Cinnamon streusel coffee cake is more than just a treat—it’s a sweet staple at family gatherings, a must-have at office meetings, and a beloved companion to a morning cup of coffee. Its universal appeal lies in its simplicity: a moist, buttery base topped with a rich, cinnamon-sugar crumble that transforms into a delightful crunchy texture in the oven. The aroma of cinnamon alone is enough to conjure up feelings of warmth and comfort, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

In this article, we’ll explore why cinnamon streusel remains a perennial favorite and provide an easy recipe for making your own heavenly version at home. We’ll also provide both U.S. and metric measurements to ensure everyone can enjoy this classic cake.

The Timeless Appeal of Cinnamon Streusel

Cinnamon streusel coffee cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, embodying the essence of home baking with its straightforward yet satisfying features. Here’s why it continues to capture hearts:

1. Comfort in Every Bite

The combination of soft cake and crunchy topping makes every bite a balance of textures, while the cinnamon offers a warm, spicy, comforting, and invigorating flavor.

2. Versatility

This cake is versatile enough to serve as a decadent breakfast, a comforting snack, or a dessert. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

3. Ease of Preparation

Unlike more intricate desserts, cinnamon streusel coffee cake doesn’t require any fancy techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

4. Customizable

While delicious on its own, the basic recipe can be adapted with nuts, fruits, or different spices to create a new experience every time.

Anatomy of the Perfect Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Understanding the components of your cinnamon streusel coffee cake is key to perfecting it. Here’s what you need to know about each part:

1. The Cake

The base should be moist and buttery, with just enough heft to support the crumbly topping without becoming too dense.

2. The Streusel Topping

The streusel is a crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar, enhanced with cinnamon. The key is to achieve a light, sandy texture that crisps up during baking.

3. The Cinnamon Flavor

Cinnamon should be bold but not overpowering, creating a warm and spicy flavor profile that’s the signature of this cake.

Easy Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Now, let’s bake! This recipe is designed for simplicity and success, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/3 cup (43g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Grease an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
   • Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
4. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
   • Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Cut into squares and serve.

Serving and Storing Tips

• Serving: For an extra touch of decadence, slightly warm your cinnamon streusel coffee cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storing: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Cinnamon streusel coffee cake exemplifies baking at its best—simple ingredients, easy techniques, and a delicious result that always pleases. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend at home, it’s sure to bring smiles to the table. Happy baking!

The post A Classic Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Delight appeared first on Bert's Blog.