If you have a sweet spot for rich, buttery, and delightfully crumbly treats, you’re going to adore this Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of moist cake and a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced streusel that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying a lazy weekend morning, or just craving some comforting sweetness, this coffee cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The layers of cinnamon sugar nestled inside make every morsel worth savoring. Let me walk you through how simple ingredients come together to create this unforgettable classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a rectangular baking pan filled with a smooth, creamy beige batter evenly spread on the right side, with a crumbly brown streusel topping half covering the left side. The batter has a soft, glossy texture with gentle swirls, while the streusel is coarse and crumbly, creating a strong contrast between the smooth and rough layers. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this coffee cake plays a starring role, from the tender cake crumb to the irresistibly crumbly streusel topping. This list is a testament to how pantry basics can transform into something so spectacular and memorable.

All-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy backbone, giving the cake its tender yet firm texture.
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes especially important for the streusel’s rich flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, sweet-spicy aroma that defines this coffee cake’s personality.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Ensures creaminess and richness throughout the cake and streusel.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and the cinnamon layer for that classic flavor combination.
Baking powder and baking soda: The perfect duo for that fluffy, light crumb.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake wonderfully tender.
Whole milk: Smooths the batter and lends richness.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything into a luscious batter.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the aroma and deepens the flavor complexity.

How to Make Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or spray a 9 x 13-inch pan to prevent sticking and make sure that beautiful coffee cake comes out perfect every time.

Step 2: Create the Streusel Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Then, using a fork, mash the softened butter into this dry mix until it becomes a crumbly mixture that will later top your cake with delightful texture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Layer

Whisk together sugar, flour, and cinnamon in another small bowl. This cinnamon-sugar blend is what gives the cake that signature ribbon of flavor in the middle.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Cake Batter Ingredients

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in your mixer’s bowl. Using the paddle attachment on low, blend them, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter into the Dry Mix

Add softened butter to the flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks like moist sand. This is a crucial step for the tender texture of the cake crumb.

Step 6: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. This mixture will impart moisture and richness to your cake.

Step 7: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and beat on medium speed. The batter should be smooth with just a few small lumps remaining — this is exactly what you want for the best texture.

Step 8: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar layer over this first layer carefully and evenly. Then gently spread the remaining batter on top. It might try to lift the middle layer, so patience is key here.

Step 9: Add Streusel and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping generously across the surface. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 to 50 minutes, starting to check at 40 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

How to Serve Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

The image shows a rectangular baked coffee cake with a crumbly, golden brown topping in a dark metal baking pan. The cake itself has a light golden-yellow color visible where a square piece has been taken out. On the left side, a white plate with a blue leafy pattern holds the cut square piece of coffee cake, resting on a silver cake server with a detailed handle. The cake's crumb topping is uneven and textured, covering the entire surface, while the cake layer underneath looks soft and moist. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serve slices dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a quick drizzle of vanilla glaze to amplify the cake’s sweet richness. Toasted nuts sprinkled on top add a wonderful crunch and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a robust chai tea. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit like berries or citrus segments to balance the richness and add brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe as mini squares on dessert platters or stack thick slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a decadent, layered dessert. You can even slice and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your coffee cake fresh by letting it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the streusel topping crisp and the cake moist.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before popping in the freezer. It keeps beautifully frozen for up to three months and thaws easily overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in an oven preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked texture and makes the streusel irresistibly crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best to achieve the perfect crumb, but you can substitute part of it with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, though the texture will be denser. Gluten-free blends may require adjustments to liquid and binding ingredients.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace milk with almond or oat milk. The cake will still turn out moist and delicious.

What’s the secret to getting a crunchy streusel topping?

Using cold, softened butter that you only mash in until crumbly keeps the topping from becoming soggy during baking. Also, avoid pressing the topping into the batter — let it remain loose to crispen up beautifully in the oven.

Can I add nuts or fruit to the cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans fold nicely into either the streusel topping or the batter itself. For a fruity twist, swirl in chopped apples or fresh blueberries before baking for bursts of flavor throughout the cake.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the cake’s center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The edges will start to pull away slightly from the pan and a beautiful golden brown color signals it’s ready.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic and satisfying about a Classic Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe, isn’t there? I hope this detailed guide inspires you to bake a batch, whether for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day. You’ll find it’s a fantastic companion to morning coffee or cozy afternoons filled with good company. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire!