How to Make Maple Streusel Cake: A Cozy, Sweet Treat for Every Season

Have you ever wondered what makes a coffee cake truly irresistible?

It’s that perfect balance — the tender crumb, the buttery topping, and that rich aroma that fills your kitchen before the first bite ever reaches your lips. If you’re searching for a cake that delivers all of that and more, this Maple Streusel Cake might just be your next favorite bake. Warm, comforting, and full of cozy maple sweetness, it’s a dessert that feels like a big autumn hug — but tastes just as good any time of year.

In this post, we’ll go step-by-step through how to make a bakery-quality Maple Streusel Cake at home, even if you’re not an experienced baker. You’ll learn how to brown butter (the secret to deep flavor), build a perfect crumb topping, and create a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress family and friends.

What Makes Maple Streusel Cake Special

Print

This Maple Streusel Cake is a celebration of texture and flavor. It combines three of the best things in baking — browned butter, warm spices, and a crunchy, sweet streusel topping. The maple syrup adds a deep caramel-like sweetness, while Greek yogurt ensures a soft, tender crumb.

It’s the kind of cake that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or as a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Despite its impressive layers, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require fancy tools — just simple ingredients and a few mixing bowls.

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Bake time: 40–45 minutes
• Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Serves: 8–10

Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make your Maple Streusel Cake, along with helpful substitutions and variations.

Browned Butter

• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Tip: Browning butter adds a nutty, rich flavor that makes this cake special. You can use regular melted butter if you’re in a hurry, but browned butter gives the cake depth and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.

For the Streusel Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 6 tablespoons of the prepared browned butter (cooled slightly)

Substitutions:

• You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly lighter flavor.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy variation.
• If you prefer, use vanilla extract instead of maple for a milder flavor.

For the Cake Batter

• 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• Remaining browned butter (about 13 tablespoons)

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• You can use honey instead of maple syrup, but it will change the flavor slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for the perfect Maple Streusel Cake:

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This takes about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning. Pour it into a heat-safe bowl and let it cool slightly.

Tip: Browning butter requires attention — once it starts foaming, it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Watch for golden specks forming at the bottom and a toasty aroma.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and maple extract.
2. Pour in 6 tablespoons of the cooled browned butter.
3. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix. The crumbly texture is what makes the streusel topping crunchy and delicious.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square or round baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the remaining browned butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Add the maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and maple extract. Whisk until well combined.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Tip: Overmixing the batter can make your cake dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir only until the flour disappears.

Assembly

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface.
4. Add the remaining streusel evenly across the top.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Presentation Tip:
Dust the cooled cake lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful brunch centerpiece.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a few seconds in the microwave.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the streusel topping a day ahead and keep it chilled. The cake batter can also be made a few hours in advance — just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun ways to make this Maple Streusel Cake your own:

1. Maple Pecan Streusel Cake – Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty crunch.
2. Apple Maple Cake – Fold 1 cup diced apples into the batter for a fruit-filled fall treat.
3. Maple Cream Cheese Cake – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese filling between the batter layers.
4. Mini Maple Muffin Cakes – Turn the recipe into muffins! Bake for 20–25 minutes at 350°F.
5. Cinnamon Swirl Version – Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar through the middle for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Maple Flavor: Every bite is infused with maple sweetness and spice.
• Moist Texture: Greek yogurt ensures a tender, fluffy crumb.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake fits the moment.
• Simple but Impressive: Easy steps and a beautiful finish make it a reliable go-to for bakers of all levels.

FAQs

1. Can I use pancake syrup instead of pure maple syrup?
You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Pure maple syrup gives a deeper, more natural sweetness that makes a big difference in this cake.

2. What’s the best way to brown butter without burning it?
Use medium heat and a light-colored pan so you can see the color change. Swirl often and remove it from heat once it turns golden brown and smells nutty.

3. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes. Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water.

4. Is this cake very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet. The maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the brown sugar streusel.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s still wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Absolutely! Just make sure to grease it well and extend the baking time by about 10–15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and filled with cozy fall flavors, this Maple Streusel Cake is just what you need. The browned butter adds depth, the maple syrup gives it that irresistible aroma, and the crumbly topping seals the deal. Whether you serve it for brunch, as a coffee companion, or as dessert after dinner, it’s guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.

So go ahead — preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to a slice of pure maple comfort. Once you try it, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again.