Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of coffee cake to make a morning feel special. With its tender vanilla cake, sweet cinnamon swirl, and crumbly streusel topping, this old-fashioned favorite has been a staple at farmhouse breakfast tables for generations.

Despite its name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee — it’s simply the perfect partner for a hot cup of joe or tea. The magic lies in the contrast: soft, buttery cake paired with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that gives every bite a cozy warmth.

Whether served at brunch, tucked into a lunchbox, or enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up, coffee cake is a simple pleasure that feels nostalgic and comforting. Baked in a classic 9×13 pan, it feeds a crowd and keeps beautifully — making it ideal for Sunday mornings, holidays, or anytime you want to bring a little sweetness to the table.

Variations

• Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries to batter.
• Apple Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup diced apples to the cinnamon filling layer.
• Glazed Coffee Cake: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.

Substitutions

• Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
• Butter: Use margarine if needed, though flavor is richer with butter.
• Nuts: Omit for a nut-free cake or swap with sunflower seeds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, buttery cake + cinnamon crunch = a farmhouse classic that never goes out of style.

A True Farmhouse Staple

Coffee cake has been baked in farm kitchens for decades, especially when company was expected for morning coffee.

Best Ways to Serve

Serve warm with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Perfect for potlucks, brunch tables, or weekday breakfasts.

FAQs

Q: Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake the day before and keep covered. It stays moist and flavorful.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, bake in two 9×13 pans.

Q: Does coffee cake contain coffee?
A: No — it’s named for being served with coffee, not made with it.

Q: Can I make coffee cake in a bundt pan?
A: Yes, grease well and bake 50–55 minutes.

Jana Rae

Classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake

Classic cinnamon streusel coffee cake with a buttery vanilla base and crumb topping. A cozy farmhouse recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 15 squares

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped nuts optional — walnuts or pecans work well

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter cubed
• ½ cup chopped nuts optional

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Method

 

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until smooth.
5. Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon filling. Top with remaining batter.
6. In a small bowl, mix streusel ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
7. Bake 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Keeps well covered at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerated for 5.
• Freeze in slices for up to 2 months.
• Best enjoyed slightly warm with coffee or tea.