Moist Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

The aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar swirling through the air is all the invitation you need to try this warm, buttery coffee cake. Moist and tender, this nostalgic bake is topped with a crunchy streusel and finished with a sweet vanilla drizzle. It’s comfort in every slice.

Perfect for cozy weekends, brunch gatherings, or a simple sweet treat with your favorite cup of coffee, this cake comes together easily with basic pantry staples. Whether served warm from the oven or packed for an afternoon snack, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Cake

  • 1 egg

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• Streusel

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

• Icing Drizzle

  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tablespoon milk (add more if needed for consistency)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg until pale. Mix in sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla. Gently spoon flour into measuring cup and add to wet mixture. Sprinkle baking powder evenly over flour and lightly mix into the top layer. Fold together until just combined.

2. Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking dish and smooth the top.

3. Melt butter for streusel and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until clumpy. Fold in walnuts if using. Scatter over the cake and poke down into batter using the handle of a spoon 12–18 times to create cinnamon tunnels.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let cool slightly.

5. Mix icing ingredients and drizzle over the warm cake. Let set before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 9 squares

The Allure of a Classic: Moist Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel

There’s something inherently comforting about coffee cake. Perhaps it’s the way it pairs effortlessly with a warm mug of coffee or tea, or maybe it’s the soft, tender crumb mingling with a buttery, cinnamon-laced streusel that makes it feel like a hug on a plate. For generations, the coffee cake has held a beloved place on breakfast tables, potlucks, and family gatherings, and this version a moist coffee cake with cinnamon streusel and optional vanilla drizzle is an easy, timeless recipe that speaks to the soul of home baking.

A Slice of History

Despite its name, coffee cake doesn’t actually contain coffee. Its roots can be traced back to Northern and Central Europe, particularly Denmark and Germany, where yeasted sweet breads were commonly served alongside a cup of coffee. These early versions were more like pastries often layered with nuts, dried fruits, or cheese. As immigrants brought their baking traditions to America, the concept evolved to what we recognize today: a tender cake, often made with baking powder instead of yeast, topped or swirled with streusel, and enjoyed primarily during breakfast or as a midday treat.

In the United States, the popularity of coffee cake soared in the 19th and early 20th centuries as coffee drinking became more widespread. The cake became synonymous with hospitality and comfort a symbol of leisurely mornings or afternoon chats around the kitchen table. Over time, countless variations emerged, from sour cream coffee cakes to apple, pumpkin, or even chocolate infused renditions. Yet, one element has remained consistent: that glorious crumbly topping.

What Makes This Version Special?

This specific recipe shines because of its simplicity and the incredible balance between softness and crunch. Unlike more complex coffee cakes that require multiple components or hours of prep, this one comes together quickly with pantry staples. It uses oil instead of butter in the batter, which helps ensure a moist, tender crumb without the risk of overmixing or drying out. That texture contrast light and airy cake against rich, sugary streusel is the magic that makes each bite unforgettable.

Cinnamon plays a starring role here, adding warmth and aroma that feels instantly nostalgic. The streusel brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and melted butter is spooned generously over the batter and then gently poked into the cake, creating delightful tunnels of spiced sweetness throughout. For those who like a little crunch, chopped walnuts add nutty depth, though they’re completely optional for anyone with allergies or taste preferences.

And for the cherry on top? A simple powdered sugar drizzle adds just the right touch of sweetness and visual appeal. It’s not overly fancy, but that’s part of its charm it feels homemade, accessible, and totally crave-worthy.

Flavor & Texture: A Match Made in Baking Heaven

Imagine slicing into a golden square of cake and revealing an interior that’s soft, moist, and delicately flavored with vanilla. As you take a bite, you get the tender sponge, followed by the slight crispness of the caramelized streusel pockets. There’s the gentle crunch of walnuts, if you’ve included them, and a thin veil of icing that melts on your tongue.

The flavor is sweet but not overpowering. The cinnamon adds just enough spice to elevate the cake without making it feel like a holiday exclusive dessert. It’s balanced, it’s nuanced, and it’s exactly the kind of thing you’ll want to have on hand whether you’re feeding a group or simply treating yourself on a quiet Sunday morning.

When and How to Serve

Coffee cake is one of the most versatile baked goods you can make. This version in particular is ideal for:

• Brunch tables: Pair with coffee, chai, or a mimosa.

• Afternoon tea: Offer slices with herbal tea and small savory finger foods.

• School lunches: Wrap in parchment and tuck into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise.

• Weekday breakfast: Warm up a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds for an instant comfort moment.

• Holiday mornings: Add this to your Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day spread for a stress-free, homemade element.

It’s also a thoughtful bake to bring to a neighbor, offer at a community potluck, or serve during book club or church gatherings. Since it keeps well at room temperature for a few days (and even longer in the fridge), it’s an excellent make-ahead option.

Easy Customizations for Every Baker

One of the joys of a simple recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, there are a few clever ways to make this coffee cake your own:

• Dairy-Free? Swap out the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. The icing can be made with plant-based butter as well.

• Nut-Free? Omit the walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds or shredded coconut for texture without allergens.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.

• Add Fruit: A few thinly sliced apples or a scattering of blueberries folded into the batter can transform this into a fruit-forward breakfast delight.

• Glaze Variations: Try a maple glaze or lemon icing instead of plain vanilla for seasonal twists.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Because this cake relies on subtle balances moisture, crumb, and rise there are a few key tips to guarantee success:

1. Measure Flour Properly: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping can compact it and lead to a dry cake.

2. Don’t Overmix: Once the wet and dry ingredients come together, stir just until you see no more streaks of flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the cake tough.

3. Test Early: Start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

4. Cool Before Icing: Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the icing to prevent it from melting into the cake entirely (unless that’s what you prefer some people love that extra moistness!).

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

What makes this coffee cake so enduring is its blend of nostalgia and adaptability. It feels like a recipe your grandmother might have passed down, yet it’s easy enough to whip up on a whim. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s the point. In an age of gourmet bakes and intricate desserts, there’s something refreshingly honest about a cake that’s meant to be shared, savored, and made again and again.

This cake also invites community serve it to guests and you’ll likely find yourself writing the recipe on a napkin or texting it afterward. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together around a table, sparks stories, and creates new memories.

Conclusion: 

In the world of baking, where recipes can sometimes feel overwhelming or overly elaborate, this moist coffee cake with cinnamon streusel stands as a beacon of simplicity and satisfaction. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and universally loved. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or just because it checks all the right boxes: easy, nostalgic, comforting, and delicious.

So the next time you find yourself reaching for something sweet to pair with your coffee, consider skipping the store bought pastries and giving this coffee cake a go. You might just find it becomes a new classic in your own kitchen.