Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts cozy, nostalgic, and downright irresistible, Coffee Cake is where your search ends. This classic bakes up with layers of tender, cinnamon-swirled cake, buttery streusel, and a drizzle that’s pure magic. Every slice shows off a soft crumb and a delicious medley of warm flavors. Whether you serve it for brunch with friends, bring it to a morning meeting, or cozy up with a piece on the weekend, Coffee Cake always brings that just-right balance of sweetness and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Coffee Cake comes down to simple pantry staples, each playing an important role in making this irresistible treat. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake, cinnamon swirls, crumbly topping, and final drizzle—every ingredient brings something special, so don’t skip a thing!

• All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy, tender base for the cake and helps form the crumbly streusel and topping.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for that classic, fluffy texture.
• Baking soda: Works with the acidity in the buttermilk for extra lift and softness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout the cake.
• Melted butter (1 Tablespoon): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Egg (room temperature): Binds the batter and gives the cake a tender crumb.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): The secret to ultra-moist Coffee Cake and a subtle tang.
• Softened butter (3 Tablespoons): Crucial for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth streusel layer.
• Cinnamon (1 Tablespoon + ½ Tablespoon): Delivers that signature warm, spicy-sweet kick inside and on top.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds caramel notes and a touch of chewiness to the filling.
• Firmly packed light brown sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the crumb topping with depth and softness.
• All-purpose flour (extra ½ cup + ½ cup): Combines with butter and sugar for the layered streusel and crumb topping.
• Butter, cubed (¼ cup): Makes the topping crumble perfectly over the cake before baking.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): For that dreamy glaze to finish your Coffee Cake with the perfect sweet sheen.
• Milk (2½ teaspoons): Turns the powdered sugar into a pourable, glossy drizzle.
• Optional: Chopped nuts: Stir into the streusel for crunch and a burst of nutty flavor.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to make sure your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. For the best results, grease a 9 by 9-inch baking dish with 2-inch sides, and, if you like, line it with parchment paper for super-easy removal later. This simple prep step will make your Coffee Cake a breeze to serve and keep those slices looking perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give everything a good whisk so the leavening agents are distributed evenly. This step ensures your Coffee Cake will rise well and bake up with a delicate, balanced crumb.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, room temperature egg, and buttermilk. Room temperature ingredients blend together smoother and help your cake come out more tender. This wet mixture is what transforms those dry ingredients into a decadent batter.

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix—it’s perfectly fine if a few lumps remain. Over-mixing can make Coffee Cake dense, so a light hand here is key for a soft, fluffy crumb.

Step 5: Layer the First Half of Batter

Spread half of your freshly made batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. This forms the bottom layer of your Coffee Cake, which will soak up all those delicious cinnamon and brown sugar flavors next.

Step 6: Mix the Streusel Filling

For the mouthwatering swirl inside, combine the softened butter, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and optional nuts in a small bowl. Use a fork to blend everything together until you have a crumbly, even mixture full of cinnamon aroma.

Step 7: Add Streusel Filling

Sprinkle the fragrant cinnamon streusel evenly over the first layer of cake batter. This creates the signature spiced swirl that sets Coffee Cake apart and gives you blissful pockets of cinnamon sweetness in every bite.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Batter

Carefully spread the rest of your cake batter over the streusel layer. Use a spatula to gently cover the filling without mixing it in too much. The result will be gorgeously layered slices when you serve.

Step 9: Prepare the Crumb Topping

Dice ¼ cup of cold butter into cubes and place in a small bowl. Add ½ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup flour, ½ tablespoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or pastry blender to work the mix until crumbly. This crunchy topping is essential for giving your Coffee Cake its signature bakery finish.

Step 10: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the entire surface of your cake. This will bake up into a golden, sweet crust with irresistible texture and flavor.

Step 11: Bake

Bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan and cooling completely. This lets the layers set up for neat slices (plus, the aroma will drive everyone in the house wild).

Step 12: Drizzle the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar with 2½ teaspoons of milk, adding a bit more milk if needed for a smooth, pourable consistency. When your Coffee Cake is cool, use a spoon to drizzle the sweet glaze over the top in pretty zigzags or swirls. Voila—your masterpiece is ready to serve!

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

For an inviting look and a pop of flavor, try dusting each slice of Coffee Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon just before serving. If you’ve used nuts in your streusel, a few extra chopped nuts on top provide crunch and visual flair. Fresh berries or a little lemon zest can add a beautiful contrast, too!

Side Dishes

Coffee Cake’s sweet, subtly spiced flavors pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee (of course!), but it’s also delicious with tea, chai, or even a cold glass of milk. For a lovely brunch spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or softly scrambled eggs. These sides keep the focus on your star bake while rounding out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Coffee Cake into small squares for a breakfast buffet, or slice it into thick wedges for afternoon snacks. It’s also a crowd-pleaser when served on a cake stand at brunch gatherings or family celebrations. For a fun twist, offer a DIY topping bar with whipped cream, melted chocolate, or seasonal fruits, so everyone can customize their piece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Coffee Cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and tasty for about 2 days. If you want to keep it a bit longer, pop it in the fridge, but let it come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

Coffee Cake freezes beautifully—just be sure it’s completely cooled first. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight on the counter or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To get that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or pop larger portions into a 300 degree F oven for about 10 minutes. The topping will crisp up and the interior will be as soft and inviting as the day you baked it.

FAQs

Can I use yogurt instead of buttermilk in Coffee Cake?

Yes! Plain yogurt (especially Greek yogurt) is a great substitute for buttermilk in this Coffee Cake recipe. Use the same quantity for a moist, slightly tangy cake. You may need to thin the yogurt with a splash of milk for the right consistency.

How do I know when my Coffee Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no raw batter), your Coffee Cake is ready. The top should be nicely golden and the aroma will be irresistible!

What’s the best way to make the crumb topping extra crunchy?

Use cold butter, and don’t over-mix; you want pea-sized crumbles. Baking at a slightly higher heat at the beginning can also help crisp up the topping, just be sure to watch so it doesn’t over-brown.

Can I add fruit or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Try folding in a cup of blueberries, chopped apples, or chocolate chips into the batter after mixing. Just make sure to coat any fruit with a bit of flour to prevent sinking for perfectly studded slices.

Do I need to use parchment paper in the baking dish?

Parchment paper isn’t essential, but it makes removing the Coffee Cake a breeze and helps keep the edges soft. Lightly greasing the pan works too, so feel free to do what works for you.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake really is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to whenever you want to treat yourself or delight a crowd. It’s simple, comforting, and just a bit special—it’s everything we love in home baking. Give it a try, and let it become your new go-to for any occasion worth celebrating (hint: that’s just about any day).

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