Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake: A Heavenly Delight for Every Occasion

This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake recipe is a classic for a reason! The moist, tender cake, the sweet and crunchy streusel topping, and the warm cinnamon flavor create a perfect harmony that’s irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend breakfast, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a comforting treat, this coffee cake is sure to impress. This detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you bake the perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake every time.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why it consistently delivers delicious results:

* **Moist and Tender Cake:** The combination of sour cream and buttermilk ensures a supremely moist and tender cake crumb, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly.
* **Perfect Streusel Topping:** The streusel is made with a generous amount of butter, flour, and sugar, creating a crumbly and golden-brown topping that’s both sweet and crunchy. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting spice.
* **Cinnamon Swirl:** The cinnamon swirl baked into the center of the cake adds another layer of flavor and moisture, making each bite even more delightful.
* **Easy to Follow Instructions:** The recipe is broken down into clear and concise steps, making it easy for even novice bakers to achieve success.
* **Versatile:** The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. You can add different spices, fruits, or nuts to customize the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed for the cake and streusel, along with some notes on substitutions and recommendations:

For the Streusel Topping:

* **1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the streusel.
* **1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy texture.
* **1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar:** Adds a hint of molasses flavor and contributes to the moistness of the streusel.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Provides the signature warm and spicy flavor.
* **1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes:** The cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture. Using room temperature butter will result in a paste-like streusel.
* **1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional):** Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

For the Cake:

* **2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the cake.
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* **1/2 teaspoon baking soda:** Another leavening agent that reacts with the sour cream to create a light and airy texture.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened:** Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
* **1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
* **2 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the cake.
* **1 cup (240ml) sour cream:** Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results. You can substitute with Greek yogurt, but the texture may be slightly different.
* **1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk:** Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake. You can make a substitute by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

* **1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness to the swirl.
* **2 teaspoons ground cinnamon:** Provides the signature cinnamon flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking pan:** This is the standard size for coffee cake. You can also use a 9-inch square pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the streusel and cake batter.
* **Electric mixer (stand or hand-held):** Makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar and mix the batter.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Rubber spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
* **Parchment paper (optional):** For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to prevent it from melting and creating a sticky mixture.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
5. Set the streusel topping aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cake. Use an electric mixer and beat for at least 3-5 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and buttermilk.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

Step 3: Assemble the Coffee Cake

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
2. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
4. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire cake.

Step 4: Bake the Coffee Cake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil.
2. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Coffee Cake

* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Softened butter and room temperature eggs will incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother and more even texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Cold Butter for the Streusel:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly streusel. If the butter is too soft, the streusel will be greasy and clumpy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
* **Let the Cake Cool Before Slicing:** This allows the cake to set properly, making it easier to slice and preventing it from crumbling.
* **Grease and Flour the Pan Thoroughly:** This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and ensures easy removal. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance.
* **Rotate the Pan Halfway Through Baking:** This ensures that the cake bakes evenly.

Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add Fruit:** Add a layer of fresh berries, sliced apples, or peaches to the center of the cake for a fruity twist. Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries work particularly well.
* **Add Nuts:** Incorporate chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cake batter or streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the batter before adding the streusel topping for a chocolatey treat. Mini chocolate chips work best.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the streusel topping, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger.
* **Make a Glaze:** Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and visual appeal. To make a glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth.
* **Add Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, to change the flavor profile of the cake.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Serving Suggestions

* **Enjoy it Warm:** Serve the coffee cake warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Pair it with Coffee or Tea:** Coffee cake is a classic accompaniment to coffee or tea.
* **Serve it for Breakfast or Brunch:** Coffee cake is a perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Bring it to a Potluck:** Coffee cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to transport and share.
* **Give it as a Gift:** A homemade coffee cake makes a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the coffee cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Detailed Recipe

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 25 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

**For the Streusel Topping:**

* 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

**For the Cake:**

* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
* 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk

**For the Cinnamon Swirl:**

* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

**Prepare the Streusel Topping:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
3. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the butter cold to prevent it from melting and creating a sticky mixture.
4. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
5. Set the streusel topping aside.

**Prepare the Cake Batter:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and buttermilk.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

**Assemble the Coffee Cake:**

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
2. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
4. Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer and spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the entire cake.

**Bake the Coffee Cake:**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil.
2. Let the coffee cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy!

This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its moist and tender crumb, sweet and crunchy streusel topping, and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Happy baking!