Amish Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines a soft, buttery cake with a spiced cinnamon-sugar swirl and a crumbly streusel topping. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt for a lighter option)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Before you begin mixing your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and prevents temperature fluctuations. Prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. For easy removal, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy lifting.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, helping the cake rise uniformly.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color. This process incorporates air, resulting in a soft cake texture.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients and sour cream (or yogurt), alternating between the two. Start with one-third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half of the sour cream. Repeat, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well blended. Set aside for layering later.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the First Half of the Batter: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to spread it out smoothly.
- Add the Cinnamon Filling: Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the batter, making sure to cover the entire surface. This creates a delicious ribbon of cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the rest of the batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Gently spread it out using a spatula. It doesn’t have to be perfect—some of the cinnamon mixture might peek through, which is completely fine.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key is to keep the butter cold so that the streusel remains crumbly and crisp after baking.
- Sprinkle Over the Cake: Evenly distribute the streusel mixture over the top of the cake, covering the batter completely.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If necessary, check at the 35-minute mark and bake a little longer if needed.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy as is, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Soft and Moist Texture
The combination of butter and sour cream ensures that the cake remains soft and tender without being dry.
2. Deliciously Spiced Cinnamon Flavor
The cinnamon-sugar filling creates a warm and inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
3. Irresistible Streusel Topping
A crisp, crumbly topping adds the perfect textural contrast to the soft cake beneath it.
Creative Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added texture and flavor.
- Glazed Perfection: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
- Fruity Swirl: Replace the cinnamon sugar layer with a thin spread of fruit preserves (such as raspberry, apple, or apricot) for a unique flavor variation.
- Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Tips for the Best Coffee Cake
- Use Cold Butter for Streusel: Keeping the butter cold helps create a crumbly, crunchy topping rather than a melted, greasy layer.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Storage & Freezing: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is a delightful homemade treat that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday brunch, or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite of its buttery layers, cinnamon-infused filling, and crunchy streusel topping!
Have you tried this recipe or any creative variations? Share your thoughts and baking experiences!
