Pin It This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is equal parts comfort and nostalgia. It is the kind of bake you serve hot from the oven on lazy weekends or with a morning cup of coffee when friends stop by. The crumb is tender and buttery with just enough cinnamon sweetness on top to make every bite feel like an occasion.
I first tried this when my kids begged for something sweet on a rainy Sunday morning. Now it is our favorite tradition for snow days and holidays.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Essential for tender crumb Choose unbleached for best results
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps crisp the streusel Use cane sugar for a subtle floral note
- Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the topping Look for soft light brown sugar
- Butter: Creates richness in both cake and topping Use unsalted high quality for best control
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show Pick Ceylon for softer spiciness or standard Cassia for boldness
- Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to texture Make sure they are room temperature
- Whole milk: Adds moisture Whole milk or a mix with sour cream keeps the crumb incredibly tender
- Vanilla extract: Warms up the entire cake Use pure vanilla for most aromatic results
- Baking powder Baking soda: For lift Ensure they are both fresh for best rise
- Salt: Balances flavors Use fine sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep Equipment:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a nine-inch square baking pan Make sure to line with parchment so cake lifts out easily
- Make the Streusel:
- Whisk together flour brown sugar granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl Add cold diced butter and rub with your fingertips until large clumps form Chill streusel while you prep the cake for perfect nuggety texture
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Beat room temperature butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy about two to three minutes Scrape down the sides often to get maximal air in the mixture
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Crack in eggs one at a time beating well after each Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt together in another bowl This ensures even distribution and zero chemical pockets
- Alternate Wet and Dry:
- With your mixer on low add flour mixture and milk in three alternating batches starting and ending with the flour Mix until just blended Do not overmix or cake will be dense
- Build Layers:
- Spread half of the batter into the pan Sprinkle with half the streusel Cover with the remaining batter and top with all remaining streusel Gently press streusel down to help it adhere
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide pan into oven and bake for thirty five to forty minutes or until center springs back to touch and a toothpick comes out clean Start checking around thirty five minutes for best texture
- Cool and Slice:
- Let cake cool in the pan for fifteen minutes before lifting out Slice into generous squares and serve warm or at room temperature
Pin It The brown sugar streusel is absolutely my favorite part I always snuck a little extra on the top when my grandmother handed me the bowl The kitchen smelled like a cinnamon cloud and those memories stay with me every time I bake it
Storage Tips
Once cooled completely keep in an airtight container on the counter up to three days For longer storage wrap slices tightly and freeze up to two months Thaw at room temperature or toast gently to revive the crumb
Ingredient Substitutions
No brown sugar Use coconut sugar for a similar depth Dairy free Use vegan butter and oat milk the texture remains stellar Want extra richness Swap half the milk for sour cream or Greek yogurt
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh berries on the side or a dollop of whipped cream Great for brunch tables or afternoon tea Try warming slices in the toaster oven for a bakery fresh feel
Cultural and Historical Context
Coffee cake like this was a staple at North American breakfast tables dating back to early twentieth century households It is inspired by European cakes that paired sweet richness with coffee time rituals Every family puts their own spin on the topping or crumb
Seasonal Adaptations
Add chopped apples or pears in autumn for more body Stir in blueberries or raspberries in summer for brightness Sprinkle in toasted nuts for crunch anytime Bake in a bundt pan for a fancy twist Double the streusel if you like bigger crumble pieces Use this as a base and change up spices for different moods
Success Stories
A friend once made this coffee cake for her book club and came home with an empty plate Kids in my neighborhood ask for this cake at every bake sale because it reminds them of something their grandma would make at home It also makes a wonderful housewarming gift wrapped in parchment with a ribbon
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze assemble cake in pan wrap well with plastic and foil and freeze before baking Thaw overnight in fridge Bake as directed adding five to ten extra minutes Or bake first cool slice and freeze portions individually
Pin It Let this coffee cake become your new comfort ritual Enjoy every bite with good company and a hot cup of coffee.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes this cake moist?
The use of vanilla and dairy ingredients creates a tender, moist crumb that complements the topping.
- → How is cinnamon streusel made?
Streusel combines cinnamon with butter, sugar, and flour to form a crumbly, flavorful topping.
- → Can I add nuts to the streusel?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and additional flavor to the cinnamon topping.
- → What’s the best way to serve?
Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with coffee, tea, or as a brunch centerpiece.
- → Can I prepare it ahead?
The cake stores well in an airtight container and can be enjoyed for several days after baking.