This cinnamon coffee cake is a dream come true for all coffee cake lovers, striking the perfect balance between a soft, fluffy cake and a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar crumb topping. With 70% cake and 30% streusel, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds: a tender, moist crumb and a buttery, sweet topping that’s lightly spiced with cinnamon. The addition of pumpkin puree ensures extra moisture, while a simple vanilla icing drizzle brings everything together in a beautifully decadent yet comforting treat. It’s the perfect companion to your morning coffee or an afternoon tea break, and it’s so easy to make that it might just become your new favorite go-to bake!
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
This cinnamon coffee cake will steal your heart with its perfect combination of flavors and textures. The base of the cake is incredibly soft, moist, and lightly spiced, thanks to the combination of cinnamon and pumpkin puree, while the streusel topping provides the perfect contrast with its crumbly, buttery texture. The vanilla icing on top adds a sweet and creamy finish that takes each bite to the next level. The best part? It’s super simple to make, requiring just basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. This coffee cake is a delightful choice for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this cake never disappoints.
Perfect Occasion:
This cinnamon coffee cake is perfect for nearly any occasion. It's great for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or as a casual afternoon snack with your favorite hot drink. It also makes for an excellent addition to a holiday dessert spread or a thoughtful homemade gift. Its warm flavors and inviting texture make it a great fall or winter bake, but honestly, it’s delicious enough to enjoy all year round. This cake is especially ideal for gatherings where you want something both comforting and impressive—whether it’s a family get-together, a potluck, or a coffee date with friends. The cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin flavors give it a cozy, nostalgic feel that’s hard to resist.
Decoration Tips:
To give your cinnamon coffee cake a stunning finish, drizzle it generously with a smooth vanilla icing. For an added touch of warmth, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon over the top of the icing. If you want to elevate the presentation further, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping before baking for added crunch and visual appeal. You could also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a classic look, or drizzle with a little melted caramel for an extra indulgent touch. Serve your coffee cake on a beautiful cake stand or rustic wooden board to complete the homestyle, cozy vibe.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cane sugar (or substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
Ingredients for the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 3 1/2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Ingredients for the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter. The parchment paper will make it easier to remove the cake after baking. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cane sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. The soft butter and sugar should form a creamy, smooth base. Add in the pumpkin puree, milk, and egg, and beat the mixture until everything is well incorporated. Make sure the pumpkin puree is mixed evenly throughout to ensure a moist cake. Finally, add the vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Sifting the flour is optional but can help prevent any lumps in the cake batter. The cinnamon adds that cozy warmth, while the baking powder and soda will help the cake rise beautifully. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense, so gently stir until everything is just combined, and the batter looks smooth. - Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and white sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients. The goal is to achieve a crumbly, sandy texture with small chunks of butter throughout. This crumb topping will become golden and crisp during baking, adding a delightful crunch to your cake. - Assemble and Bake the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, ensuring it covers the entire surface. The more streusel, the better! Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The streusel should be golden brown and crispy. - Make the Icing:
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk or sugar, depending on your preference. - Cool and Ice the Cake:
Once the cake is fully baked, allow it to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This cooling time helps the cake set, making it easier to cut. After the cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful finish. If you want a rustic look, let the icing drip down the sides naturally. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into squares and serve! This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. Its rich cinnamon and sugar flavors make it the perfect treat for any time of day.
Storage Tip:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh longer, or freeze individual slices for a quick treat later on.
Enjoy this moist, fluffy cinnamon coffee cake—perfect for any occasion and utterly irresistible!