There’s something certainly warm about the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen. It's so pleasant and welcoming that it instantly turns a dull day into an exciting one! A Coffee Cake Recipe is more than just a sweet treat it’s a timeless cake that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of coffee, afternoon tea, or a cozy gathering with friends. This cake isn't about coffee in the cake; it’s about the cake for coffee. Let’s bring that nostalgic warmth back to your kitchen with this foolproof, buttery delight.
Coffee Cake Recipe originated in Europe, where sweet cakes were served alongside coffee as early as the 17th century. When the idea was bought to America by German and Scandinavian immigrants, it evolved into the streusel-topped, cinnamon-laced classic we know today. It’s a "must bake" in American bakeries and home kitchens alike, known and beloved for its crumbly topping and tender base.
I first discovered coffee cake at a local bakery tucked away in a quiet neighborhood corner. It wasn’t decorated in a fancy way. That coffee cake was just a golden slice sitting in the pastry case with other bakery goods. When I took one bite, it changed everything. The soft, buttery crumb, the warm cinnamon swirl, and that irresistible sugary topping. It felt like warm hug wrapped in cake form. From that moment on, I wanted to recreate that bakery-style perfection at home. After many trials, I finally crafted a version that’s just as tender, just as spiced, and somehow even more satisfying. Now I make it at every weekend brunch and cozy catch-up with friends.
Looking for something to cook at your next family gathering? Try this crowd pleaser recipe: Penne Arrabbiata Recipe.
How to Make Coffee Cake Recipe
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Ingredients For Coffee Cake Recipe
- Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-rich flavor perfect for the streusel.
- Butter (unsalted): For a rich, moist cake. Use room temperature for easier creaming.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a fluffy crumb.
- Sour Cream: The secret to a super tender and moist cake.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Leavening agents for lift.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions For Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: In another small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set side
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter . Use a fork or spatula to mash the butter into the mixture until completely combined and crumbly. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together. Add milk and vanilla extract. Add eggs. add baking powder, baking soda and salt then beat. Now Beat in the sour cream. Add all-purpose flour and whisk it.
Step 4: spread cake batter and cinnamon mixture in layers.
Step 5: Now sprinkle the streusel crumb mixture evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake for around 45-55 minutes or until the cake is baked through.
Hint: Always swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter gently. Do not overmix, it can cause the layers to blend too much, losing the distinct ribbon of spiced sweetness in the middle.
Reasons to Adore Coffee Cake Recipe
- Nostalgic Comfort: Reminiscent of bakery shelves and family traditions.
- Perfect Texture: Buttery and tender with a crunchy streusel top.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays moist for days—great for brunch prep.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: A hand mixer and a baking dish are all you need.
- Versatile: Works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The warm cinnamon flavor appeals to all ages.
Substitutions A Coffee Cake Recipe
- Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and similar moisture.
- Butter: Can be swapped with margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoon water) for a vegan alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour: Try gluten-free flour blend if avoiding gluten (check for xanthan gum).
Variations For Coffee Cake Recipe
- Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel.
- Fruit Swirl: Add a layer of sliced apples or blueberries in the center.
- Chocolate Version: Mix in mini chocolate chips for a dessert-forward twist.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze on top for an extra sweet finish.
Serving Suggestion for Coffee Cake:
- Classic Brunch: Serve warm with freshly brewed coffee.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair with chai or herbal tea and fresh berries.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla/coffee ice cream on top of the cake, for a dinner party treat.
Looking to try other cake? Try my all time favorite Almond cake recipe.
Baking Tricks for Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
1. Room Temperature Ingredients Are a Must
All the ingredients should be at room temperature like eggs, sour cream, and butter before starting. This ensures smooth mixing and a uniform, tender crumb.
