Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon snack. Soft, moist cake is layered with sweet cinnamon streusel, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Streusel:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Step 6: To make the streusel, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and flour in a small bowl, mixing until crumbly.
- Step 7: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 8: Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining batter on top, spreading evenly.
- Step 9: Top with the remaining streusel.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 11: Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the streusel for added crunch.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase ground cinnamon in the streusel to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Storage
Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy warm.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan to bake this coffee cake?
Yes, a 9-inch square or round baking pan works best, but you can also use a loaf pan. Adjust baking time slightly if needed and check doneness with a toothpick.
Is it possible to make this coffee cake dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. Keep other ingredients the same.
PrintClassic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
This Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a moist and tender cake bursting with sweet cinnamon flavor and topped with a crunchy crumbly streusel. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it layers simple ingredients like sour cream and cinnamon cinnamon sugar for a delightful coffee-time indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sour cream
Streusel
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This layering helps maintain the batter’s texture and moisture.
- Prepare Streusel: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, and flour until crumbly to create the perfect streusel topping.
- Layer Batter and Streusel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Then pour the remaining batter on top and spread it smooth.
- Add Remaining Streusel: Top the cake with the remaining streusel evenly to create that signature crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the coffee cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set and make slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is soft but not melted for best creaming results.
- Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang—do not substitute with something too watery.
- Streusel topping can be stored separately and added fresh before serving if you want to keep it crunchy.
- This cake tastes great slightly warmed, served with coffee or tea.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor in the streusel.
Keywords: Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Streusel Coffee Cake, Breakfast Cake, Cinnamon Cake, Sour Cream Cake

