Can I make this coffee cake the night before serving?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Just cover it tightly once cooled and keep at room temperature.

Why is my streusel topping melting into the cake instead of staying crumbly?

This typically happens when the butter in the streusel is too warm or completely melted. For the best texture, make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing with the other streusel ingredients. Also, be sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for different pans. For a taller cake, use a 9-inch square pan, but increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. You could also make this in two 8-inch round pans for a layered coffee cake - just reduce the baking time to about 25 minutes.

Why is it called coffee cake if there's no coffee in it?

The name "coffee cake" refers to its perfect pairing with coffee, not its ingredients. It's a traditional sweet cake meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, typically during breakfast or brunch.

Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

This homemade Streusel Coffee Cake is the ultimate breakfast treat that brings together the perfect blend of tender cake, warm cinnamon filling, and irresistibly crumbly brown sugar topping. Ready in just over an hour, this classic coffee cake is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you need something special to serve with your favorite hot beverage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Texture Contrast: The tender, moist cake layer pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar filling and the crisp, crumbly streusel topping for a delightful textural experience in every bite.
Make Ahead Friendly: This coffee cake actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without a special trip to the store.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works equally well for casual family breakfasts or more formal brunches with guests – everyone loves a good coffee cake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake – provides structure while keeping things tender. Make sure to measure correctly by spooning into your measuring cup and leveling off.
Brown sugar: Brings a deep molasses flavor to both the filling and topping. Dark or light brown sugar works, though dark will give you a more pronounced flavor.
Cinnamon: The star spice that gives this coffee cake its signature warm, comforting flavor. Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor impact.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and creates that irresistible crumbly texture in the streusel. Unsalted lets you control the salt level.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter perfectly while helping create a tender crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture. They bind everything together beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb in the cake batter.
Baking powder: Our leavening agent that helps the cake rise properly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your coffee cake? Here are some delicious options:

Add Some Fruit

Fold 1-2 cups of fresh blueberries, diced apples, or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist. The tartness of fruit contrasts beautifully with the sweet streusel.

Go Nutty

Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the streusel topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Flavor Boosts

Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the cinnamon filling for a more complex spice profile. A touch of almond extract in the batter also works wonders.

Make It Fancy

Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons milk) over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Make Streusel Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Having everything ready before you start mixing makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. This filling layer will create that beautiful cinnamon swirl in the center of your cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix with a fork until everything is incorporated and resembles wet sand. This crumbly mixture will create that irresistible topping we all fight over.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer at medium speed (the mixture will look grainy). Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined. Stir in the milk, then gently incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread half of the cake batter in your prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it carefully to cover the filling. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over everything. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
Even Distribution: When adding the middle layer of cinnamon filling, try to distribute it evenly across the entire cake for consistent flavor in every slice.
Check Early: Start checking your cake at the 25-minute mark, as ovens can vary. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let It Rest: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the cake cool for at least 20 minutes allows the structure to set, making it easier to slice cleanly.

How to Serve

This versatile coffee cake shines in so many settings:

Breakfast & Brunch

Pair with a strong cup of coffee, hot tea, or cold milk for the perfect morning treat. It’s especially lovely for holiday breakfasts or lazy weekend mornings.

Afternoon Delight

Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an indulgent afternoon dessert.

Accompaniments

Fresh fruit on the side helps balance the sweetness. Berries, sliced peaches, or sectioned citrus fruits make excellent companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves on the second day as the spices meld.

Freezing

Once completely cooled, slice the cake and place pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month. Individual slices make for easy grab-and-go treats.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until just warm. Alternatively, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake the night before serving?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Just cover it tightly once cooled and keep at room temperature.
Why is my streusel topping melting into the cake instead of staying crumbly?

This typically happens when the butter in the streusel is too warm or completely melted. For the best texture, make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing with the other streusel ingredients. Also, be sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for different pans. For a taller cake, use a 9-inch square pan, but increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. You could also make this in two 8-inch round pans for a layered coffee cake – just reduce the baking time to about 25 minutes.
Why is it called coffee cake if there’s no coffee in it?

The name “coffee cake” refers to its perfect pairing with coffee, not its ingredients. It’s a traditional sweet cake meant to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee, typically during breakfast or brunch.

Final Thoughts

This Streusel Coffee Cake has been my go-to recipe whenever I want to make mornings special. There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and butter wafting through the house that brings everyone to the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a potluck contribution, or simply want to treat yourself, this coffee cake delivers comfort in every slice. The beauty lies in its simplicity and those perfect layers of moist cake, warm cinnamon, and crumbly topping. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home too!