If you love waking up to a warm, comforting treat that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, then you are going to adore this Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of soft, tender cake and a delightfully crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a wonderful mix of buttery richness and cinnamon-spiced sweetness, making it the ultimate companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. This recipe captures that classic coffee cake charm with a homemade touch that you can’t resist sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create its treasured texture and flavor. From the softness the almond flour adds to the aromatic warmth of ground cinnamon, each component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate your baking experience.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Ensures a tender crumb and helps bind the ingredients perfectly.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth to the batter.
- 1/3 cup fine almond flour: Contributes moisture and a delicate nutty flavor that enriches the cake.
- 1/4 tsp pure almond extract: Enhances the nuttiness and complements the vanilla beautifully.
- 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and adds richness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature): Adds creaminess and tenderness to the cake base.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Builds the structure of the cake for that perfect balance of moistness and firmness.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil: Keeps the cake moist with a neutral flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred): A fragrant spice essential for that classic streusel flavor.
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crunchy streusel topping.
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and a perfect sweet crunch to the streusel.
- 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Helps bind the streusel while adding richness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Elevates the flavors within the streusel topping.
How to Make Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Start by combining the 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 3 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and all the ingredients are well incorporated. The streusel will be coarse but hold together slightly when pressed, providing that irresistible crunchy topping that’s signature to this coffee cake.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg until frothy, then add the vanilla and almond extracts. Pour in the room temperature milk and soften butter, along with the sunflower oil, and stir gently to combine. This creates a smooth, flavorful base that keeps your cake moist and tender.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures your cake will have an even crumb and balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to maintain the batter’s airiness. The batter should be thick but pourable, setting the stage for a perfectly fluffy cake under that luscious streusel topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan, spread it out evenly, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping. Add the remaining batter on top, smoothing it lightly, and finish by scattering the remaining streusel over the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35–40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to Serve Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra indulgence, consider dusting the cooled coffee cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzling a simple vanilla glaze over the top. These garnishes bring an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal that make this coffee cake feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a steaming mug of chai tea to enhance the cinnamon and buttery notes. If you want to add something on the side, creamy yogurt or fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples complement the cake’s flavors beautifully and add a refreshing twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the coffee cake into generous squares or wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards or pretty dessert plates. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick next to the slice for an inviting, coffee shop–style presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it soft and moist. If you prefer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated for up to five days, just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This coffee cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freeze-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring your coffee cake back to freshly baked perfection, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This helps revive the buttery softness and crisp up the streusel just a bit.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this coffee cake?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to provide the ideal texture and rise. However, you can experiment with half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but be aware it may affect the lightness of the cake.
Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extracts?
Using both extracts adds layers of flavor that complement each other beautifully. If you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it, but the almond touch truly enhances the warmth and depth of the cake.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond milk or another non-dairy milk to keep the same richness and moisture without dairy.
How can I tell when the coffee cake is perfectly baked?
The top should be golden and the streusel crisped, with a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this coffee cake?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel add a wonderful crunch, while fresh berries or diced apples mixed gently into the batter bring delightful bursts of flavor that enhance the cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a slice of homemade coffee cake, especially when it’s as rich and flavorful as this Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. It’s a treat that feels special enough for celebrations but simple enough for everyday moments. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and fall in love with every buttery, cinnamon-spiced bite. Happy baking!
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Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, moist texture of our Buttery Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, perfectly balanced with a cinnamon-spiced streusel topping that adds a delightful crunch. This coffee cake is a comforting treat ideal for breakfast or afternoon snack, featuring almond flour and extracts for a subtle nutty flavor and enhanced aroma.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup fine almond flour
- 1/4 tsp pure almond extract
- 2/3 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Streusel Topping
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground preferred)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients for cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted and cooled butter over the dry ingredients and use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly and streusel-like.
- Assemble cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency and rise.
- Freshly ground cinnamon enhances the flavor of the streusel topping.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender crumb.
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes.
