Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon streusel coffee cake baking in the oven. The buttery aroma fills the kitchen, promising layers of tender cake and crunchy, spiced topping. I’ve been making this recipe for years, it’s my go-to for lazy Sunday mornings, holiday brunches, and anytime I want to treat my family to something special.

The secret to this cake’s perfect texture? A generous amount of sour cream in the batter keeps it moist, while the cinnamon streusel adds just the right amount of crunch. I love how the sugar caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating little pockets of gooey goodness. Trust me, once you try this, those dry coffee shop versions just won’t compare.

This recipe comes from my mom’s old church cookbook, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it foolproof. The streusel layers might seem fussy, but they’re actually simple, just toss everything together with a fork. And if you’re gluten-free? No problem! I’ve included easy swaps that work just as well.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Okay, let me tell you why this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is going to become your new favorite thing to bake. First off, it is SO easy. You probably have everything in your pantry right now. No fancy techniques, I promise!

• It comes together in minutes: The streusel is just a quick mix-in-a-bowl situation, and the batter is a simple dump-and-stir.
• The texture is incredible: That sour cream creates the most tender, moist crumb you’ve ever tasted. It’s soft and buttery and just melts in your mouth.
• It’s the ultimate multitasker: Perfect for a fancy brunch centerpiece, but also totally acceptable to eat with your fingers while standing over the kitchen sink at 7 a.m. (No judgment here!).

It’s just one of those reliably delicious recipes you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Now, let’s talk ingredients, because getting these right makes all the difference! I’ve separated everything into two parts: the streusel layer (my favorite part, honestly) and the cake itself. And don’t worry, I’ve included easy gluten-free swaps too.

For the Cinnamon Streusel Layer:

• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour (or brown rice flour for gluten-free, it works just as well!)
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar (pack it tight, this is where that caramel-y goodness comes from)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (yes, a whole tablespoon, trust me, it’s worth it)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (just a hint to make the flavors pop)
• ¾ cup melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the flour)

For the Cake:

• ½ cup softened butter (leave it out for 30 minutes, it should dent when you press it)
• 1 cup sugar (regular granulated is perfect)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature blends smoother)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation, it matters!)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or see gluten-free mix below)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (just enough lift without making it spongy)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (extra warmth in every bite)
• ½ cup sour cream (full-fat for the best texture, this is the magic ingredient!)

Gluten-Free Alternative for the Cake:

• ⅔ cup brown rice flour
• ¼ cup tapioca starch
• ¼ cup potato starch

Mix these three together to replace the 1 cup of all-purpose flour in the cake batter. It’s my go-to blend, light, tender, and no one will guess it’s gluten-free!

Equipment Needed to Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Don’t worry, you don’t need any fancy gadgets for this cinnamon streusel coffee cake! Just grab these basics from your kitchen:

• 10-inch square baking pan (or a 9×13-inch works too, just adjust baking time slightly)
• Mixing bowls (one medium for streusel, one large for batter)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (though a wooden spoon and elbow grease works fine!)
• Spatula (for scraping every last bit of batter, waste not!)
• Fork (perfect for mixing that streusel into crumbly perfection)

That’s it! Now let’s get baking.

How to Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Okay, let’s get down to the fun part: making this gorgeous cinnamon streusel coffee cake! I’ll walk you through each step so you get perfect results every time. Don’t let the layers intimidate you, it’s easier than it looks, I promise!

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your 10-inch square baking pan and give it a good greasing with butter. I like to use my fingers to get into all the corners, nothing worse than a stuck cake!

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

Now for the best part, the streusel! In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour in that melted butter and stir with a fork until you’ve got lovely little clumps forming. You want some pea-sized bits and some smaller crumbs, that texture makes every bite interesting. Set this aside for now.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In your large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3-4 minutes with a mixer. Don’t rush this step! That air you’re incorporating makes the cake tender. Add eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, mixing well after each. Now gently stir in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon just until combined, no overmixing! Finally, fold in that magical sour cream until the batter is smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Here’s where the magic happens! Pour half the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly, it’ll be a thin layer. Sprinkle half the streusel over top. Gently spoon the remaining batter over this (it’s okay if some streusel peeks through). Finish with the rest of that glorious streusel, pile it on!

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Pop that beauty in the oven for 40-42 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This is crucial, let it cool completely before slicing! I know it’s hard to wait, but cutting too soon makes a crumbly mess. The anticipation makes that first bite even better!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

After making this cinnamon streusel coffee cake more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference. First, and I know I sound like a broken record, but let it cool completely before cutting! Those 30 minutes of patience mean clean slices instead of crumbly messes.

Use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream. Cold ingredients don’t mix as smoothly, and you’ll end up with dense spots in your cake. If you forget to take things out ahead of time, no worries! For eggs, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes. For butter, microwave it in 5-second bursts until it dents when pressed (but isn’t melted).

When mixing the streusel, don’t overdo it, you want clumps, not paste. And for extra crunch, try sprinkling a handful of chopped pecans into the streusel. Total game-changer!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Good news, this cinnamon streusel coffee cake is just as amazing gluten-free! The secret is my foolproof flour blend that keeps all the tenderness of the original. For the cake layer, simply swap the 1 cup all-purpose flour with ⅔ cup brown rice flour, ¼ cup tapioca starch, and ¼ cup potato starch. The streusel already uses brown rice flour, so no changes are needed there. I promise, no one will guess it’s gluten-free when they taste that perfect crumb!

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Oh, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy this beauty! Of course, it’s heavenly with a steaming cup of coffee, the cinnamon and butter flavors just sing together. For afternoon tea, a slice pairs perfectly with Earl Grey. Feeling fancy? Top it with fresh berries or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. And if we’re being honest? It’s pretty amazing straight from the pan, no plate required.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Here’s the best part about this cinnamon streusel coffee cake, it stays delicious for days! Just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).

Want to bring back that just-baked magic? Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it warm and gooey again. For extra crispiness, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to a month, perfect for those sudden coffee cake cravings!

Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Okay, let’s be real, this cinnamon streusel coffee cake isn’t health food, but everything in moderation, right? Here’s the scoop per slice (based on cutting into 12 generous pieces):

• Calories: About 350
• Fat: 18g (11g saturated, butter makes it better!)
• Carbs: 45g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g

Of course, these numbers might wiggle a bit depending on your exact ingredients, especially if you use gluten-free flours or adjust the sugar. But honestly? Sometimes you just need that perfect bite of cinnamon-kissed comfort!

FAQs About Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

If you loved this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, there’s more where that came from! These cozy, easy-to-make desserts are perfect for weekend baking or sharing with loved ones. Each one brings a little sweetness and comfort to your table.

• Lemon Cream Cheese Bread: Soft, tangy, and perfect alongside tea or coffee.
• Gummy Glazed Donuts: Fun, colorful, and sure to brighten your breakfast.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cookies: Chewy, fruity cookies with a creamy touch.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread: The rich chocolate loaf that melts every heart.

These sweet bakes are simple, satisfying, and always a hit, so preheat that oven and start baking your next favorite treat!

A Perfect Ending with Coffee

This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. Soft, buttery layers meet a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crunchy streusel topping that melts perfectly with a cup of hot coffee. It’s simple to make yet feels like something straight from a bakery.

Now it’s your turn to try this cozy classic! Whip it up for brunch, a family breakfast, or a lazy weekend treat. I’d love to hear how it turned out, so leave a comment below with your thoughts or favorite variations. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more comforting bakes like this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake. Trust me, once you take that first crumbly bite, you’ll be hooked!

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