Introduction
The comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar baking in the oven is enough to make anyone feel at home. For Ella Chef, coffee cake was the first recipe she ever baked on her own one rainy afternoon, guided by her grandmother’s handwritten notes. That simple act of whisking, layering, and waiting for the crumb topping to turn golden became a moment of calm and creativity. Ella’s coffee cake has since evolved into a tender, buttery treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy evening with a cup of coffee. Each slice tells a story of warmth and nostalgia.
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch tube pan or bundt pan.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over it. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9-inch tube or bundt pan by greasing and lightly flouring it. To create the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend in cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This topping will add that signature sweet crunch and cinnamon swirl to your coffee cake.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract for a rich, creamy texture that ensures the cake stays moist. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel over the batter, then add the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the streusel on top. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Serve warm with coffee, or drizzle with a light vanilla glaze for an elegant finish.
Conclusion
Coffee cake is a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to any morning. Ella Chef’s version combines a tender, buttery crumb with a crunchy cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth. Perfect with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, it’s a treat that feels both comforting and indulgent. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake captures the essence of homemade baking—simple, fragrant, and full of love. Each bite reminds us that the best moments in life are often shared over something freshly baked and made from the heart.