Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake (Print)

Buttery squares swirled with cinnamon, crowned with crumbly streusel, ideal for snacks or coffee breaks.

# Components:

→ Streusel Topping

01 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Coffee Cake Base

06 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3/4 cup sour cream

→ Cinnamon Swirl

15 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
16 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy lifting.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms moist crumbs. Set aside.
03 - In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Set aside.
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake base.
05 - In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
06 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently until just combined.
07 - Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Gently spread the remaining batter on top.
08 - Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the final batter layer.
09 - Bake for 32–36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using the parchment overhang, slice into bars, and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour so you get that fresh-from-the-oven taste fast
  • Uses ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now
  • The layers of streusel and cinnamon keep every bite interesting
  • Stays delicious for days and actually freezes like a dream
02 -
  • High in cozy cinnamon flavor thanks to the swirl and topping
  • Freezes beautifully so you can enjoy a treat anytime
  • Perfect for potlucks and brunch spreads with family or friends
03 -
  • Always use room temperature eggs and butter for a fluffy batter
  • Do not overmix once you add the flour mixture keep the cake light
  • Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick toward the center it should come out mostly clean but a few moist crumbs are ideal for best texture

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