Cakes & Cupcakes
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Tender, buttery coffee cake with a thick cinnamon streusel layer and sweet vanilla glaze. The perfect brunch centerpiece or afternoon treat.
The Ultimate Brunch Centerpiece
If I could serve only one baked good at brunch for the rest of my life, this cinnamon streusel coffee cake would be it. It is buttery and tender, warmly spiced, and has serious streusel commitment — a thick crumbly layer hidden in the middle and another on top. The sour cream in the batter keeps it moist for days, and the vanilla glaze drizzled over the warm cake catches the light like little rivers of sugar. It is also one of those rare baked goods that actually tastes better on day two.
Baker’s Tips
- Make the streusel first and refrigerate it while you prepare the batter — cold streusel holds its crumbly shape during baking, while warm streusel melts into the cake and disappears.
- Keep the streusel deliberately chunky with pea-sized pieces of butter — those nuggets melt during baking and create crispy, shattering clusters.
- Use the toothpick test for doneness since the streusel topping makes it hard to judge by look alone — insert it through the cake portion, not just the streusel.
- This cake is completely make-ahead: bake and glaze the night before, store at room temperature, and warm slices in the morning.
Variations
- Blueberry Coffee Cake: Toss 1 cup of fresh blueberries with 1 tablespoon of flour and scatter over the first layer of batter before adding the streusel.
- Apple Cinnamon: Peel and dice 2 medium apples, toss with sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then layer them in with the streusel for a fall-inspired version.
- Pecan Streusel: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the streusel mixture for extra crunch and nuttiness.
If you love the warming spices in this cake, my banana bread shares that same cozy quality.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
Cinnamon Streusel
Vanilla Glaze
Instructions
- 1
Make the Streusel
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and work them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, clumpy crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Refrigerate while you make the batter.
- 2
Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round springform pan with butter and dust lightly with flour.
- 3
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- 4
Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the flour mixture to the batter and mix on low until just combined. Add the sour cream and mix briefly, then add the remaining flour and mix until just incorporated. The batter will be thick.
- 5
Layer and Bake
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly over the batter. Dollop the remaining batter on top and carefully spread to cover the streusel layer. Top with the remaining streusel. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden.
- 6
Make the Glaze and Serve
While the cake cools for 10 minutes, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add more milk as needed for a drizzleable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake in a zigzag pattern. Let the glaze set for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12). Values are approximate.
| Calories | 340 calories |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Fiber | 0.8g |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does coffee cake actually contain coffee?
No. Coffee cake is named because it is traditionally served alongside coffee, not because it contains coffee as an ingredient. It is a buttery, streusel-topped cake meant for breakfast or brunch.
Can I make this the night before?
Yes. Bake and glaze the cake, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. It keeps beautifully overnight at room temperature. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 seconds before serving.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt works as a perfect 1:1 substitute and produces a virtually identical result.
Reader Reviews
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