Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a truly spectacular Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake! This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a culinary masterpiece that promises an experience of pure comfort and warmth in every single bite. Imagine a cake so incredibly soft and moist, it practically melts in your mouth, adorned with a golden, buttery streusel crumb topping that sings with aromatic cinnamon. Forget dry, crumbly pastries – this recipe delivers a rich, tender texture paired with an irresistible, sweet-spicy flavor profile that will have everyone asking for a second slice.
There’s nothing quite as comforting and inviting as waking up to the rich aroma of freshly baked coffee cake filling your home. This cinnamon streusel delight, baked to golden perfection, offers a buttery soft crumb that pairs exquisitely with a fresh, hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast, an elegant brunch, or simply craving a delightful treat for an afternoon pick-me-up, this simple yet profoundly satisfying cake is your perfect companion. It’s an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels, requiring only a handful of common pantry ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.
Should you be eager to explore more delightful cake recipes, we have an array of options that are sure to captivate your palate! Don’t miss out on trying our Blueberry Bundt Cake, the intricately delicious Cinnamon Babka, or the wonderfully tender Super Moist Pear Cake. Each of these recipes offers a unique baking adventure, perfect for any gathering, celebration, or simply to elevate your everyday dessert experience!
Why This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake isn’t just another recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple for any home baker. Here’s why this particular coffee cake stands out and why you’ll absolutely fall in love with it:
- Incredibly Soft and Buttery Crumb: The inside of this cake is a testament to perfect baking. It boasts a wonderfully moist and tender texture that practically dissolves in your mouth. This isn’t a dry, crumbly cake; it’s a luscious treat that remains soft for days, making it perfect for preparing ahead.
- Irresistible Cinnamon Flavors: The star of the show, cinnamon, is infused throughout both the cake and its generous streusel topping. This creates a deeply aromatic experience with a sweet yet subtly savory note that is utterly captivating. Each bite delivers that classic, comforting warmth synonymous with homemade goodness.
- Super Simple to Prepare: You don’t need to be an expert baker or own a fancy stand mixer to create this masterpiece. This recipe utilizes basic, everyday ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it incredibly accessible. It’s hand-mix friendly, ensuring a fuss-free baking experience from start to finish.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While it’s called “coffee cake,” implying a breakfast pairing, this versatile treat transcends morning meals. It’s equally perfect as a delightful dessert after dinner, a comforting afternoon snack, or a show-stopping addition to any brunch spread or holiday gathering.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: Despite its impressive appearance and gourmet taste, this coffee cake requires minimal effort. The simple steps and readily available ingredients mean you can whip up this delightful confection without stress, leaving you more time to savor the moment (and the cake!).
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Coffee Cake
Crafting this delightful Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake begins with a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature moist crumb and flavorful streusel topping. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the structural backbone of our cake and streusel. All-purpose flour provides the right balance of protein to give the cake a tender yet stable crumb. For best results, measure correctly by fluffing the flour, spooning it into a measuring cup, and leveling it off.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and moisture in the cake batter. White granulated sugar or cane sugar will work beautifully, contributing to that classic sweet flavor.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, baking powder is crucial for giving the cake its beautiful rise and light, airy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal effectiveness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cake. Don’t skip it; it truly makes a difference.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need two sticks: one melted for the cake batter and one cold, cubed for the streusel topping. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content, and the varying temperatures are key for desired textures in each component.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, provide richness, and contribute to the cake’s moist texture. Always use room temperature eggs, as they emulsify more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For maximum flavor depth, opt for pure vanilla extract. It adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon beautifully and rounds out the cake’s overall taste.
- Milk: Adds essential moisture and tenderness to the cake. Whole milk will yield a richer, more decadent cake, but 2% milk can also be used successfully without compromising too much on flavor or texture.
- Brown Sugar: This is specifically for the streusel topping. The molasses in brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and helps create that desirable moist, crumbly texture. Light or dark brown sugar will work well.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Use fresh, high-quality ground cinnamon powder to ensure the most vibrant and aromatic cinnamon flavor shines through in your streusel and cake.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to make the simple yet elegant sugar icing for drizzling over the cooled cake. It creates a smooth, sweet glaze that adds an extra touch of deliciousness.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Creating this delicious coffee cake is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to bake a wonderfully moist and flavorful treat that will impress everyone:
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, take a 9×13 inch baking pan and spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. For easier removal and cleanup, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to create “handles.”
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined and there are no lumps, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, room temperature eggs, pure vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are smooth and well incorporated.
- Gently Combine Everything: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together using a spatula or spoon until *just combined*. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together until they are fully combined and evenly distributed. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to this mixture. Using clean hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients by rubbing it between your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures a perfectly crumbly streusel.
- Add the Streusel to the Cake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared cinnamon streusel topping all over the surface of the cake batter in the pan. Make sure to cover the entire surface for that beautiful crumbly crust.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Carefully place the baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). This indicates the cake is fully cooked through. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to ice it.
- Prepare the Icing: While the cake is cooling, prepare the optional icing. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be pourable but not too thin.
- Drizzle and Serve: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the prepared icing evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a whisk to create an attractive pattern. Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving this delightful Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Most Delicious & Moist Streusel Coffee Cake
Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and tender coffee cake every time is easy with a few simple techniques. Incorporate these expert tips into your baking process to ensure your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is nothing short of perfection:
- Room Temperature Eggs Are Key: Always use eggs that are at room temperature. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a crucial step that helps prevent lumpy batter. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with fats and other liquids, creating a smooth, cohesive batter and ultimately a lighter, more evenly textured cake.
