Imagine cutting into a soft, pillowy coffee cake where each tender bite is dotted with sweet cinnamon streusel and a little pool of gentle glaze glistens on top.
This cake is perfect for Sunday morning coffee, birthday breakfasts, or any midweek moment when you need a cozy homemade treat.
SaveI first made it after a stressful week and the whole house smelled like fall, which instantly melted my worries away.
Heavenly Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Simple Glaze
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lift out.
- Whisk dry ingredients for the cake
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly blended.
- Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir in the milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Combine and pour the batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; a few small lumps are fine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top gently.
- Make the cinnamon streusel
In a bowl, whisk sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping
Evenly scatter the streusel over the batter, pressing down very lightly so it adheres.
- Bake until golden
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the streusel is deep golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.
- Cool the cake slightly
Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, cream or milk, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Add more liquid if needed for a drizzling consistency.
- Glaze and slice
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, let it settle for a minute, then slice and serve.
Substitutions and variations
- Use olive oil or melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor.
- Swap whole milk for almond milk or any non dairy milk to make it dairy free.
- If you do not have fresh lemon juice, use 1 teaspoon white vinegar mixed with water.
- For a nutty twist, replace 1/4 cup of flour in the streusel with finely ground almond flour.
Chloe's tips
- For extra flavor, use buttermilk in place of regular milk.
- Do not skip the cooling step or the glaze will run right off.
- Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the streusel for a slightly thicker, clump free topping.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How to store it
- Keep the fully glazed cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving.
- You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and add glaze after thawing.
Serving suggestions
Serve generous squares with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect cozy moment.
- Top each slice with a few fresh berries for brightness.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a pretty finish.
- Pair with a lightly sweetened latte for a café style breakfast.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake fully, cool it, wrap tightly, and store at room temperature up to 3 days. Add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.
What if my streusel is too dry and not clumping?
Add a teaspoon or two of milk or melted butter to the streusel and mix until it comes together into moist crumbs.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, an 8x8 inch square pan will work; baking time may be slightly longer. For a muffin tin, fill each cup about two thirds full and bake 18 to 22 minutes.
How do I store leftover slices?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh feel.
Let's get cooking!
Enjoy this heavenly cinnamon streusel coffee cake slowly, savoring every gooey, cinnamon coated bite in your favorite cozy spot.
