Some mornings just call for a warm slice of something sweet to go with your steaming mug of coffee. My homemade Cinnamon Coffee Cake delivers that cozy bakery experience right from your own kitchen oven.
I use a specific blend of butter and oil to keep the crumb incredibly moist for days. You get double the texture with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar in the middle and a crunchy topping.
What Makes This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Special
This recipe skips the sour cream found in many versions and uses pantry staples you likely have right now. I find that using regular milk creates a tender texture that feels light rather than heavy or dense.
The streusel is undoubtedly the best part of the entire experience. I make sure there is plenty of that buttery, spiced goodness layered both inside and piled high on top.
You can have this assembled and in the oven in just fifteen minutes. It is the ideal bake for lazy weekends when you want a homemade treat without a sink full of dishes.
If you enjoyed this cozy bake, you should definitely try my The Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread for another seasonal favorite. My family also loves the Cozy Linzer Cookies Recipe whenever we crave something sweet and buttery.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake Ingredients
Here are the simple items you need to gather from your pantry:
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake batter just enough to balance the spiced topping.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for both the tender cake and the crumbly streusel.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses flavor and moisture to the cinnamon layer.
Eggs: These bind the batter together and add richness to the final texture.
Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake stays soft and moist for days after baking.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating that classic buttery flavor in both the batter and the topping.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its signature warmth and aroma.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise high and stay fluffy.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates a light, tender crumb structure.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla and butter flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic background note to the cake base.
Baking Soda: Works with the other leavening agents to ensure a perfect rise.
How to Make Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Let’s get baking with this simple step-by-step method:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it is ready when you are. Generously grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring you get into the corners so the Cinnamon Coffee Cake releases easily later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients including the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I always whisk these thoroughly to make sure the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which prevents any uneven rising or dense spots in the cake.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Begin adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet mixture in alternating batches. I add half of the flour mixture, mix gently, then add half the milk, and repeat, mixing just until the white streaks disappear to keep the batter tender.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the streusel by combining the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and softened butter. Use your clean fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like wet sand and forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon streusel evenly over the top. Dollop the remaining batter carefully over this layer, smooth it gently, and finish by covering the top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the structure to set properly.
My Best Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Be sure to use softened butter rather than melted butter for the crumble topping to get those distinct chunks. I always rub the mixture together with my fingertips until it looks like wet sand with pea-sized clumps.
Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the flour to prevent the cake from becoming tough or rubbery. I stir gently just until the white streaks of flour disappear to keep the Cinnamon Coffee Cake tender.
If the top starts browning too quickly before the center is set, loosely tent a piece of foil over the pan. This simple trick ensures the center bakes through without burning that sugary streusel crust.
Serving Your Cinnamon Coffee Cake
I prefer slicing this warm right from the pan while the cinnamon sugar is still slightly melty. A generous pat of salted butter on a fresh slice balances the sweetness perfectly.
You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave for ten seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture. This Cinnamon Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
For more cozy baking inspiration, come join me on Pinterest.
Print
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender vanilla cake featuring a double layer of buttery cinnamon streusel. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for cake), softened
- 1/2 cup milk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for streusel), softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, and granulated sugar until fluffy, then mix in the eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- In a small bowl, rub the brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter together with your fingers to create crumbs.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, top with half the streusel, cover with remaining batter, and finish with remaining streusel.
- Bake for 38-42 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 12 min
- Cooling Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 38 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 442
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 258mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cinnamon coffee cake, breakfast cake, crumb cake, easy baking, cinnamon streusel