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This cinnamon coffee cake boasts a moist, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth, with an irresistible ribbon of cinnamon swirl nestled inside.
This classic cinnamon coffee cake recipe yields 12 slices and delivers nostalgic warmth in every bite, perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, family gatherings, or potlucks.
We use vanilla, butter, eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk all at room temperature to create a bakery-quality flavor that’s both cozy and sophisticated.
Our cinnamon streusel coffee cake features a crispy crumb topping made with melted butter, ensuring every bit is evenly coated in fat so it bakes up golden, crunchy, and never soggy.
Forget dry, crumbly coffee cakes; this old-fashioned cinnamon coffee cake is incredibly moist, perfectly sweet, and stays tender for days.
We guarantee it will become one of your all-time favorite coffee cake recipes.
✅ Read the entire article to ensure you’re fully prepared with all the necessary equipment and ingredients. The full recipe and cooking instructions are below.
Key Ingredients for this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
For our cinnamon coffee cake recipe, each component plays a vital part in achieving that perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and texture.
1. All-Purpose Flour
- This forms the structural backbone of our cinnamon coffee cake.
- While it provides the necessary framework, careful measurement (spooned and leveled, not scooped!) is crucial to prevent a dense, dry cake.
- It’s the canvas upon which all other flavors are painted.
2. Unsalted Butter
- Butter is a star in this recipe, used in two forms.
- Softened butter in the cake batter contributes richness, moisture, and helps create a tender crumb when creamed with sugar by incorporating air.
- Melted butter in the streusel is the secret to its irresistible crispiness, ensuring each crumb is evenly coated and bakes up golden and distinct.
3. Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar
- Granulated sugar provides the base sweetness and aids in tenderness by creating air pockets when creamed with butter.
- Light brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds a deeper, more complex flavor, extra moisture, and contributes to the beautiful caramelization in both the cake and the streusel.
4. Large Eggs
- Eggs are the binders, bringing all the ingredients together.
- Their yolks contribute richness and tenderness, while the whites provide structure, ensuring the cake holds its shape beautifully.
- Using them at room temperature is key for smooth incorporation into the batter.
5. Full-Fat Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- This is truly a secret weapon for an incredibly moist and tender crumb.
- Greek yogurt, in particular, is superior due to its higher protein content (which retains moisture), higher lactose (for richer caramelization), and increased acidity (which tenderizes the crumb and reacts with baking soda for better lift).
- It adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the coffee cake’s sweetness.
6. Whole Milk
- Milk helps thin the batter to the right consistency, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
- The fat in whole milk further enhances the cake’s richness.
7. Baking Powder & Baking Soda
- These are our leavening agents, responsible for the cake’s rise and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda specifically reacts with the acidity of the Greek yogurt or sour cream to create carbon dioxide, giving the cake its airy lift.
8. Ground Cinnamon
- Cinnamon infuses the coffee cake with its signature warm, aromatic spice, creating that classic swirl and enhancing the streusel topping.
- Hints of nutmeg and cardamom can be added for even greater depth of flavor.
9. Pure Vanilla Extract
- A flavor enhancer that adds warmth, depth, and a comforting aroma to the cake.
- Pure vanilla extract offers the best results.
10. Salt
- A small but mighty ingredient, salt balances the sweetness, enhances all the other flavors, and contributes to the overall texture of the cake.
Equipment You’ll Need for Making This Coffee Cake Recipe
To create this delicious cinnamon coffee cake, a few key pieces of equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This standard size is ideal for the recipe, ensuring proper cake thickness and baking time.
- Parchment Paper: Essential for lining the baking pan, it prevents sticking and makes lifting the cooled cake out incredibly easy, especially with a crumb topping.
- Mixing Bowls (various sizes): Multiple bowls are needed for separating wet and dry ingredients, as well as preparing the streusel and cinnamon swirl. Stainless steel bowls are a durable and versatile choice.
- Whisk: For combining dry ingredients and whisking liquids, ensuring a smooth mixture and incorporating air.
