Name: Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490613H30M51S
Total time: PT-490613H30M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

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If you’ve ever wanted to wow your friends (or just treat yourself) to a warm, cozy breakfast that’s bursting with flavor and texture, this Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Imagine biting into a tender, buttery cake topped with a delightfully crumbly cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the perfect excuse to start your morning on a sweet note or make your brunch gathering feel just a bit more special. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for comfort and indulgence in one delicious package.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six square pieces of cinnamon swirl cake with a textured, golden-brown top layer filled with cinnamon swirls. One piece is on a small white plate with a thin beige rim, with a fork holding a bite-sized piece showing the soft, light beige inside of the cake. Around the plate, more cake squares are placed on a white marbled surface, some with small crumbs scattered around. To the left, there is a white cup filled with dark black coffee. A light gray cloth is folded in the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully simple, with ingredients that are pantry staples but come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a role—flour and baking powder provide the structure, butter adds richness, and cinnamon brings that warm, aromatic kick we all crave.

Flour (1 1/2 cups): Acts as the base, giving the cake its soft, airy texture.
Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake gently for balanced flavor without overpowering.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays light.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat.
Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture to keep the crumb tender and soft.
Melted butter (1/4 cup): Infuses richness and a buttery crumb foundation.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to a fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Creates the sweet, caramel-like component of the streusel topping.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides that irresistible classic spice punch in the streusel.
Cold butter (1/4 cup, cubed): Combined with flour and sugar for that perfect crumbly topping.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×8 inch baking pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake will bake evenly and won’t stick, making it easy to serve and enjoy.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, then stir gently until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick but easy to spread; this balance is key to a tender cake crumb underneath the streusel.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. This streusel topping is where the magic truly happens—those buttery bits of cinnamon goodness that crunch just right.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then sprinkle that crumbly streusel topping generously over the surface. Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice those golden edges and the irresistible smell filling your kitchen, signaling your cake is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of crumb cake with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a light yellow, soft sponge cake. The middle layer is a thin, darker brown cinnamon swirl that runs horizontally through the cake. On top is a thick crumb layer made of golden brown, crumbly streusel with a rough texture, and it is drizzled with white icing in thin, uneven lines. The cake slice sits on a piece of brown parchment paper on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to add a little flair, try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for extra sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also complement the cinnamon notes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve your coffee cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to amplify the cozy vibes. For a heartier brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into mini squares for a buffet or party tray, or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert twist. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper makes for delightful gifts or tasty weekday treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover coffee cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will help maintain that irresistible soft crumb and crunchy topping without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last up to two months this way. To defrost, simply let it come to room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To enjoy your coffee cake warm, reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that luscious streusel crisp.

FAQs

Can I add nuts to this Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a fantastic addition to the streusel topping, adding crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Is this coffee cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it doesn’t include any meat products. It’s perfect for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Just choose an unsweetened variety to keep the sweetness balanced and texture just right.

What’s the best pan size for this recipe?

An 8×8 inch square pan is ideal to ensure the cake bakes evenly and has the perfect thickness for that tender crumb and crisp streusel.

How long will the cake stay fresh?

Freshly baked, your coffee cake will stay moist and delicious for about two days at room temperature. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing will help preserve it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make treat that feels homemade and special, this Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe ticks every box. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply indulging yourself with a warm slice paired with your favorite morning beverage. Give it a try—you just might find yourself baking it again and again.

Sara

Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need