Ultimate Cinnamon Coffee Cake

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This cinnamon streusel coffee cake has moist vanilla cake, a rich cinnamon swirl, and an irresistible crumb topping. This recipe is heavy on the crumb topping, so you'll get some in every single bite.

a slice of cinnamon streusel coffee cake.

If you know me, you know I love sweet breakfasts, like Funfetti pancakes or DIY Krispy Kreme Donuts. This cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipe is a new family favorite because it comes out perfectly every time. When I'm craving something sweet in the morning, this is what I reach for. We also love making it for holiday brunch for Easter and Christmas.

Unlike a typical crumb cake which has more flour,my streusel is heavy on the caramelized brown sugar. It's very similar to what I use in my Blueberry Bundt Cake streusel layer. My version also has this brown sugar cinnamon mixture swirled inside AND on top!It goes great with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or an icy cold glass of milk.

🤎Why I Love This Recipe🤎

Common Ingredients: Don't be intimidated by the long ingredient list. To make preparing this recipe easier, I listed each ingredient in each section of the recipe. For example, flour is listed 3 times since it is used in all 3 layers.
No Fancy Equipment: No electric mixer or food process is needed.
Mile High Crumb Topping: Let's be honest the crumbs are the best part. I may or may not have shoveled them in my mouth while making this. This coffee cake is generous on the crumb topping, so you'll be sure to get some in every bite.

🧈Ingredient Notes🧈

For the Coffee Cake

ingredients in clear bowls including flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and baking powder.

Butter: For this recipe, use softened butter.
Milk: For best results use whole milk. Low fat or plant-based milks are not recommended.
Flour: Measure your flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it with a knife. Do not scoop your cup into your flour container, you may overmeasure.
Baking Powder: Replace every 6-12 months for the best rise.

flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in clear bowls on a burlap placemat.

Quickly Soften Butter

To quickly soften butter, cut it into smaller pieces or grate it using a cheese grater.

For the Filling and Topping

Butter: Be sure to use cold butter for the topping. This will ensure you get those perfect crumbs.
Cinnamon: Make this recipe shine for any season by substituting apple pie, pumpkin, or gingerbread spice blends for the cinnamon.

How To Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake

4 photos showing creaming butter and sugar, and then adding milk and flour.

Cream butter and white sugar.
Stir in egg, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
Alternate adding flour and milk.

For the Cinnamon Swirl and Topping

4 images showing coffee cake batter, and mixing up the cinnamon filling.

Combine butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Pour onto batter and swirl. Top with remaining batter.

4 images showing coffee cake batter and topping assembly in a glass pan.

Cut butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon with 2 forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle on top of batter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes.

🧺Leftovers🧺

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. I like freezing individual slices so I can pull it out when I'm craving a breakfast treat.

❓Frequently Asked Questions❓

Does It Contain Coffee?

This cake does not contain coffee. Coffee cake got its name because it is usually served alongside a good cup of coffee in the morning.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes, bake up to 2 days in advance.

🗂️Tips and Tricks🗂️

Do not overmix: Mix your ingredients until the flour is just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough dense cake.
Pan Prep: Line your pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper to make removing the cake and cleanup a breeze.
Don't Overbake: To tell if the cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it is done. Do not overbake, as that will lead to a dry cake.

Picture-Perfect Swirl Everytime

For the perfect cinnamon swirl, drop the streusel ingredients using a teaspoon from your silverware drawer. Then, swirl with a butter knife.

⚠️Troubleshooting⚠️

Dry and Crumbly Cake
- Problem #1 Too Much Flour: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
- Problem #2 Overbaked: Check on it a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Soggy Crumbs
- Problem #1 Underdone: Try baking for a few more minutes.
- Problem #2 Using Melted Butter: Cut in cold butter using 2 forks; do not use melted butter.
Dense Cake
- Problem #1: Old Leavening Agent: Use fresh baking baking powder.
- Problem #2: Do not overmix; mix until the flour is just combined.