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 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 are on the hunt for a comforting, irresistibly soft treat to brighten your mornings, look no further than this Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. This delightful coffee cake combines a tender, buttery base layered with a luscious cinnamon sugar swirl and finished with a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re savoring a quiet moment with your favorite cup of coffee or sharing a cozy brunch with friends, this cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple square pieces of cinnamon swirl cake with a golden-brown top that has a cracked texture, showing dark cinnamon swirls throughout. One piece is on a small white plate with a thin brown rim, and a silver fork with a piece of the cake on it rests partly on the plate. Surrounding the plate are several more squares of the cake placed on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. To the upper left, there is a white ceramic cup with a dark green handle filled with black coffee. A light grey cloth napkin is partially visible at the bottom right of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe. Each item plays an important role: from the richness of butter to the tang of sour cream, and of course, the sweet-spicy cinnamon filling that ties it all together.

½ cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cake tender and moist.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the cinnamon spices perfectly.
2 eggs: Adds structure and moisture to the batter.
1 cup sour cream: Keeps the crumb soft and adds a subtle tang for depth of flavor.
2 cups flour: Forms the bulk of the cake’s structure, ensuring the perfect crumb.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise lightly and evenly.
1 tsp baking soda: Responds with the sour cream to create a tender crumb.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds warmth and molasses notes in the cinnamon swirl and streusel.
2 tsp cinnamon: The star spice that creates the iconic swirl flavor and streusel aroma.
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty richness to the streusel topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your cake is ready, the oven is at just the right temperature for a perfect bake. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch pan to prevent sticking and help the cake develop a lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step introduces air into the batter, essential for a light texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream. These ingredients combine to make the batter moist and tender, while also enriching the taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporating these dry elements ensures that your leavening is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so be careful to stop once the batter is homogenous.

Step 6: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Layers

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture (brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional pecans) over this first layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top, smoothing it out, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon filling on top for that signature swirl and streusel texture.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place the pan in the heated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be pure cinnamon perfection.

How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a square slice of crumb cake resting on a white wooden board with text. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is a soft, light yellow cake with a smooth texture; the middle layer is a thick, brown cinnamon sugar swirl spread evenly; the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with bits of large crumbs and a drizzle of white icing in thin lines across the crumb top. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries also pairs wonderfully, adding a hint of natural sweetness and color.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the star of your morning ritual. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh yogurt to balance out the cake’s sweetness and create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake in individual ramekins layered with whipped cream for a stunning dessert presentation. Another fun idea is to cut the cake into squares and stack them on a platter, decorated with cinnamon sticks and nuts to impress your guests visually and gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and the streusel crisp without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save your cake for longer, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen coffee cake can last up to three months while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, simply microwave a slice for about 20 seconds or heat it in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives that freshly baked softness, making every bite feel straight out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will still give your coffee cake a tender, moist texture with just a slight variation in flavor.

Is it necessary to add pecans to the streusel topping?

Nope! Pecans are optional and add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but the cake is fantastic without them if you prefer or have nut allergies.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend should work well. Just be sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get a pronounced cinnamon swirl?

Sprinkling the cinnamon sugar directly over the batter and gently swirling with a knife before baking helps create beautiful, distinct cinnamon layers throughout the cake.

How long will this cake stay fresh if refrigerated?

If refrigerated, keep the cake in an airtight container and consume within 4 to 5 days to enjoy it at its best moistness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe is truly one of those timeless favorites that brings sunshine to your kitchen any day of the week. Its tender crumb, rich cinnamon flavor, and crunchy streusel topping make it impossible to resist. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find yourself baking it again and again for every occasion!