Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat to accompany your morning coffee or afternoon tea, look no further than this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe. This cake is the perfect blend of moist yellow cake, crunchy streusel topping, and a warm cinnamon flavor that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this coffee cake is sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The combination of a rich yellow cake base topped with a luscious cinnamon and nut streusel creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of graham cracker crumbs adds a unique twist, providing an extra layer of flavor while keeping the cake moist. Plus, the ease of using a package of yellow cake mix means you can whip this up quickly without sacrificing taste.
What Goes Into Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
To make this delicious Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup buttermelted
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the graham cracker crumbs that provide texture to the brown sugar that adds depth of flavor.
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you start baking, make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key!
- 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for this coffee cake.
- Whisk: For blending the cake mix and other ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: Great for spreading the batter and removing the cake from the pan.
Having these tools will make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable.
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Follow these steps to create your Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, chopped walnuts or pecans, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a separate large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted buttermelted. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
Step 4: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread evenly. Then, layer half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the streusel.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, mix the confectioners’ sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth. This will be your glaze.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake before cutting it into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you’re missing some ingredients or want to make substitutions, consider these options:
- Use almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Swap out the walnuts or pecans for almonds or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
- Replace buttermelted with yogurt or sour cream for a different flavor profile.
- Use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version of the cake.
These swaps can help tailor the recipe to your taste or dietary preferences.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:
- If your cake is too dry, try reducing the baking time or adding a bit more buttermelted to the batter.
- For a flatter cake, ensure you’re not overmixing the batter.
- If your streusel topping isn’t crumbly, try cutting in the butter more thoroughly until you achieve a sandy texture.
- When the cake cools, it may sink slightly; this is normal and won’t affect the taste!
With these tips, you’ll be able to troubleshoot any issues with your cake.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is freezer-friendly! To store:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag for added protection.
- The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Having this cake ready in your freezer means you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand!
Reader Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, feel free to experiment with vanilla or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my coffee cake is done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this coffee cake in advance?
Yes! You can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature and glaze it right before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with this coffee cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
See You at the Table
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its unique flavors, simple preparation, and delightful texture make it an ideal dessert or breakfast treat. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this cake will bring warmth and joy to your table. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of cinnamon goodness!
Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, chopped walnuts or pecans, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and melted buttermelted. Mix until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly. Layer half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top, followed by the rest of the streusel.
- Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Step 6: While the cake is baking, mix the confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 7: Once the cake is done, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day in advance; store it covered at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs.
- You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
