Cinnamon Coffee Cake With Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe

I love whipping up my Traditional Coffee Cake using simple ingredients like all purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, and sour cream. Infused with a touch of cinnamon and crowned with a brown sugar and butter streusel, every bite is a delightful burst of flavor that keeps me coming back for more.

I’ve been working on this Cinnamon Coffee Cake With Streusel Crumb Topping for a while now and it’s honestly one of the best recipes I’ve come across lately. The cake is incredibly moist and buttery, with just the right amount of cinnamon flavor that makes it perfect whether you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast pastry or a dessert after dinner.

I mix 2 cups of all purpose flour with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter softened just right, and a couple of large eggs. Then i fold in sour cream to add a tangy richness alongside a hint of vanilla extract.

The star of the show, though, is the streusel crumb topping made from a blend of all purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon mixed with cold butter cubes. This twist on a traditional treat reminds me of some of the best coffee cake recipes i’ve seen around, taking simple ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it always comes out super moist and buttery, making every bite a treat. I love the crunchy streusel topping that adds a nice texture and sweet kick of cinnamon. I enjoy that its versatility means i can have it for breakfast or as a dessert, which makes it really practical. Plus, the way the recipe mixes simple ingredients together gives it a cozy, homemade feel that always reminds me of family gatherings. Finally, its aroma filling the kitchen is just irresistible even on a busy morning.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides structure and carbohydrates fueling energy for rising cakes.
• Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter enriches flavor with healthy fats and moist texture.
• Eggs bind ingredients together, offering protein and improved consistency during baking.
• Sour cream gives tangy moisture and enhances the cake’s softness and flavor.
• Brown sugar in the streusel topping adds crunchy texture and extra sweet spice.
• Vanilla extract provides warm aroma and accentuates other ingredients.
• Ground cinnamon infuses a warm spice, balancing sweetness with a touch of heat.
• Baking soda and powder help the cake rise creating a light layer.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup all purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round pan or a similar sized baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tsp ground cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture.

5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the batter into your greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. For the streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Add 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed, and mix with your fingers or a pastry blender until it forms crumbly pieces.

8. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.

9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done.

10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack. Enjoy it warm as a delicious breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. A 9-inch round pan or similar sized baking dish plus something to grease it
3. Two large mixing bowls – one for sifting the dry ingredients and another for creaming the butter and sugar
4. A set of measuring cups and spoons
5. A sifter for the dry ingredients
6. An electric mixer or a whisk to cream butter and sugar
7. A spatula for smoothing the batter in the pan
8. A small bowl for mixing the streusel topping
9. A pastry blender or a fork (or even your fingers) to mix the cold butter into the streusel ingredients
10. A toothpick to test for doneness while baking
11. A cooling rack to let the cake cool after it comes out of the oven

FAQ

Cinnamon Coffee Cake With Streusel Crumb Topping Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in an equal measure. It gives a tangy flavor that works great
• If you don’t have all purpose flour, try using whole wheat flour but keep in mind it might make the cake a bit denser so you might need a smidge more liquid
• Margarine or a plant based butter can be used instead of unsalted butter so just use the same amount
• Granulated sugar can be swapped for an equal amount of coconut sugar to give the cake a hint of caramel flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before you start so everything mixes together smooth and doesn’t cause lumps.
2. Be careful when you mix your batter. Stir it just until the dry bits are mostly blended in so you dont develop too much gluten that can make your cake heavy.
3. When making the streusel topping, work quickly with the cold butter so you get those nice crumbly pieces that add a great crunch.
4. Check for doneness with a toothpick, but don’t worry if it comes out with a few sticky crumbs – that usually means your cake is moist and fresh.