If you’re craving something cozy, cinnamon-swirled, and topped with buttery crunch, this Streusel Coffee Cake is exactly what your mornings—or any moment of the day—need. This tender cake is layered with a rich cinnamon filling and crowned with a crunchy streusel topping that brings comfort with every bite. Whether served warm with coffee or chilled straight from the fridge, this cake is an absolute classic that never goes out of style.
About The Recipe
I’ve always had a soft spot for a warm slice of coffee cake—especially when there’s a generous layer of crumbly streusel involved. This recipe is inspired by the simple joys of weekend brunches with my family, where someone always insisted on picking up “just a little something sweet” from the bakery. But let me tell you, once I started baking this Streusel Coffee Cake at home, we never looked back!
What makes this recipe truly special is the dual-layer approach. First, a moist, buttery vanilla cake forms the base. Then we swirl in a rich cinnamon sugar filling and top it with a golden-brown streusel that’s sweet, spiced, and just a little crisp. The combination is absolutely irresistible and guaranteed to win over a crowd—or just your own sweet tooth.
Whether you serve it for breakfast, a holiday brunch, or even dessert, this coffee cake is one of those bakes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Reasons You Will Love This Streusel Coffee Cake
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
- Swirled with a rich, buttery cinnamon filling.
- Topped with a golden, crumbly streusel that adds irresistible texture.
- Comes together with basic pantry staples.
- Moist, tender crumb every single time.
- Great for making ahead—stores beautifully!
- Can be served warm, room temperature, or even cold.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make this cake—just a few standard baking tools:
- Mixing Bowls (small, medium, and large)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk and Rubber Spatula
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling
- ⅔ cup (134g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Description:
This sweet, spiced mixture creates that signature swirl in the center of the cake. It adds a pop of warm cinnamon flavor and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite.
Streusel Topping
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Description:
The crumbly crown of the coffee cake! This streusel bakes into a golden, crispy topping that adds texture and richness. It’s my favorite part—hands down.
For The Cake
- 3 cups (372g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237ml) milk
Description:
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and softness.
- Baking Powder – Gives the cake its rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and tenderness.
- Granulated Sugar – For sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs – Help with structure and moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, fragrant flavor.
- Milk – Keeps the crumb soft and moist.
How To Make A Perfect Streusel Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the cinnamon filling and set it aside.
In another medium bowl, stir together the streusel topping ingredients using a fork until the mixture looks like damp sand. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the melted butter and sugar together until combined (it’ll look slightly grainy—that’s normal!). Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the milk, followed by the flour mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want a tender cake!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter. Add the remaining cake batter on top and spread gently. Then sprinkle the entire top with the streusel mixture.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will be golden and crisp. Let cool before slicing—though I won’t judge if you sneak a warm piece!
FAQ’s and Troubleshooting
Can I use oil instead of butter in the batter?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for the butter in the cake batter if needed. However, I recommend sticking with butter in the streusel topping for the best crumbly texture and flavor.
Do I need to use whole milk?
Whole milk is ideal for a rich, moist crumb, but you can use 2%, nonfat, or even a nondairy milk like almond or oat milk. If using a dairy-free option, try to go with one that’s higher in fat for best results.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake keeps beautifully! You can bake it a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped. You can even freeze slices individually and thaw them as needed for a grab-and-go treat.
Why is my streusel sinking into the cake?
If the streusel isn’t staying on top, your batter might be too thin. Make sure you’re not overmixing the cake batter, which can thin it out too much and cause the topping to sink during baking.
Can I double the cinnamon filling or streusel?
Yes! If you love that rich cinnamon flavor or the crunch of streusel (like I do), feel free to double either component. Just be mindful that it may add a few extra minutes to your bake time.
How to Achieve the Perfect Crumb
There are a few easy tricks to make sure your coffee cake turns out tender and bakery-worthy:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs and milk helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense or rubbery cake.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, expired baking powder could be the culprit.
Decorating Ideas
This streusel coffee cake is beautiful in its simplicity, but if you want to dress it up, try:
- A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
- A simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the top (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla).
- Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for an extra nutty crunch.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
How To Store
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep your coffee cake fresh:
- Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month.
- To serve from frozen, just let slices thaw at room temp or warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