2. Use a Pastry Cutter or Fork for Streusel
To get that crumbly, bakery-style streusel topping, use a pastry cutter and if that's not available then use two forks to mix the butter into the sugar and flour. Don’t melt the butter—it should be cold and cut into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
3. Layer Strategically for the Best Cinnamon Swirl
Instead of mixing the cinnamon sugar into the batter, layer it: half of the batter, all of the cinnamon-sugar mix, then the rest of the batter. Gently swirl with a knife just once or twice for a distinct ribbon.
4. Don’t Overmix the Batter
After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Again do not Overmix, it can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.
5. Cool in the Pan—But Not Too Long
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes only. This helps it firm up, but if left too long, it can trap steam and make the bottom soggy.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in a container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to a week when wrapped tightly.
- Freezer: Freeze coffee cake slices individually for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly.
Craving more delicious recipes and foodie favorites? Explore the latest on FoodvLove and discover what’s cooking!
Top tip
Let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and the flavors to deepen plus, it slices beautifully when slightly cooled.
Coffee Cake Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar baking into a soft, buttery cake. This classic coffee cake is everything you want in a nostalgic, old-fashioned treat—moist, tender, and crowned with a perfectly crisp cinnamon streusel topping. The golden crumb has just the right balance of sweetness, spice, and richness, thanks to sour cream and a hint of vanilla. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, or need a crowd-pleasing bake for your next gathering, this cake delivers. Serve it warm with a hot cup of your favorite brew, or dress it up with a drizzle of glaze for a special dessert. With its inviting flavor and irresistible texture, this coffee cake is destined to become a staple in your baking rotation. Bonus: it stays fresh for days and is freezer-friendly, making it as practical as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- For the cinnamon layer:
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the streusel topping:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (180g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- For the cake batter:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (420g) sugar
- 1⁄4 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 3 cups All- purpose flour
Instructions
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter or spray a 9 x 13-inch pan.
STEP 2
Make the cinnamon layer:
In another small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set side
Make the streusel layer:
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter .
Use a fork or spatula to mash the butter into the mixture until completely
combined and crumbly. Set aside.
STEP 3
Make the Cake batter:
● In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together on high speed
until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
● Add milk and vanilla extract beat on medium-high speed until
combined.
● Add eggs one by one and beat.
● Now add baking powder, baking soda and salt again beat on
medium speed.
● Now Beat in the sour cream.
● Add all-purpose flour and whisk it. Do not overmix this batter.
The batter will be thick.
● Carefully spread about half of the batter into the prepared pan.
● Sprinkle cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
● Carefully spread the remaining batter on top
● This can be a little tricky since you’re spreading thick batter on
top of the cinnamon layer. Use a spoon or small offset spatula.
● Now sprinkle the streusel crumb mixture evenly on top.
STEP 4
● Bake for around 45-55 minutes or until the cake is baked
through. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes
out clean, it is done. Allow the cake to cool in the pan set on a
wire rack for 15 minutes.
● Spread some vanilla icing (optional)
● slice into squares. Serve cake warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 299Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g
FAQs
To make the coffee cake moist the secret ingredient is the sour cream. It helps to make it moist.
Add Instant Espresso Powder. Mix 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the dry ingredients. It dissolves easily and gives a bold, smooth coffee kick without altering the texture.
Great question! Classic coffee cake doesn’t contain coffee as an ingredient. It gets its name because it’s traditionally served alongside coffee especially at breakfast, brunch, or afternoon gatherings. Think of it as the perfect companion to your cup.
Coffee cake typically has a crumbly streusel topping and no frosting. It’s often flavored with cinnamon and served with coffee.
Most American coffee cakes don’t contain coffee they’re meant to be enjoyed with coffee, not made with it.
Yes! Coffee cake stores well at room temperature for up to 2 days or can be refrigerated for 4–5 days. Just warm before serving.
Using sour cream or buttermilk in the batter helps keep coffee cake moist and tender for days.
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
You can use Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or buttermilk as a 1:1 substitute for sour cream in coffee cake recipes.
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