Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting—just the name alone makes you crave a cozy moment with your favorite mug in hand. This recipe brings together the warm, rich flavor of coffee in both the fluffy, tender cake and a dreamy, sweepingly smooth coffee-spiked frosting. Whether you serve it at brunch, as an afternoon treat, or as a celebratory dessert, this cake is a true showstopper for coffee lovers and anyone who appreciates the nostalgic charm (and aroma!) of a homemade cake that’s just a little extra special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling off a perfect Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting doesn’t require anything fancy—just a handful of pantry basics and, of course, the star ingredient: coffee! Each contributes a layer of flavor, texture, and that irresistible homemade vibe to your final bake.

• All-purpose flour: This creates soft structure for the cake, keeping it light yet sturdy enough to hold the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it moist from the first bite to the last.
• Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and a tender crumb; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Eggs: These bind the ingredients and add essential lift for a fluffy cake.
• Instant coffee granules: Dissolved in a touch of hot water, this gives both cake and frosting their deep, café-inspired flavor.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully without collapsing.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and a tender, springy bite you’ll love.
• Powdered sugar: This fine sugar makes the frosting cloud-like and perfectly smooth.
• Vanilla extract: A small splash elevates and rounds out the coffee notes in both cake and frosting.

How to Make Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee Mixture

Start by dissolving instant coffee granules in a bit of hot water—this delivers pure coffee flavor right into every crumb and swirl of your cake. Let it cool completely before mixing it into your batter or frosting for the best texture and taste.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream your room-temperature butter with the sugar until it’s pale, fluffy, and irresistible. This step is crucial for a light, airy crumb—beat for a solid three to five minutes to whip in plenty of air.

Step 3: Add Eggs, One at a Time

Crack in your eggs, mixing after each addition. Don’t rush this step: mixing well after each egg creates an emulsified batter, yielding a beautifully tender cake that won’t turn out dense.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This prevents clumps and ensures your leavening is evenly distributed for a higher, fluffier cake.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the dry ingredients and milk in alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry. Pour in the cooled coffee mixture and vanilla extract with the final addition—this results in a smooth, silky batter where coffee shines but nothing is overworked.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into a lined baking tin, smoothing the top, and bake until golden and springy. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before frosting!

Step 7: Make the Coffee Frosting

Beat together more room-temperature butter and powdered sugar with a good splash of your cooled coffee and a dash of vanilla. Whip until it’s light and spreadable. Taste as you go—add more coffee if you want a bolder hit of flavor.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost

Once your cake is completely cool, generously slather the top with your luscious coffee frosting. Go rustic with swoops and swirls, or smooth it out for a polished finish. Finish with a sprinkle of coffee granules or chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or even a few coffee beans can highlight the flavor and make your Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting look extra inviting. For a festive touch, add a few curls of white or dark chocolate or a light drizzle of espresso glaze.

Side Dishes

This cake is bold enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert-worthy decadence. Serve with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee or tea for the full café experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, slice your Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting into generous squares and layer them on a pretty cake stand. For parties, cut into small, bite-sized pieces for an easy finger food dessert. You can even bake the cake in mini loaf tins for delightful individual servings—adorable and delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting covered at room temperature for up to two days. The frosting helps lock in moisture, so it stays soft and flavorful. For longer keeping, move it to the fridge—the flavors deepen as it rests!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap unfrosted or frosted slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature. For best results, freeze the cake and frosting separately, then assemble after thawing.

Reheating

If you like your cake just slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds (frosting and all). It’ll taste fresh-baked and slightly gooey, in the very best way. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting can melt away!

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

For the deepest, most concentrated coffee flavor, instant coffee granules are best. Brewed coffee adds more liquid and less punch, but you can substitute it in a pinch—just reduce other liquids slightly to compensate.

Can I make this Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture stays moist and tender, and the coffee flavor still shines right through.

How strong is the coffee flavor in the cake and frosting?

The coffee flavor is present but not overpowering—it’s smooth and mellow, accentuated by the sweetness of the frosting. For a bolder experience, add extra instant coffee to taste!

What type of pan works best for this cake?

An 8-inch round or square cake tin delivers a beautifully high cake with a good ratio of crumb to frosting. You can also use a loaf pan or even double the recipe for a layered version.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips add irresistible crunch and texture. Just fold them in before baking for a fun twist on tradition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a bake that tastes like a hug in cake form, this Coffee Cake with Coffee Frosting is sure to win your heart. It’s cozy, shareable, customizable, and easy enough for bakers of any skill level. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a staple in my kitchen, and why every coffee break deserves a slice (or two) of this dreamy cake!