Tall, tender, and topped with buttery streusel, this coffee cake is guaranteed to be an instant classic. Buttermilk (or Greek yogurt) adds a hint of tanginess to balance the sweet richness of the butter and sugar-based batter. A ribbon of dark cinnamon filling runs through the center of the light cake, adding both visual and gustatory intrigue. Best of all, this cake is gluten-free so it can be enjoyed by lots of eager eaters. (Only tell those who need to eat gluten-free; the others will never believe it!)
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8" square pan with a parchment sling or reusable silicone liner, then lightly grease the sides of the pan. Alternatively, line a 9" cake pan with a round piece of parchment or round reusable liner and lightly grease the sides.
To make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa. Set aside.
To make the crumbs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and vanilla all at once to the dry mixture. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened and irregular, ranging in size from a pea to walnut. Set aside.
To make the cake: In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the butter and mix at low speed using an electric hand mixer or the flat beater attachment of the stand mixer until the mixture looks sandy, about 1 to 2 minutes. (This mixing method is called reverse creaming and is also known as the paste method.)
Beat in the vanilla and eggs, then mix until no dry spots of flour remain. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl and beater attachment as needed; the mixture will be thick.
If using buttermilk, slowly pour it into the mixture while the mixer is running on low speed. If using Greek yogurt, add the yogurt all at once before starting to mix. Continue to stir until the batter is smooth. Stop to scrape the bowl and then mix again at low speed for 1 minute; this final mix is key to ensuring the best texture so don't skip it.
To assemble and bake the cake: Transfer half the batter (about 1 1/2 cups, 420g) into the prepared pan, spreading it all the way to the edges. (A small offset spatula is a helpful tool here.)
Sprinkle the filling evenly across the batter.
Transfer the remaining batter atop the filling and gently spread to the edges. (The batter will be pourable if you’ve used buttermilk; otherwise, transfer the thick batter by dolloping portions over the filling then use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer.) It’s OK if some filling gets mixed into the top layer of batter.
Sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the batter and gently press to adhere.
Bake the coffee cake for about 45 to 50 minutes, until it's set in the middle and light brown on top. When the cake is done, a toothpick or paring knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Remove the coffee cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Prepare the glaze while the coffee cake is cooling, if using.
To make the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients until smooth, starting with the smaller amount of water. Gradually add additional water as needed until the glaze is the consistency of molasses.
Remove the cake from the pan using the overhanging edges of parchment as handles to gently lift it out. (If you used a silicone liner or parchment round, run a nylon spreader or dull knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake and then gently tip it out.) Place the cake, still on the parchment if a sling was used, on a wire rack to cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze over the coffee cake, or finish by dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Storage information: Store leftover coffee cake, well wrapped, at room temperature for several days; freeze for longer storage.
Tips from our Bakers
For easiest handling, cut your butter into cubes while it’s still cold and then let it come to room temperature. Cubing room temperature butter can be messy.
Be aware: some of your baking ingredients can be a hidden source of gluten. Learn more at our blog post: For gluten-free baking, think beyond just flour. For additional information on King Arthur-produced products, read the complete details of our allergen program, including our contact-prevention practices.
Looking for more incredible coffee cake? Check out the other flavorful variations of this coffee cake. Bake them all to find your favorite!
