Description
This classic coffee cake is the ultimate cozy companion to your morning cup. With a soft, buttery crumb, a warm cinnamon swirl in the center, and a thick, crunchy streusel topping, it delivers everything you want in a nostalgic, comforting bite. Perfect for quick breakfast, sweet snack, or a holiday brunch treat—this easy recipe fits the bill for breakfast ideas, brunch menus, and even thoughtful food gifts. Moist from sour cream and layered with spiced flavor, it’s a no-fuss winner for any baking level.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon ribbon)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon ribbon)
3/4 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)
Instructions
1. Make the streusel topping by mixing brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly; set in fridge.
2. Mix the cinnamon sugar ribbon by combining brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together separately, then add alternately with sour cream to the butter mixture.
5. Spread half the batter in a greased 9×13-inch pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar ribbon, then spread the rest of the batter on top.
6. Top with all the streusel, pressing gently into the batter.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
Cold butter is key for a perfect crumb topping—don’t substitute melted butter.
Room temperature ingredients help the batter come together smoothly and bake evenly.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing to get clean, intact pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: classic coffee cake, easy recipe, breakfast ideas, cinnamon streusel cake, brunch cake