Streusel Coffee Cake
Are you ready to take your breakfast (or brunch!) to the next level with a treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee? Meet the Streusel Coffee Cake—a buttery, tender cake topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Did you know coffee cake has been a breakfast favorite since the 19th century? While it doesn’t contain coffee itself, it was created as the perfect partner to a hot cup of joe. With its soft cake base and crunchy topping, every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity—you don’t need to be a pro baker to whip it up! Whether for a cozy family breakfast, a weekend brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cake is bound to become a household staple.
What is Streusel Coffee Cake?
Despite the name, coffee cake doesn’t usually include coffee in the batter—it’s designed to go with coffee. The star of the show is the streusel topping: a crumbly mix of butter, sugar, and cinnamon that melts slightly into the cake as it bakes, creating layers of sweet crunch. Think of it as “coffee’s best friend in cake form.”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavor + Texture Combo – Moist cake topped with buttery, crunchy streusel.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples, saving you from pricey bakery runs.
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Endlessly Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to make it your own.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
Streusel Topping
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat Oven – 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Make the Batter – Cream butter + sugar. Beat in eggs, then add milk and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients separately, then fold into wet until just combined.
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Make Streusel – Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.
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Layer – Spread half the batter into pan, sprinkle with half the streusel. Repeat layers.
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Bake – 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool + Serve – Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Best enjoyed warm!
Serving Ideas
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With coffee, tea, or a latte.
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Alongside a fruit salad or yogurt parfait.
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Drizzled with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk) for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips
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Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the crumb tender.
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Play with flavors: add nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for a twist.
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Go nutty: walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and depth.
Storage & Freezing
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Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for 1 week.
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Freeze slices (wrapped well) for up to 3 months.
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Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or enjoy at room temp.
Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry combination into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon for the streusel topping. Blend in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, then sprinkle half of the streusel topping. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and serve.
