If you’re searching for a timeless baked treat that’s equally at home on a brunch buffet or alongside your afternoon coffee, look no further than Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. This recipe yields a buttery cake layered with ribbons of cinnamon and brown sugar, crowned with a golden, crumbly topping that makes every bite pure happiness. Whether you’re hosting guests or indulging in a quiet morning, this beloved coffee cake delivers cozy, irresistible flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake comes from simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of taste and texture. Each one is essential, and a few small tweaks (like swapping out the glaze or adding nuts) produce big flavor payoffs.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the tender structure for both the cake and the streusel topping—stick to the classic for best results.
- Baking powder: Lifts the cake and gives it a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream for extra tenderness and rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all those cozy cinnamon flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Richens the batter and ensures a moist, plush cake; also brings that signature crumbly texture to the streusel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake itself without overwhelming the cinnamon notes.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add even more softness to every slice.
- Sour cream: The secret to that beloved coffee cake tang and incredibly soft, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the dessert’s natural warmth and complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Brown sugar (packed): Gives the streusel hearty sweetness with caramel undertones.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice—addictively aromatic and the heart of this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for glaze): For a sweet, glossy finish that melts into the streusel.
- Milk or cream (for glaze): Ensures your glaze is smooth and easy to drizzle.
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts: Add crunch and toasty flavor to the streusel if you want an extra-special touch!
How to Make Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Take a 9×9-inch baking dish and either grease and flour it generously, or line it with a square of parchment paper. This step ensures your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake pops out easily and keeps those gorgeous streusel layers intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking incorporates air, which helps keep the overall cake tender and fluffy—it’s a tiny effort that pays off in those perfect, bakery-style slices.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step builds structure and gives the cake its signature “lift”—don’t rush it! Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Add the eggs to your butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, blending just until everything is beautifully smooth—this is where your cake picks up richness and that comforting tang.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on low speed or by hand just until everything is incorporated. Take care not to overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour, and your Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake will stay soft as a cloud.
Step 6: Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingertips, blending until the mixture turns crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This simple step creates the irresistible “streusel” top and middle layer!
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Spread half of your cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Add half of the streusel mixture, then gently cover with the remaining batter. Finish by scattering the rest of the streusel over the top. The layers bake together to form a picture-perfect Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake with cinnamon running all the way through.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 9: Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing or glazing. For an optional finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract, then drizzle the sweet glaze over the cooled cake. The glaze seeps into the cracks of the streusel for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
How to Serve Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Boost the visual appeal by dusting powdered sugar over the top or dotting with a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts. If you opted for the glaze, a few pinches of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts makes each square picture-perfect and even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This cake is a brunch superstar—serve with fresh fruit (think juicy berries or sliced oranges), tangy Greek yogurt, or classic scrambled eggs for an easy brunch spread. A cup of bold, hot coffee is the absolute must-have pairing, as the cake’s sweetness balances beautifully with a dark roast or espresso.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake into mini cubes for a bite-sized dessert platter, or stack rustic wedges for a casual coffee date. For a holiday breakfast, arrange slices on a cake stand and drizzle with extra glaze just before serving—each slice looks bakery-worthy with minimum effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any remaining cake can be stored right in the baking pan, tightly covered with plastic wrap or foil, or moved to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness—though it’s hard to imagine leftovers lasting that long!
Freezing
This cake freezes gorgeously! To freeze, wrap individual squares or the entire cake (un-glazed is best) tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp before serving, and add glaze or fresh garnishes if you’d like.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked warmth, heat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. The cinnamon scent and buttery crumb will taste deliciously fresh—sometimes even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Full-fat plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream, keeping the Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake moist and adding just the right amount of tang.
What pan size can I use if I don’t have a 9×9-inch dish?
You can use an 8×8-inch baking dish for thicker slices, but you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time. A round 9-inch cake pan also works—just watch for doneness and be careful not to overbake.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness around 40-45 minutes, inserting a toothpick in the center to ensure it’s baked through.
How do I keep my streusel topping crumbly?
Use cold butter and gently work it into the flour and sugar with a fork or your hands until you have pea-sized crumbs. Don’t overwork—the crumbly texture is what makes Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake so irresistible!
Is this coffee cake really best fresh, or can I bake it in advance?
While the cake is magnificent fresh out of the oven, it holds up wonderfully for 1-2 days and can be made a day ahead for stress-free entertaining. In fact, the flavors deepen and it’s even easier to slice after resting overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the homemade comfort of Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake—soft, cinnamon-laced layers and that perfect crumb topping make it a favorite year-round. I really hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and share it with friends or family over a steaming cup of coffee. Happy baking!
Print
Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. A moist sour cream cake with a layer of cinnamon streusel, perfect for a cozy breakfast or delightful dessert.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional glaze:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Make streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then cut in cold butter.
- Layer and bake: Spread batter, sprinkle half the streusel, repeat layers, then bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
- For added texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel.
- This coffee cake is versatile and perfect for various occasions like brunch or as a make-ahead breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