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): A hand mixer is perfectly sufficient and more space-efficient than a stand mixer, saving time and effort when creaming butter and sugar and mixing the batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is the secret to a perfectly baked cake, so a good quality set is invaluable for both dry and liquid ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the sides of bowls and gently folding ingredients, ensuring everything is thoroughly incorporated without overmixing.
- Wire Rack: Crucial for cooling the cake evenly after it comes out of the oven, allowing air circulation to prevent sogginess.
- Small Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the butter for the streusel topping.
Quick Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Achieving that perfect, bakery-quality cinnamon coffee cake is within reach with these expert tips:
1. Don’t Rush Room Temperature
- Allowing butter, eggs, and dairy to come to room temperature is not merely a suggestion; it is a fundamental step for proper emulsification and a tender cake.
- If time is short, for eggs, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Measure Flour Accurately
- Always spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.
- Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, adding too much and leading to a dry, dense cake.
3. Chill the Streusel
- This step is crucial for a crispy, distinct streusel topping.
- Chilling the streusel for at least 10-15 minutes before sprinkling it over the batter helps the butter firm up.
- It prevents it from melting too quickly into the cake during baking and ensuring those delightful crumbs remain separate and crunchy.
4. Avoid Overmixing the Batter
- Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet, mix only until just combined.
- Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, chewy, and dry cake.
- A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and contribute to a tender crumb.
5. Trust Your Oven, Not Just the Timer
- Baking times are always approximate. Ovens vary, and even the type of pan can affect baking duration.
- Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the minimum recommended time.
- The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs, and the top springs back when gently pressed.
6. Cooling is Key
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to remove it or glaze it.
- This allows the cake to set properly, preventing it from crumbling or breaking when handled.
7. Storage
- This cinnamon coffee cake stores beautifully.
- Keep leftover cake well-wrapped at room temperature for several days (up to 2 days for optimal freshness) or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- It is generally not recommended to refrigerate the coffee cake unless it contains cream cheese, as it can dry out the cake.
Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake Topping Ideas
While our classic streusel crumb topping and vanilla glaze are undeniably perfect, the world of coffee cake toppings offers endless possibilities for creativity and flavor exploration.
Here are some ideas to inspire your next bake:
1. Fruit-Infused Streusel
- Rhubarb Streusel: Incorporate macerated rhubarb into your streusel for a tart, jammy contrast that’s perfect for spring.
- Apple or Pear Crumb: Dice fresh apples or pears and mix them into the streusel or layer them within the cake for a moist, fruity addition. You can even add raisins for an apple-raisin crumb cake.
- Blueberry or Chocolate Chip Streusel: For a versatile twist, add fresh blueberries or mini chocolate chips to your streusel mixture.
2. Nutty Variations
- Toasted Almonds: Sprinkle toasted sliced or chopped almonds over the top, either alone or combined with the streusel, for added crunch and a delicate nutty flavor.
- Pecan-Studded Topping: A pecan-studded topping bakes to autumnal perfection, offering a rich, buttery crunch.
- Nigella Seed Streusel: For a unique, savory-sweet twist, try a streusel incorporating nigella seeds, which offer a slightly oniony, nutty flavor.
3. Flavorful Glazes & Drizzles
- Espresso Glaze: For coffee lovers, a glaze made with freshly brewed espresso or instant espresso powder adds a bold, complementary flavor that enhances the coffee cake experience.
- Chocolate Glaze: A glossy chocolate glaze can add a touch of elegance and richness, especially if the cake is scented with orange zest.
- Maple Butter Drizzle: A simple drizzle made from melted butter, pure maple syrup, and powdered sugar offers a warm, comforting sweetness.
4. Unique Swirls & Fillings
- Frangipane and Cherry Preserves: Inspired by classic tarts, swirling rich frangipane (almond cream) and vibrant cherry preserves into the batter creates a sophisticated and flavorful interior.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Beyond cinnamon, incorporating pumpkin pie spice into your streusel or cinnamon swirl can add a cozy, autumnal depth.
Final Remarks
I’ve baked countless coffee cakes over the years, and this recipe shines for its simplicity and balance.
The Greek yogurt in the batter adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness, while the cinnamon swirl offers a flavor burst without overwhelming your palate.