- The Icing is Optional (But Recommended!): While the sweet vanilla glaze adds a delightful finish and extra touch of sweetness, it is entirely optional. If you prefer a less sweet cake, or are serving it primarily for breakfast, feel free to skip the icing and let the streusel shine on its own.
- Double Up on Streusel for Extra Crumb: Are you a fan of crumbly toppings? If you love a generous amount of streusel, don’t hesitate to double the streusel topping ingredients. More streusel means more texture and more irresistible cinnamon goodness!
- The Toothpick Test for Doneness: To accurately check if your cake is done, insert a clean wooden toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results and to prevent a dense cake, properly measure your flour. First, fluff the flour in its container with a spoon or whisk. Then, spoon the flour gently into your measuring cup until it overflows, and level off the excess with the back of a knife or straight edge. Avoid scooping directly from the bag or packing the flour down.
- Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing your cake inside. A properly preheated oven ensures the cake begins baking immediately and rises correctly, leading to an even bake and preventing a dense center.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a common pitfall in baking. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, chewy, and dense cake rather than a tender, moist one.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a difference. Fresh baking powder, pure vanilla extract, and aromatic ground cinnamon will elevate the flavor of your coffee cake significantly.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to lift it out or add icing. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking apart.
Serving Your Delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Once your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is baked to perfection and beautifully glazed, it’s ready to be enjoyed! This versatile cake is wonderful on its own, but here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate the experience:
- Classic Coffee Companion: As its name suggests, a slice of this cake is ideally paired with a freshly brewed cup of hot coffee. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully complements the sweetness of the cake and the warmth of the cinnamon.
- Tea Time Treat: For tea lovers, serve with your favorite black tea, chai, or even a soothing herbal blend. The cake’s moistness and spice notes are a perfect match.
- Brunch Star: This coffee cake is a fantastic centerpiece for any brunch spread. Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and other breakfast pastries.
- Dessert Delight: Turn it into an indulgent dessert by serving a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it to the next level.
- Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy a slice as a comforting snack with a glass of cold milk, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Creative Variations for Your Streusel Coffee Cake
While the classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is divine as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations to suit your taste or incorporate seasonal flavors. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Nutty Streusel: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to your streusel mixture for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Fruit-Filled: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries, diced apples, or sliced peaches into the cake batter before pouring it into the pan.
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter or sprinkle them over the streusel before baking for a delightful twist.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm flavors by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to your cinnamon streusel.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the cake batter for a bright, citrusy note that beautifully complements the cinnamon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Despite its name, a traditional coffee cake does not actually contain coffee as an ingredient. The term “coffee cake” refers to a cake that is specifically designed to be served *with* coffee. It typically features a moist, tender cake base and is often topped with a streusel crumb, a light glaze, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It’s meant to be the perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon coffee break.
Using cold, cubed butter for the streusel topping is a crucial technique for achieving that signature crumbly texture. When cold butter is rubbed into the dry ingredients, it breaks down into small, irregular pieces. As the cake bakes, these tiny pieces of butter slowly melt, creating pockets of steam that result in a light, crispy, and perfectly crumbly topping, rather than a dense, dough-like layer.
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is an excellent candidate for make-ahead preparation, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining. The entire cake can be baked and stored ahead of time (see storage instructions below). Additionally, you can prepare the cinnamon streusel topping up to three days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to mix your cake batter and assemble.
To maintain its incredible soft and moist crumb, it’s essential to store leftover coffee cake properly. Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. At room temperature, the cake will remain fresh and delicious for about 2 to 3 days. If you wish for it to last longer, transfer it to the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for at least a week. Always ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Yes, coffee cake freezes beautifully! This is a fantastic way to enjoy your delicious creation at a later date. You can freeze the coffee cake whole or portion it into individual slices. To do so, wrap the cake or individual slices tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Frozen cinnamon streusel coffee cake can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven.
More Irresistible Desserts You’ll Love to Bake
If you’ve enjoyed baking and tasting this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful dessert recipes from our collection, each designed to bring joy and flavor to your kitchen:
- Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
- Decadent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
- Tropical Coconut Cheesecake Bars
- Effortless No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Dreamy Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake
We truly hope you cherish all the recipes we share with you, especially this exquisitely delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. We encourage you to try it, savor every moment, rate it, and share this wonderful experience with your dearest friends and family!
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Print Recipe
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup milk
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cubed and cold
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to help lift the cake out later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
For the Streusel Topping:
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
- Add in the cold, cubed butter. Use clean hands to rub and break up the butter into small, pea-sized pieces within the dry mixture, forming a coarse crumbly topping.
- Evenly spread the streusel topping all over the surface of the cake batter in the pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack before icing (if using).
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until completely smooth and a pourable consistency is achieved.
- Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the slightly cooled coffee cake. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a smoother, lump-free batter and a more even bake.
- The vanilla glaze is entirely optional. If you prefer a less sweet cake or are serving it for breakfast, you can skip this step.
- For those who adore crumbly toppings, feel free to double the ingredients for the cinnamon streusel to achieve an extra generous layer.
- To confirm the cake is fully baked, insert a wooden toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s done.
- When measuring flour, always fluff it first, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Avoid packing the flour, as this can lead to a denser cake.
- Always preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the cake inside. This ensures the cake begins baking at the correct temperature for proper rising and even cooking.
- Be mindful not to overmix the cake batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough or dense texture.
Nutrition
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