Name: Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tsp cinnamon; ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

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If you love waking up to the irresistible aroma of something warm and comforting in the oven, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. This classic treat brings together a soft, buttery cake that’s perfectly balanced with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and a delightfully crumbly streusel topping. It’s everything you want in a morning pick-me-up or a cozy afternoon indulgence, combining familiar flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug wrapped in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick, round crumb cake with three visible layers sits on white parchment paper inside a clear round tray. The bottom layer is a thick, soft yellow cake, followed by a middle swirl of cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a thick layer of crumb streusel mixed with pecan nut pieces spread unevenly on top. The crumb topping is golden brown and textured with chunks of nuts. In the background, there is a white coffee mug on a wooden surface, but the main focus is on the cake with a piece missing from the front, revealing the inside layers clearly. The overall setting has a warm, cozy feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is simple and rewarding, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients that play vital roles in elevating the cake’s flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to create that tender crumb and luscious swirls you’ll swoon over.

½ cup butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake base.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture and texture.
2 eggs: Provide structure and binding for a fluffy cake.
1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and slightly tangy for balance.
2 cups flour: Forms the sturdy body of the cake.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a light texture.
1 tsp baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream for extra lift.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and buttery flavors.
½ cup brown sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor in the cinnamon swirl.
2 tsp cinnamon: The star spice delivering warmth and aroma.
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness to the streusel topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and greasing a 9×9-inch pan so your cake will come out perfectly without sticking. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into your batter, giving you that tender texture everyone loves.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Sour Cream

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to create a smooth batter. The eggs add structure but also work with the sour cream, which you’ll stir in after to add moisture and a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness wonderfully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so gentle folding is your friend.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Filling

Spread half of your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then sprinkle half of your brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans mixture over it. Top with the remaining batter, and finally sprinkle the rest of the filling on top. This layering is what creates the irresistible cinnamon swirl and that crumbly streusel you’re craving.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is fully cooked through but still moist and tender inside.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

A square-shaped cake with three visible layers sits on parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bottom and middle layers are a light yellow sponge cake with a soft and airy texture. Between the two sponge layers is a thin, dark brown cinnamon swirl. The top layer is a crumbly, uneven topping with a mix of light brown and darker brown pieces giving a rough texture. Some crumbs have fallen off onto the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect serving, dust your coffee cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Adding a handful of fresh berries on the side can add a pop of color and a juicy contrast to the sweet cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast centerpiece or afternoon treat. For a heartier start, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad to brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your coffee cake into generous squares and stack them on a rustic wooden board for a casual brunch vibe. Alternatively, serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert twist everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh longer, refrigeration is a great option for up to 5 days, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This coffee cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm leftover cake slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 °F for 10 minutes to regain that freshly baked softness and that wonderful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nuts in the streusel topping?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pecan pieces work beautifully and bring their own unique crunch and flavor to this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and the sour cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?

Make sure to layer the batter and filling as directed and avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients. The layering helps keep that swirl intact during baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend with similar protein content to all-purpose flour should yield great results, but be sure to check the baking powder and soda for gluten-free certification.

What is the best way to cut this coffee cake for serving?

Use a serrated knife and cut through gently in straight lines so you keep those beautiful cinnamon swirls visible and avoid crumbling the streusel topping.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe that feels like a comforting classic but brings joy to any table. Whether you’re sharing it at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with friends, its tender crumb, buttery richness, and that magical cinnamon crunch will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “yum!”