Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Name: Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 0.75 cup brown sugar; 0.333 cup all-purpose flour; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt; 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt; 1.5 cups white sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 0.75 cup milk; 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook Time: 40 minutes

If you're looking for a versatile recipe that works for brunch, dessert, or everything in between, this cinnamon streusel coffee cake is the perfect choice. With its buttery brown sugar-cinnamon filling, crunchy pecans, and delicate, crumbly cake layers, it pairs wonderfully with coffee and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for outdoor entertaining or a picnic, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Reviewers recommend avoiding margarine for the streusel as butters rich texture and flavor are irreplaceable. You can easily make it allergy-friendly by omitting the pecans, though they do add a lovely crunch and texture.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Layer: cup brown sugar, cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping: 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, teaspoon kosher salt, cup unsalted butter (softened)
Cake: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 cups white sugar, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, cup milk, 1 (8 ounce) sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Prepare the Cinnamon Layer: In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
Prepare the Streusel Topping: In another small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.
Make the Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a stand mixer, beat sugar and butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, mixing just until combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla, and beat for another 30 seconds.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon layer evenly over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Spread the streusel topping evenly over the cake, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks to the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 652
Total Fat: 29g (37% DV)
Saturated Fat: 17g (85% DV)
Cholesterol: 120mg (40% DV)
Sodium: 217mg (9% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 92g (34% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars: 52g
Protein: 8g (16% DV)
Calcium: 156mg (12% DV)
Iron: 3mg (16% DV)
Potassium: 163mg (3% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History of Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

The Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a beloved dessert that traces its roots to the rich baking traditions of Germany. Known as "Streuselkuchen" in German, this cake has been enjoyed for centuries, traditionally as a coffee companion. The word "streusel" itself refers to the crumbly, sugary topping that gives the cake its signature texture and flavor. While coffee cakes were a staple in German households, their popularity quickly spread to other parts of Europe and later to the United States in the 19th century, where they were adapted and evolved with local ingredients. The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sugar in the streusel topping has remained unchanged for generations, becoming a hallmark of the classic coffee cake.

Regional Variations of the Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is widely loved across many cultures, with each region adding its own unique twist. In the United States, it has become a common feature at brunch tables, particularly during holidays and special gatherings. Variations often include the addition of nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, which add a crunchy contrast to the moist crumb. In Germany, Streuselkuchen is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee during afternoon gatherings, and different regions may use local fruits like apples or plums, creating a more fruit-forward version of the cake. In Scandinavia, coffee cakes are sometimes spiced with cardamom, giving them a distinct flavor profile that sets them apart from the traditional cinnamon version.

How Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Differs from Similar Cakes

While Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake may seem similar to other types of coffee cakes, it stands out due to its unique, crumbly streusel topping. Many coffee cakes feature a plain, soft crumb with a light glaze or frosting, but the streusel adds a delightful textural contrast. Unlike other cakes that might rely on a simple batter, this cake combines two key elements: a moist cake base and a flavorful, spiced crumb topping that includes brown sugar, flour, and butter. Additionally, the cinnamon swirl baked into the cake adds a rich, aromatic flavor, which distinguishes it from fruit-based or nut-based coffee cakes that may not offer the same warmth and sweetness.

Where is Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Typically Served?

The Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is most commonly served at breakfast or brunch, often paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It is a popular choice for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings due to its ability to feed a crowd and its ease of transport. This cake is also a favorite during the holiday season, as its comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar evoke a sense of warmth and celebration. In many households, it has become a tradition to serve this cake during special occasions like Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. Its versatility also makes it a perfect treat for casual afternoon get-togethers or as a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day.

Interesting Facts About Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Did you know that the Streusel topping is thought to have originated in Germany during the 19th century? The name "streusel" means "to sprinkle" in German, referring to the method of preparing the crumbly topping by sprinkling it over the cake batter before baking. Additionally, although the cake is typically paired with coffee, it is not a traditional dessert in the sense that it is often served without frosting or icing. The focus is on the combination of the rich, buttery cake and the sweet, spiced topping. Another fun fact is that in some variations, the streusel topping is made with nuts like walnuts or almonds, which add a delightful crunch. The recipe is quite versatile, and some bakers even experiment by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or flavored extracts to the cake base for a unique twist on the classic.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Store the leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature overnight. If you prefer to bake it ahead of time and freeze it, do so without the streusel topping, which can be added just before serving. Thaw the cake and then add the topping and bake as instructed.

You can make some substitutions, such as using non-dairy butter or a plant-based sour cream if needed. However, avoid substituting margarine for butter in the streusel, as butter gives it a richer texture and flavor. You may also swap the pecans in the topping for other nuts or omit them for an allergy-friendly version.

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but be aware that it may affect the baking time. If you use a larger or smaller pan, check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center to see if it’s done. It may take slightly less or more time depending on the pan size.

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Yes, you can adjust the cinnamon to your taste. However, be cautious when increasing the amount too much, as cinnamon can be quite potent and might overpower the other flavors in the cake.

Yes, you can replace sour cream with an equal amount of plain yogurt or buttermilk. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based sour cream alternative.

If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or not enough moisture in the batter. Ensure you are measuring the ingredients accurately, and check the cake around the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

You can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind that this may change the texture of the cake. If using gluten-free flour, ensure it's a blend designed for baking cakes.

Comments

Brian Parker

10/15/2024 12:21:45 PM

I had the pleasure of trying this coffee cake made by a coworker for a company birthday party, and it was a delight. The crumb topping reminded me of the delicious crumb doughnuts from Hostess that I adore. My wife also loved it, noting that it had the perfect consistency and wasn't overly rich. She's had many coffee cakes that were dry and too heavy, but this one was a pleasant surprise. The crumb topping was a hit with her as well. No modifications needed for this recipe – it's truly perfect. I only ended up on this website because I wanted to get the link to the recipe.

Robert Wilson

08/11/2023 11:15:19 PM

I prepared this dish in a 10-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Baked for 70 minutes, it resulted in a beautiful presentation.

Lisa Adams

01/07/2025 12:52:57 AM

I'm not sure if it was the pan I used, but it took around an hour in my oven. I swapped out half of the vanilla for rum and included cloves along with the cinnamon. I took my time evenly spreading the top layer of batter - that was the most challenging part. Overall, this recipe is a reliable choice.

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes