Coffee Cake is the ultimate anytime treat—soft, perfectly sweet with a warmly spiced streusel topping and just enough crumb to make each bite feel cozy and special. Whether you enjoy it as a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon indulgence, this classic Coffee Cake brings together buttery richness, cinnamon swirls, and that irresistible crunchy top. The result is a cake that’s not only easy to love, but simple to make and endlessly versatile for gatherings, celebrations, or your favorite quiet moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Coffee Cake earns its spot—each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor or delivering that beloved tender texture with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for the best results.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it structure without making it heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and a delicate crumb, while balancing the warm spices.
- Brown sugar: Brings a depth of molasses flavor to the streusel and helps achieve that iconic crunchy top.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, key for both the cake and the irresistible crumb topping.
- Eggs: Help bind the Coffee Cake and add just the right amount of lift for a light, fluffy finish.
- Milk (or buttermilk): Keeps the cake moist and tender, with buttermilk adding a subtle tang.
- Sour cream or yogurt: This secret ingredient makes the crumb extra plush and gives a faint creamy note.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake its beautiful rise and soft texture.
- Salt: Intensifies flavors and perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Adds that signature warmth you crave in every slice of Coffee Cake.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the aromatic profile, boosting every other flavor.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts or a swirl of chocolate can add a delightful twist if you’re in the mood to experiment.
How to Make Coffee Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee every corner of your Coffee Cake bakes up beautifully golden. While it warms, generously grease your baking pan—usually an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square works perfectly—or line it with parchment paper for easy lifting and cleanup. Set out your butter, eggs, and sour cream so they’re at room temperature, which helps everything mix together seamlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This cinnamon-laced topping is what gives Coffee Cake its signature crunch and aroma—don’t rush this part!
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution, which means a perfectly fluffy crumb later on.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step adds air, which translates to a tender, high-rising cake. Scrape down the sides, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract for that extra depth.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) next—this keeps your Coffee Cake moist. Then alternately add the flour mixture and milk (or buttermilk), beginning and ending with flour. Gentle mixing is the trick to a soft crumb; over-beating makes cakes dense.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle with a generous amount of the streusel mixture, then dollop the rest of the batter on top. Add the remaining streusel. For an extra treat, use a butter knife to swirl the layers just a bit—it creates beautiful ribbons of cinnamon crunch throughout the Coffee Cake.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let your Coffee Cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes; this helps set the crumb and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Coffee Cake
Garnishes
Dust your finished Coffee Cake with a light shower of powdered sugar right before serving for a classic, picture-perfect look. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze or a scattering of toasted nuts elevates it to coffee shop status.
Side Dishes
While Coffee Cake is a treat all on its own, it’s even more delightful alongside a mug of freshly brewed coffee, a robust black tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. For gatherings, set out a bowl of fresh-cut fruit or Greek yogurt to round out a sweet breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Skip the usual square and serve your Coffee Cake in bite-sized muffin form for brunch buffets, or layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for a show-stopping dessert. For a special touch, warm individual slices and offer a selection of spreads like berry compote or cinnamon butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Coffee Cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before sealing it up to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Coffee Cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a resealable freezer bag. Frozen, it keeps its quality for about 2 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick treat.
Reheating
To restore a fresh-from-the-oven texture, warm individual slices of Coffee Cake gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat larger pieces in a low oven (325°F) for 5-10 minutes. This brings back the crumbly warmth that’s so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour if I’m out of all-purpose?
Yes! While all-purpose flour gives Coffee Cake its classic texture, you can substitute cake flour for an even lighter crumb, or use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free treat. Just keep in mind, whole wheat flour will make the cake more dense and give a nuttier flavor.
Is it possible to make this Coffee Cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap in plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative. The texture will stay beautifully soft, and you’ll still get the rich, spiced flavor profile that makes Coffee Cake irresistible.
Can I add fruit to the Coffee Cake?
Definitely! Blueberries, diced apples, or a handful of raspberries can be gently folded into the batter before baking. Fruit adds freshness and a juicy pop that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon streusel.
How do I keep the streusel from sinking into the Cake?
The trick is to keep your streusel mixture cold and crumbly. If the butter gets too warm, it will melt into the batter instead of sitting prettily on top. You can even place your prepared streusel in the fridge while you make the batter for the best results.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Coffee Cake?
Leftover Coffee Cake is just as delicious as day one. Warm it briefly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply alongside your morning coffee for an indulgent start to the day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, give this Coffee Cake a try! I promise, you’ll win fans whether you serve it as a weekday breakfast or a celebratory treat. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and versatile treat featuring tender cake layers, a ribbon of cinnamon streusel, and a buttery crumb topping—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for streusel)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch pan.
- Make streusel: Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Chill while making batter.
- In a bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream and alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix gently until smooth.
- Spread half the batter in pan, sprinkle with half the streusel, then top with remaining batter and streusel. Swirl gently if desired.
- Bake 35–40 minutes or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze for extra flair.
- Add blueberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist.
- Make it dairy-free using plant-based alternatives.
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