This cinnamon streusel coffee cake is the kind of simple bake that turns an ordinary morning into a weekend treat. The batter comes together with a whisk and two bowls, a ribbon of brown sugar and cinnamon runs through the middle, and a crumbly topping bakes into golden, buttery clusters.
It uses plain pantry staples: flour, sugar, one egg, a little oil, and milk. The oil keeps the crumb soft, while the melted butter in the streusel gives the topping its rich flavor. A quick powdered sugar icing is optional, but it makes the cake feel special enough for guests.
Table of Contents
Why This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe Works
The batter is mixed in two stages, wet ingredients first and dry ingredients second, so you only stir until everything is just combined. That keeps the crumb tender instead of tough. Using oil instead of creamed butter also means there is no waiting for butter to soften.
The streusel is made with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small spoonful of flour. The flour helps the mixture clump into crumbs instead of melting into a sugary puddle. Because half of the topping goes in the middle of the cake, every slice has a cinnamon layer and a crunchy top.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
For the cake:
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
For the streusel:
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional
For the icing:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk, plus a little more if needed
How to Make Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
1. Heat the oven and prepare the pan
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8 inch square baking pan so the cake releases cleanly.
2. Whisk the wet ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg, oil, vanilla, granulated sugar, and milk until the mixture looks smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the wet ingredients a little at a time and stir until just combined. A few small streaks of flour are fine.
4. Mix the streusel
In a separate bowl, stir the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour into damp, sandy crumbs. Fold in the walnuts if you are using them.
5. Layer the cake
Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the top, then add the rest of the batter and finish with the remaining streusel.
6. Bake
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel looks golden.
7. Add the icing
Stir the powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk together into a thick glaze, adding a few drops more milk only if it is too stiff. Drizzle it over the warm cake.
How to Serve Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Serve squares warm or at room temperature with hot coffee or tea. For a brunch table, set it next to Moms Sour Cream Coffee Cake so guests can compare a lighter crumb with a richer one. If you want another easy cinnamon bake, try Simple Cinnamon Bread or Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake. Banana lovers will enjoy Coffee Cake Banana Bread as a loaf option.
How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Wrap leftover cake in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm a slice briefly in the microwave or in a low oven until it feels soft again. The streusel will lose a little crunch in storage, so a short stay in the oven brings back some texture.
Tips and Variations for Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Check your baking powder before you start. Extension guidance from Iowa State University suggests replacing opened baking powder about every six months, so a flat cake may simply be an old can.
Grease and flour the pan well, especially in the corners. Spread the batter gently when you add the second half, because the streusel layer can drag if you press hard. For a nut free version, skip the walnuts and add a little extra cinnamon. A bit of lemon zest in the batter adds brightness, and a spoonful of sour cream in place of some milk makes the crumb richer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Can I make cinnamon streusel coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it the day before, wrap it well, and ice it just before serving so the glaze stays smooth. Warm slices briefly before you serve them.
Can I use butter instead of oil in cinnamon streusel coffee cake?
You can swap in melted butter for the oil. The flavor will be richer, but the cake may feel slightly firmer once it cools, since oil stays soft at room temperature.
Can I leave the nuts out of cinnamon streusel coffee cake?
Absolutely. The walnuts are optional, and the streusel still bakes into crisp crumbs without them.
How do I know the coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean and the streusel is golden, the cake is ready. Wet crumbs on the toothpick mean it needs a little longer.
Should I ice the cake while it is warm?
A slightly warm cake lets the glaze melt into a thin, shiny drizzle. If you wait until it is fully cool, the icing sits on top in thicker lines.
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter melted, for the streusel
- ½ cup brown sugar for the streusel
- 2 tsp cinnamon for the streusel
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour for the streusel
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional, for the streusel
- ¾ cup powdered sugar for the icing
- 1 tbsp milk for the icing, plus more if needed
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8 inch square baking pan.
- Whisk the egg, oil, vanilla, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup milk in a bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tbsp flour into damp crumbs. Fold in the walnuts if using.
- Pour half of the batter into the pan, sprinkle with half of the streusel, then add the remaining batter and the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Stir the powdered sugar and 1 tbsp milk into a glaze and drizzle over the warm cake.
