Dessert

Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

ByMarina Montclair December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

Streusel Coffee Cake is a classic treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Its tender crumb combined with a buttery cinnamon streusel topping makes every bite irresistible and comforting.

A close-up of a square coffee cake with four layers on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake has two light yellow sponge cake layers alternating with two cinnamon-sugar crumb layers that are coarse and brown. The top layer is thickly covered with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar crumb topping that is textured with small sugar granules. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate, and there is a blurred brown bowl with whipped cream in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
1.5 cups Granulated Sugar
0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened)
1 tsp Baking Powder
0.5 tsp Baking Soda
0.5 tsp Salt
1 cup Sour Cream
2 Large Eggs
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (for streusel)
0.5 cup Brown Sugar (Packed, for streusel)
0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold and cubed, for streusel)
1 tsp Cinnamon (for streusel)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2.5 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 6: To make the streusel topping, combine 0.5 cup flour, brown sugar, cubed cold butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add ½ cup chopped nuts or fresh berries to the streusel topping.
Using cold butter for the streusel is key to achieving a crumbly texture, so avoid softening it.
Serve warm with a drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover coffee cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy warm.