This classic Streusel Coffee Cake brings back warm kitchen memories with its tender crumb and sweet, spiced topping. A staple of American home baking, it became popular during the mid-20th century for its simplicity and flavor. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, it pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The streusel topping, made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, creates a crunchy contrast to the moist cake beneath. Loved for its comfort and versatility, it’s a favorite in homes across generations.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 3 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup shortening
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Optional:
- 1 tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup oats (add with dry ingredients)
Streusel Mixture:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon (or 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted )
- ½ cup nuts (chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a bowl.
Step 2: Add Shortening
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat egg and mix with milk and vanilla.
Step 4: Combine
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just enough to mix.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Pour half the batter into a greased 8″ pan.
- Sprinkle half the streusel mixture over it.
- Add remaining batter. Top with the rest of the streusel.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips
- Add 1 tablespoon honey (as suggested on the card) for a deeper flavor and slightly moister texture.
- Swap 1/3 cup of the flour with rolled oats for a heartier cake.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel for extra warmth.
- Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for crunch.
- Add a ribbon of cinnamon sugar in the middle and on top for a bakery-style effect.
- Replace milk with sour cream for an extra tender crumb.
- Add a handful of blueberries or diced apples to the batter.
- Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake.
- Bake in a square pan or round cake pan, both work.
- Double the streusel if you prefer a thicker crumb topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 442mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg
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