Introduction

This classic coffee cake is moist, tender, and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel that melts into every bite. Finished with an optional light icing drizzle, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat alongside your favorite cup of coffee.

The image shows square pieces of coffee cake with a thick, light yellow base layer topped by a crumbly, dark brown streusel layer full of textured chunks. A spoon is pouring a smooth, white glaze over the crumbly topping of one piece, creating a shiny contrast against the coarse crumb topping. The scene sits on a white marbled texture, with a close-up focus on the pouring glaze and the detailed cake layers beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 egg
1/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups flour
2 T butter (melted)
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 T flour
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
1 T butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 T milk (extra, if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease or line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg. Add sugar, milk, salt, oil, and vanilla, and mix well.
Step 3: Spoon the flour into a measuring cup, then dump it on top of the wet ingredients. Sprinkle the baking powder evenly over the flour. Gently mix the baking powder into the top half of the flour, then stir the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: To make the streusel, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Remove from microwave and stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until well combined. Add walnuts if using.
Step 5: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter. Use your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke the streusel halfway down into the batter about 12 to 18 times at random spots to create pockets of cinnamon flavor.
Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake tender and moist.
Step 7: For the optional icing, mix the room temperature butter and powdered sugar together. Add milk a little at a time until the icing reaches your desired consistency. Lightly drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

Swap walnuts for pecans or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
Try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter to enhance the coffee flavor.
For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk and oil instead of butter in the streusel and icing.

Storage

Store the coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to warm through.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a piece of crumb cake with two main layers. The bottom layer is thick, light beige, and soft looking, forming the cake base. The top layer is a crumbly, dark brown cinnamon streusel with a rough texture that covers the entire surface. White icing is being drizzled over the streusel from a spoon above, with the icing forming a smooth, flowing stream that lands on the cake piece. The cake pieces rest on brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this coffee cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum or add some if the recipe requires it.

Is the streusel necessary?

While the streusel adds a wonderful cinnamon-sugar crunch and depth of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler cake. The cake will still be moist and delicious on its own.