The streusel is the pièce de résistance; cold butter grated into dry ingredients makes the topping extra flaky.
Do not rely solely on a timer; oven temperatures and different bakeware can change how fast your cake bakes.
Always look for golden-brown edges, a lightly golden top, and a springy feel when gently pressed in the center to know it’s ready.
A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
An internal temperature of 200°F (93°C) is also a reliable indicator of doneness.
Happy baking.
Best Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Crumb Topping
Description
This easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe yields twelve generous slices of moist, buttery cake swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a crunchy streusel crumb, perfect alongside your morning coffee or as a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
For the Cinnamon Swirl/Filling
For the Streusel Crumb Topping
For the Vanilla Glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Pan
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- For effortless removal and cleanup, line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the longer sides to create convenient "handles".
- Lightly spray the parchment and the exposed sides of the pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Make the Streusel Crumb Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, both brown and granulated sugars, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for the streusel.
- Pour in the melted unsalted butter.
- Using a fork, stir the mixture until it is evenly moistened and forms a variety of crumb sizes, ranging from fine to larger, chunky pieces.
- Avoid overmixing as it could turn the mixture into a paste.
- For those who prefer extra chunky crumbs, gently squeeze some of the smaller crumbles together with your hands.
- Place the bowl of streusel in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes while the rest of the cake is prepared.
- This chilling step is vital; it helps the butter firm up, ensuring the crumbs hold their shape and remain crispy during baking, rather than melting into the cake.
Mix the Cinnamon Swirl/Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the optional unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Whisk them together until well combined. If using, add the nutmeg and cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Set this mixture aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set this mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically about 2-3 minutes.
- Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl once more.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the room temperature Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and whole milk until combined.
- Small lumps, if present, are perfectly acceptable and will not negatively impact the final cake texture.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the wet yogurt/milk mixture.
- A good pattern is to begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., add 1/3 dry, then 1/2 wet, then 1/3 dry, then the remaining 1/2 wet, and finally the last 1/3 dry).
- Mix just until combined.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour approximately half (a scant 3 cups, or roughly 28 ounces by weight if using a kitchen scale) of the cake batter into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Evenly sprinkle about two-thirds of the prepared cinnamon swirl/filling mixture over this first layer of batter.
- Carefully spoon dollops of the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon layer, then gently spread it out to cover the filling completely.
- It might appear that there isn't enough batter, but trust the process; the cake will rise as it bakes.
- For a beautiful marbled effect, take a table knife and gently swirl the cinnamon filling into the top layer of batter.
- Do not overmix; just a few gentle swirls will create lovely ribbons.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl/filling mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
- Finally, retrieve the chilled streusel topping from the refrigerator.
- Using your hands, sprinkle the streusel generously and evenly over the entire surface of the cake batter.
Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is fully baked.
Check for Doneness
- The cake is ready when the edges are a dark golden brown, the top is a medium-golden color with no light patches, and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- When gently pressed in the middle, the cake should spring back.
- If the center appears to sink, it likely needs a bit more time in the oven.
- An internal temperature of 200°F (93°C) also indicates complete doneness.
Cool the Cake
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes.
- This initial cooling period in the pan helps the cake set properly and prevents it from breaking apart when transferred.
Add Vanilla Glaze
- While the cake is cooling (ideally still warm, but not hot, for best absorption), prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches the desired drizzling consistency.
- It should be thick enough to cling to the cake but thin enough to flow smoothly.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm (but not hot) coffee cake.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy your homemade cinnamon coffee cake.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Serving Size Approximately 148.5 grams per slice
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 461.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Saturated Fat 14g70%
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 274mg12%
- Potassium 76mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 67g23%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 58g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 564 IU
- Calcium 124 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 19 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Mix the batter only until the flour disappears to avoid a tough, dry cake.
- Watch for golden edges and use a clean toothpick, not just the clock, to know when your cake is done.
- Let the cake rest in the pan so it sets properly and doesn’t fall apart.
- Use room-temperature ingredients to help your batter mix smoothly and bake up tender.
- Spoon and level your flour to prevent adding too much and making the cake dense.
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