Buttermilk Coffee Cake Recipe (Tender, Cinnamon-Streusel Classic)

This classic coffee cake is soft, buttery, and layered with a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping. Buttermilk gives it a tender crumb and rich flavor. Great with your morning coffee!

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• For the streusel topping:
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch baking pan.
2. Make the streusel: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, nuts (if using), and melted butter. Set aside.
3. Mix the batter:
4. Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
8. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle half the streusel over it. Add the remaining batter, then top with remaining streusel.
9. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature.