Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is the kind of bake that feels like home. Soft, buttery cake layered with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a golden, crumbly streusel, it is the perfect balance of tender and crunchy in every bite. The warm aroma of cinnamon fills the kitchen as it bakes, making it nearly impossible to wait before cutting yourself a slice. Enjoy it in the morning with coffee or as a comforting dessert any time of day.
Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Why This Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Is the Best
Buttery and Tender Crumb: Light, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth.
Sweet Cinnamon Swirl: Brings cozy flavor to every slice.
Golden Streusel Topping: Crunchy, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Crowd Pleaser: Simple to make, yet feels special and homemade.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This cake is a wonderful choice for weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or as a sweet pick-me-up with an afternoon coffee. It is also an excellent option for holidays and family celebrations since it can be baked ahead and served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredient Notes
Streusel Topping
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Base that binds butter and sugar, creating a crumbly topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and helps the topping crisp while baking.
- Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Adds warm spice that balances sweetness and pairs beautifully with coffee.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp): Binds the streusel together and gives a rich, buttery crunch.
Cake
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Structure and stability for a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Reacts with sour cream or yogurt for lift and lightness.
- Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Additional leavening to ensure the cake rises evenly.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature (1/4 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the cake crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and contributes to a soft, moist texture.
- Egg, room temperature (1 large): Binds the batter, adds richness, and supports structure.
- Sour cream, plain milk, or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Moisture and tang; sour cream or yogurt give a richer crumb, milk makes it lighter.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with warm sweetness.
Tips for Making the Best Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Use Cold Butter for the Streusel: Helps create that signature crumbly topping.
Do Not Overmix the Batter: Keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Bake Until Just Set: A toothpick should come out with only a few crumbs.
Let It Cool Slightly: The flavors develop as the cake rests.
Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
With Fresh Coffee or Tea: The classic way to enjoy coffee cake.
With Fresh Fruit: Serve with berries for brightness and color.
As a Brunch Centerpiece: Pair with savory dishes for a balanced spread.
Warm with Ice Cream: A cozy dessert option for evenings.
A Must Try
Every slice of this Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping is full of warmth and comfort. From the tender cake to the sweet cinnamon swirl and crumbly topping, it is a timeless bake that never fails to bring joy. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save a piece for later, this cake will quickly become a household favorite.
Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Be sure to check out these other delicious recipes!
Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Ingredients
Streusel topping
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain whole milk or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8x8-inch square pan and give it a light spray with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside for now.
Make the streusel topping:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and use your hands to mix until it looks crumbly and delicious. Set aside.
Now for the cake:
- In another medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. That’s your dry mix, set it aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until it’s nice and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla, and beat for another minute until everything is smooth.
- Switch the mixer to low speed and slowly add in the dry mix. Blend until just combined, don’t overmix! Scrape down the sides as you go to keep things even.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula. It will look thin, but trust me, it puffs up beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the streusel all over the top and gently press it down with your fingertips. It might feel like too much topping, but honestly, that’s the best part!
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake is set and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
- Take the cake out and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This cake is at its very best on day 1 or 2, but you can definitely make it a day ahead if you’d like. Just cover it and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to save it for later? You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or leave it out at room temperature for a few hours. (Check the post for ideas on how to reheat it if you want it warm again!) Optional Glaze
If you’d like a little extra sweetness, whisk together 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share it with your foodie friends!
Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Anonymous
Looks fab!!!!
Holly Henry
Thank you so much! 🥰 It really is as good as it looks! 💛🍰