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Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake - Cozy, Buttery, and Perfect With Coffee

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • All-purpose flour – for both batter and streusel
  • Granulated sugar – sweetens the cake
  • Brown sugar – for a caramel note in the streusel
  • Ground cinnamon – the star flavor
  • Baking powder and baking soda – lift and tenderness
  • Kosher salt – balances sweetness
  • Unsalted butter – softened for batter, melted or cool for streusel
  • Eggs – structure and richness
  • Sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt) – moisture and tang
  • Milk – loosens the batter
  • Vanilla extract – warmth and aroma
  • Optional add-ins – chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for streusel

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Make the streusel: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter until clumps form. Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts if you like. Set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Cream the butter and sugar: Beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then 2 teaspoons vanilla. Scrape the bowl.
  6. Combine with sour cream and milk: Mix in 1 cup sour cream. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with 2–4 tablespoons milk, just until smooth and thick. Do not overmix.
  7. Layer the batter and streusel: Spread half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly. Add the remaining batter (it will be thick; dollop and gently spread), then top with remaining streusel.
  8. Bake: Bake 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and set.
  9. Cool and serve: Let cool at least 20 minutes before slicing. For a simple finish, dust with powdered sugar.