Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
This cinnamon streusel coffee cake recipe delivers the classic coffee cake experience: a tender crumb similar to a light pound cake, warm cinnamon and cardamom flavors, and a thick, buttery crumble topping—also known as a streusel topping. Made with simple dry ingredients and pantry staples, it’s the best way to enjoy a cozy slice with your morning cup of coffee.
This coffee cake is especially wonderful in the fall and winter months, when its warm spices and crumble topping make it a cozy addition to seasonal breakfasts, brunches, or an afternoon treat by the fire. It has a moist, bakery-style texture and a crisp, sweet topping that stays fresh for days when wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you need a delicious glaze, be sure to try my homemade cinnamon maple glaze recipe!
What Is Coffee Cake?
Coffee cake is a moist, buttery cake made to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee rather than flavored with it. It features a tender crumb and a sweet streusel or crumble topping for extra texture. Warm spices like cinnamon and a hint of cardamom give this classic treat its cozy aroma, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake
- Bakery-style texture: Moist crumb and rich flavor.
- Irresistible Topping: A thick, crunchy crumb topping made with dark brown sugar and cold butter creates the best part of every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday all purpose flour, sugar, and spices—no hard-to-find items. This recipe does not use sour cream.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh in an airtight container, making it perfect for brunch or gifting.
Ingredients You Will Need
These ingredients create a classic cinnamon cardamom coffee cake with a tender, buttery cake and a sweet, brown sugar streusel, ideal for a morning cup of coffee
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 5 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add two eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 3/4 cup whole milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- In a separate small bowl, use a pastry cutter or fork to cut together the cold butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt until you have coarse crumbs.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with a cup of coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
How to Serve Cinnamon Cardamom Coffee Cake
This cinnamon coffee cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and occasions:
- With a Cup of Coffee: The rich, buttery cake and crumb topping are the perfect treat to your morning or afternoon cup of coffee.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve slices alongside black or herbal teas for a cozy, elegant treat.
- With Milk or Hot Chocolate: A warm slice is especially comforting for kids or as a sweet snack.
- Dessert: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cinnamon maple glaze for an easy, indulgent dessert.
- Fruit Pairing: Add fresh berries or a fruit compote to complement the flavors of cinnamon and cardamom.
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoon butter softened at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 5 tablespoons cold butter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the cake.
- In a bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 3/4 cup whole milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- In a separate small bowl, use a pastry cutter or fork to cut together the cold butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and salt until you have coarse crumbs.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with a cup of coffee. Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.
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About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
Hello, can I make these into muffins?
I haven’t tried that yet but I am sure that you could.
This coffee cake is so easy and so good!! I baked it to take to a neighbour who is recovering from surgery, and she commented that this was the best coffee cake she had ever had!! Definitely a recipe that will be on repeat!
Turned out beautifully! Sent out with my husband to deer camp ❤️
Just a note that the flour is listed as one of the ingredients for the topping but is missing in the description.