Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Imagine the aroma of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen as a buttery crumb topping turns golden in the oven—welcome to the warm embrace of Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This nostalgic treat brings together moist, tender cake with layers of sweet, cinnamon-studded streusel, making it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or a cozy afternoon break. Whether you’re baking for brunch, sharing with friends, or savoring a slice all to yourself, Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake delivers comfort and delight in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this cake is how a handful of familiar pantry staples work in harmony to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a starring role—so grab these essentials and let’s create a coffee cake that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake with structure while keeping the crumb soft and tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners team up for just the right lift and a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: A pinch balances out the sweetness and enriches all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (for both cake and streusel): Adds rich flavor and moistness—make sure it’s softened for the cake and cold for the streusel!
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a delicate, golden crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness for an irresistible slice.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, cozy undertones that pair perfectly with cinnamon.
• Sour cream: Moistens the cake while adding a delightful tang for balance and tenderness.
• Light brown sugar (for the streusel): Delivers a caramel-like sweetness and lovely color to the topping and filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The spice star of the show, offering that signature warmth and unmistakable aroma.
• Tip for Streusel: If you love a nutty crunch, toss in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for extra texture.

How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Set the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour either a 9-inch square or 9×13-inch baking dish—this will help the cake release in perfect slices later. Taking a moment for this prep step ensures a beautiful (and non-stick) finish!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This quick blend distributes the leaveners and salt evenly, so the cake bakes up with a uniform texture and full flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This creaming process incorporates air, ensuring a tender crumb. Patience here really pays off for a melt-in-your-mouth cake!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting, fragrant base note that defines Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating each addition with dollops of sour cream. Start and finish with the flour. Stir gently until just combined—you want a smooth, thick batter without over-mixing.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping and Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and cold, cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For an added twist, feel free to mix in chopped nuts for that extra layer of crunch!

Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel

Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel mixture over the batter to create a sweet, cinnamon middle layer. Carefully add the rest of the batter, smoothing the top as best you can, and finish with the remaining streusel, pressing it lightly into the surface so you get that bakery-style topping.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps the cake settle and makes serving so much easier!

How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving creates an elegant, bakery-inspired finish. For an extra-special touch, add a drizzle of simple vanilla icing or a scattering of chopped toasted nuts on top. Even a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can transform your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake into a dessert worthy of any occasion.

Side Dishes

When served for brunch, pair this warmly spiced cake with fresh fruit—think juicy orange slices, crisp apple wedges, or a berry medley. It also sings alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or your favorite breakfast tea. If you’re offering a full breakfast spread, some Greek yogurt or a savory egg dish rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake shines, whether simply sliced for a casual snack or dressed up for a special gathering. Try cutting it into dainty squares for a breakfast potluck, layering sliced strawberries atop each piece for color, or using a vintage cake stand to make it the centerpiece. Feeling playful? Create a mini coffee cake “bar” with bowls of glazes, nuts, and dried fruit, so guests can customize their own slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake as moist and flavorful as possible, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen runs warm, move the wrapped cake to the refrigerator, but allow it to come back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

One of the best perks of Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is how well it holds up in the freezer! Individually wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When a cinnamon craving strikes, thaw slices on the countertop or gently reheat them for that just-baked flavor.

Reheating

To revive that bakery-fresh taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat several pieces in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This gentle reheating brings back the cake’s signature softness and highlights the cinnamon aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the cake?

Absolutely! Full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a one-for-one substitute for sour cream and keeps the cake just as moist, with a pleasant tang. Just be sure it’s not non-fat, or the texture may change.

How do I know when my Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is done baking?

Start checking at the 35-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), it’s ready. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so keep a close eye as the timer nears the end!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! You can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a standard 9×13-inch dish for a thicker cake, or use two pans for easy sharing. Just watch the bake time and check for doneness, as a larger cake may need a few extra minutes.

What’s the best way to make the streusel topping crumbly?

Make sure your butter is cold and cut into small cubes before blending with the other streusel ingredients. Use a fork or pastry cutter, and stop once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; this is what creates those irresistible crunchy pockets on the finished cake!

Can I make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake gluten free?

Yes! Substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten free, and your cake will turn out just as delicious and cozy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat, Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is the recipe to try. It’s simple enough for a weekday but special enough for celebrations—and sharing a freshly baked slice always feels like a little gesture of love. So heat up your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the cinnamon-scented memories begin!

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