Welcome to my kitchen! If you love the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon, you’re in for a treat. This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is simple to make and truly delicious. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. I’ll share tips on picking the best ingredients and tricks to create a moist cake topped with crunchy streusel. Let’s dive in and bake something amazing together!

Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make a delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
These ingredients come together to create a rich and moist cake with a crunchy topping.
Optional Add-ins for Flavor
You can add extra flavor to your cake. Here are some ideas:
- Chopped fruit: Try adding apples or pears for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate chips: These add sweetness and richness.
- More nuts: If you love nuts, add more walnuts or pecans.
- Citrus zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest brightens up the flavor.
Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!
Tips for Choosing Quality Ingredients
Choosing the best ingredients makes your cake taste great. Here are some tips:
- Flour: Use fresh all-purpose flour. Check the date on the bag.
- Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for rich flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs make for a fluffier cake. Look for organic if possible.
- Sour cream: A creamy, full-fat sour cream adds moisture.
- Spices: Use fresh cinnamon for a strong and warm flavor.
Good ingredients lead to a great outcome. Enjoy your baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven heats, grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. This helps the cake come out easily after baking. It also prevents sticking.
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream ½ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step adds air and helps your cake rise. Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. This keeps the cake light.
Creating the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. If you like, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Combine these ingredients well.
Layering the Ingredients
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the streusel mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over this layer. Finally, finish with the last of the streusel mixture on top.
Baking the Coffee Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, dust the top with ¼ cup of powdered sugar. This adds a lovely touch and makes it look fancy. Now, you can cut it into squares. Enjoy your warm coffee cake!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making cinnamon streusel coffee cake, watch out for a few common errors. First, do not over-mix your batter. Mixing too much makes the cake dense. Second, make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven that is too hot can burn the cake, while one that is too cool will leave it soggy. Lastly, ensure you let the cake cool before dusting with powdered sugar. If you do this too soon, the sugar will melt and disappear.
How to Achieve Perfect Texture
To get the perfect texture, use room-temperature ingredients. Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Also, make sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can create a dry cake. Use the spoon and level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will help you get the right amount. Lastly, bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This ensures your cake is moist and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions for Best Enjoyment
Serve your coffee cake warm for the best taste. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely treat. You can also add fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, on the side. If you want an extra touch, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. This makes for a delightful dessert option!
Variations
Nut-Free Option
You can easily skip the nuts in the cinnamon streusel. Just leave out the walnuts or pecans. This change makes the cake safe for those with nut allergies. It still tastes great! The streusel will be just as sweet and crunchy without them.
Seasonal Variations (e.g., Pumpkin or Apple)
You can switch things up for the seasons. Try adding pumpkin puree for a fall treat. Use one cup of pumpkin instead of sour cream. You can add pumpkin spice for extra flavor. For summer, add fresh apples. Chop them into small pieces and fold them into the batter. This adds a lovely fruity taste.
Alternative Toppings or Frostings
If you want to change the topping, consider a cream cheese glaze. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little milk. Drizzle it on top after the cake cools. For a lighter option, dust with extra powdered sugar or even cinnamon. Each choice gives your coffee cake a new twist!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help it stay moist. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, the fridge is a good option. Just know that it may dry out a bit.
Freezing Instructions for Longer Storage
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, cut it into squares for easy serving. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just pull out a piece.
Reheating Tips for Freshness
To enjoy your cake warm, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat for 15 to 20 seconds, but be careful not to make it tough. Enjoy your cake with a fresh cup of coffee!
FAQs
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain yogurt as a sour cream substitute. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also use buttermilk or a mix of milk and vinegar. Each option keeps the cake moist and tasty.
Can I make this coffee cake vegan?
Yes, you can make this coffee cake vegan. Use plant-based butter and substitute eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg. For sour cream, use unsweetened coconut yogurt or another dairy-free yogurt.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?
Check the cake after 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes. Always let it cool before cutting.
This blog post shared key steps to bake a great coffee cake. You learned about essential ingredients and fun add-ins to enhance flavor. We covered precise instructions, tips for perfect texture, and creative variations. Storing leftovers and reheating keep your cake fresh and tasty.
Enjoying coffee cake brings family and friends together. With these tips, you can bake one that everyone will love. Happy baking!

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