicing it into elegant squares arranged on a tiered stand, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. For brunch parties, cut into mini squares and offer as part of a breakfast spread with other pastries and fresh berries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake will stay moist and fresh for several days if stored covered at room temperature. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container to avoid dryness.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a dream! Simply wrap individual squares or the whole cake (uncut) tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, pop a slice into the microwave for 10–20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. If you added glaze, heat gently so it doesn’t melt away completely.
FAQs
Can I make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake in advance?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool fully, then cover tightly until ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight and the texture stays wonderfully moist.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes—full-fat Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream if needed. It will still give your coffee cake a moist, slightly tangy crumb that’s just as delicious.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is totally optional. While it adds a sweet, polished finish to the Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, the cake is so flavorful that it’s fantastic even without it.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Of course! Simply leave out the nuts in the streusel. You’ll still have all the texture and rich flavor, with no compromise for those with allergies or preferences.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and check with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging. Don’t overbake, as you want that tender, moist crumb to shine!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a truly cozy treat, this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake won’t disappoint. It’s simple yet show-stopping, perfect for any morning or celebratory table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake it soon and share a slice with someone you love!
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Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. With its tender crumb, sweet cinnamon streusel topping, and optional glaze, this cake is perfect for any time of day.
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: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking pan.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream.
- Make streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon; stir in melted butter and nuts.
- Layer batter and streusel: Spread half the batter, sprinkle half the streusel; repeat.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Cool in the pan, then drizzle with glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, Coffee Cake, Streusel Cake, Cinnamon Cake, Breakfast Cake
