Perfect Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe: Easy & Delicious

This classic cinnamon coffee cake recipe delivers a moist, tender crumb with a generous cinnamon streusel topping. Made from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, it bakes in 45 minutes and serves 8-10. The perfect balance of sweet cake and spicy cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

If you're searching for the best cinnamon coffee cake recipe that consistently delivers bakery-quality results at home, you've found it. This time-tested formula creates a moist, flavorful cake with the perfect crumb structure and an abundant cinnamon streusel topping that bakes into a delightful crunchy layer. Unlike many recipes that produce dry or overly sweet results, this version achieves the ideal balance that makes coffee cake irresistible.

Why This Cinnamon Coffee Cake Recipe Works

What sets this easy cinnamon coffee cake from scratch apart from others? The secret lies in three key elements: the buttermilk for tenderness, the double dose of cinnamon (in both cake and topping), and the proper streusel-to-cake ratio. Most recipes skimp on the streusel, but this version features a generous 1:3 topping-to-cake ratio that creates those coveted crunchy pockets in every slice.

Ingredients for Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Makes one 9x13-inch cake | Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 45 minutes

Streusel Topping	Coffee Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour	2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar	1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar	2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground cinnamon	1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt	1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed	1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)	1 cup buttermilk
	2 large eggs
	1/2 cup vegetable oil
	2 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Making the Cinnamon Streusel

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel
2. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form
3. Stir in chopped pecans if using, then refrigerate while preparing the cake batter

Preparing the Coffee Cake Batter

4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan
5. Whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl
6. In another bowl, beat buttermilk, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined
7. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing just until combined (do not overmix)
8. Pour half the batter into prepared pan and spread evenly
9. Sprinkle half the streusel over the batter
10. Add remaining batter and spread carefully over streusel
11. Top with remaining streusel, pressing gently into the batter

Baking to Perfection

12. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
13. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing
14. For clean slices, use a serrated knife and wipe it between cuts

Proven Baking Tips for Success

Follow these moist cinnamon coffee cake baking tips to ensure perfect results every time:

• Buttermilk substitute: No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes
• Don't overmix: Stir batter just until ingredients are incorporated to prevent tough cake
• Cold butter is crucial for the streusel - it creates those desirable crumbly pockets
• Test for doneness at 40 minutes - ovens vary and overbaking causes dryness
• Cool completely before slicing - cutting too soon collapses the delicate crumb

Serving and Storage Recommendations

This classic cinnamon coffee cake with streusel topping is best served at room temperature. Pair with coffee or tea for the traditional experience. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the homemade cinnamon coffee cake instructions, experiment with these popular variations:

• Fruit swirl: Add 1 cup fresh blueberries or sliced apples between batter layers
• Nutty version: Increase pecans to 1 cup and add to both streusel and batter
• Spiced upgrade: Add 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cardamom to the streusel
• Glaze finish: Drizzle with simple powdered sugar glaze after cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cinnamon coffee cake dry?

Coffee cake becomes dry when overbaked or when too much flour is used. Measure flour correctly by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off (don't scoop). Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean - overbaking by even 5 minutes can cause dryness. Using buttermilk instead of regular milk also helps maintain moisture.

Can I make cinnamon coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, this coffee cake actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Store completely cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors meld overnight, creating a more developed taste. For best texture, bring to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking into the cake?

To keep streusel from sinking, use the layering method: pour half the batter, add half the streusel, then the remaining batter, and finally the rest of the streusel. Press the final layer of streusel gently into the batter - don't stir it in. Using cold butter in the streusel and not overmixing the batter also helps maintain the streusel's structure during baking.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt by mixing 3/4 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup milk to achieve the right consistency. Full-fat yogurt works best for moisture. The tangy flavor complements the cinnamon well, though the texture may be slightly denser than with buttermilk.