Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is one of the most comforting and timeless baked goods ever created. Despite its name, this cake doesn’t necessarily contain coffee — instead, it’s meant to be enjoyed with coffee. A perfect slice of coffee cake embodies everything you love about home baking — a soft, buttery crumb, a layer of warm cinnamon sugar, and a crunchy streusel topping that adds irresistible texture.

This classic American coffee cake has its roots in old European “kaffee und kuchen” traditions — the idea of gathering for coffee and cake in the afternoon. Over time, American bakers elevated it with buttery layers, brown sugar, and cinnamon swirls, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this coffee cake because it captures the best of both worlds — a soft, tender cake paired with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Every bite is a mix of delicate sweetness, warm cinnamon, and a subtle buttery richness that feels like home.

It’s one of those recipes that instantly fills your kitchen with the scent of vanilla and spice. I love how it’s simple to make yet elegant enough for entertaining, and how it stays moist and flavorful for days. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or cold with a cup of coffee, it’s pure comfort in every slice.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This coffee cake is a must-try because:

• It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea — the ultimate morning indulgence.
• It’s simple but impressive, perfect for brunches, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
• The streusel topping is addictive, adding a delightful crunch and flavor.
• It’s versatile — you can customize it with fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips.
• It tastes better the next day, making it great for meal prep or make-ahead baking.

It’s the kind of cake that invites everyone to gather around the table — warm, welcoming, and deliciously nostalgic.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
• Course: Breakfast / Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

• ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping

• ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup blueberries or diced apples

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan.
2. Mix streusel topping and set aside.
3. Prepare cake batter.
4. Layer batter and cinnamon sugar in the pan.
5. Top with streusel.
6. Bake until golden and fluffy.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

• In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Pour in melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.
• Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake

• In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients

• Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour.
• Mix gently until smooth and just combined (do not overmix).

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

• Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
• Sprinkle all the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
• Add the remaining batter and smooth the top.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Coffee cake is best served warm or at room temperature.
Serve it:

• With a freshly brewed cup of coffee or cappuccino for breakfast.
• Alongside tea or hot chocolate for afternoon gatherings.
• As a dessert, topped with a drizzle of vanilla glaze or a dollop of whipped cream.
• With fresh fruit or yogurt for a lighter breakfast option.

Recipe Tips

• Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth, fluffy batter.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour — it can make the cake dense.
• For an even richer flavor, replace half the butter with cream cheese in the batter.
• Want extra crunch? Add chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
• If the top starts browning too fast, tent the cake loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Variations

1. Blueberry Coffee Cake: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries to the batter.
2. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake: Add diced apples and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the batter.
4. Maple Pecan Coffee Cake: Replace some sugar with maple syrup and add pecans.
5. Glazed Coffee Cake: Drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk after baking.
6. Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, vegan yogurt, and flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered for 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer:
  • Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x9-inch or 9-inch round baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk and spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

This Classic Coffee Cake is the ultimate comfort bake — soft, buttery, and layered with sweet cinnamon streusel that melts in your mouth. It’s a humble yet impressive treat that fits any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to elegant brunches.

Every slice offers warmth, texture, and nostalgia — the kind of homemade goodness that brings people together. Pair it with a hot mug of coffee or tea, and you’ll instantly understand why this simple cake has stood the test of time.

So preheat your oven, make yourself a cup of coffee, and bake this timeless treasure — because no morning is complete without a little coffee cake magic.