Does it have actual coffee in it?

Despite its traditional name, this classic bake does not contain any actual coffee. It earned the name because it is meant to be enjoyed alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich, spiced flavors are the ideal complement to your morning brew, making it a beloved breakfast staple.

What is streusel made of?

Streusel is a simple, crumbly topping made by mixing flour, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Using a fork to combine these ingredients creates sweet, buttery clumps that bake into a crispy, golden layer on top of the cake. It adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft cake underneath, making every bite satisfying.

Why is my coffee cake dry?

A dry cake is usually the result of over-baking or using too much flour in the batter. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake with a toothpick a few minutes before the timer goes off. Always measure your flour carefully by spooning it into the cup rather than scooping directly from the bag.

What is the secret to a super moist coffee cake?

The secret to a wonderfully moist texture is the addition of softened cream cheese and buttermilk in the batter. These ingredients add fat and acidity, which break down gluten and lock in moisture during the baking process. This combination prevents the crumb from drying out, even after a few days on the kitchen counter.

How do I store leftover coffee cake?

You can store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh. If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. Easily thaw a slice on the counter or warm it briefly in the microwave for a cozy treat.

Can I use sour cream instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can easily substitute sour cream for the buttermilk in this recipe using a simple one-to-one ratio. Sour cream provides a similar acidity and moisture that keeps the crumb wonderfully tender and rich. It will make your batter slightly thicker, but the baked result will be equally delicious.

Can I bake this recipe in a round bundt pan?

You can certainly bake this batter in a different style of pan, though a standard baking pan is the easiest option. If you use a bundt pan, make sure to grease and flour every crevice thoroughly to prevent the streusel from sticking. You may also need to adjust the baking time, as deeper pans take longer to cook through.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

You can easily bake this cake the night before you plan to serve it. The cream cheese in the batter keeps it wonderfully moist, so it tastes equally fresh the next day. Then cover it tightly once it has cooled completely, then slice and serve in the morning.

Classic Streusel Coffee Cake: Best Easy Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Description

This tender coffee cake features a rich, cream cheese-infused batter layered with a fragrant cinnamon ripple and a thick, buttery streusel topping. It is an easy, bakery-style treat that stays moist for days, making it perfect for relaxed weekend mornings.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter (for topping)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
1 tbsp milk (for glaze)

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Instructions

Prep the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter and a dusting of flour.
Cream butter and cheese. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
Add sugars and eggs. Mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar, then add eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract.
Whisk dry ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.
Combine the batter. Gradually alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet base, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the layers. Spread half the batter in the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, then top with remaining batter.
Add streusel topping. Combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter to create crumbs; scatter evenly over the cake batter.
Bake the cake. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and glaze. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before drizzling with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk.

Notes

Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to prevent lumps in your batter.
Always measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid a dry, dense crumb.
Cool your melted butter slightly before combining with the streusel ingredients to maintain a chunky, crisp texture.
Do not open the oven door during the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake center from sinking.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American