If you’re searching for the perfect treat to pair with your morning coffee or impress guests at brunch, look no further than the Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This beloved bake is everything you’d ever want in a coffee cake: buttery crumb, just the right amount of sweetness, and irresistible cinnamon swirls hiding beneath a golden, crunchy topping. With every bite, you’ll understand why this recipe remains a timeless favorite for families everywhere—it’s pure comfort, warmth, and homemade magic all in one pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one has a special job, working together to achieve that tender crumb, rich flavor, and signature sweet-spiced topping.
- All-purpose flour (cake & streusel): Provides structure and a delicate base for both your cake and crumbly streusel swirl.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist, tender texture.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These are your leaveners, ensuring the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Just a little brings out all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
- Sour cream: Secret weapon! It makes the cake incredibly moist and adds subtle tanginess.
- Unsalted butter (cake & streusel), softened and cold: Softened butter creams seamlessly into the batter for lightness, while cold butter gives the streusel topping those signature crunchy crumbs.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add a rich, custardy feel.
- Pure vanilla extract: For warmth and depth—you’ll taste the difference real vanilla makes.
- Light brown sugar (streusel): The backbone of the cinnamon ribbon and topping, lending caramel notes and extra moisture.
- Ground cinnamon (streusel): The star flavor: warming spice that defines this classic treat.
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
This step is where you create those delicious sweet-spiced crumbs everyone loves. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl, then cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture forms coarse, buttery crumbs. Set it aside—it’ll be both your hidden layer and showstopping topping!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
The foundation of a good coffee cake is a fluffy, well-aerated batter. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and pale. This ensures every slice is soft and rich. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable warm aroma.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is quick but super important: it ensures the rising agents and salt are evenly distributed, so you won’t end up with any unevenly risen spots in your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, bring it all together! Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream. Stir gently and only until combined—overmixing can toughen your cake. The batter will be thick and luscious, thanks to the rich sour cream.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble the Cake
Spoon half the batter into your greased 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle half of your prepared streusel over this layer. Cover with the rest of the batter, then finish with the remaining crumbly streusel topping. Each bite will reveal beautiful, cinnamon-streaked layers!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35–40 minutes. The cake should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean—some moist crumbs are perfect. Let it cool slightly before serving, which allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing even easier.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Garnishes
The Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a beauty all on its own, but if you want to dress it up, try a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. For an elegant touch, drizzle a simple glaze (just powdered sugar and milk) over the top once cool, or sprinkle on a handful of chopped toasted nuts for crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
This cake shines at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet ending to any meal! Pair slices with fresh fruit (think berries or orange segments), a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt, or serve next to softly scrambled eggs for a lovely sweet-and-savory combination. Of course, a hot cup of coffee or tea is a must!
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the coffee cake into elegant bars for a dessert buffet, or cut into generous squares for brunch platters. Hosting a party? Stack mini slices on a tiered stand and garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange zest curls. The Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake also makes a heartfelt homemade gift—wrap portions in parchment and tie with ribbon for a treat anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big if!), store the Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake at room temperature, tightly covered or in an airtight container, for up to three days. It stays moist and flavorful, and the crumb topping remains delightfully crunchy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this coffee cake for those sudden cravings. Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a just-baked taste whenever you want it!
Reheating
To enjoy that oven-fresh warmth, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop a larger portion in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. The streusel topping will perk up and the cake’s texture will return to its original, pillowy softness.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides similar moisture and tang, so your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake will still turn out rich and flavorful.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a golden-brown top, and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the streusel or sprinkled on top for extra crunch. You can also add a handful of fresh blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist on Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.
What type Breakfast, Dessert
A 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan works perfectly. Glass, ceramic, or light-colored metal pans all yield even results—just be sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Definitely! Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake can be made the night before and enjoyed the next day. It keeps beautifully and flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for company or easy mornings.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake a try; it’s one of those delightful recipes that guarantees smiles and cozy moments. Once you experience its sweet layers and tender crumb, you’ll see why it stands the test of time. Happy baking, and enjoy every cinnamon-swirled bite!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, a perfect blend of moist cake with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, this coffee cake is a beloved classic that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Streusel:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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 small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- Mix Batter: Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Add dry ingredients and sour cream to wet mixture, alternating and mixing until combined.
- Layer and Bake: Spread half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle with half of streusel. Add remaining batter and streusel. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This coffee cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Add chopped nuts to the streusel or drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
