If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your taste buds, this Coffee Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a tender, moist cake bursting with buttery cinnamon streusel throughout and topped with a crumbly, golden topping that perfectly complements a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe is my go-to for that perfect balance of sweet and spice that simply never fails to impress. Let me walk you through everything you need to create this delightful Coffee Cake Recipe from start to finish—it’s easier than you think, and absolutely worth every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coffee Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sturdy all-purpose flour that gives the cake structure, to the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes and adds moistness, every item is simple yet essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect framework for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without being too dense.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk to create a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Contributes a subtle richness and moist crumb.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature): Adds moisture and a slight tang for depth.
- 3 tablespoons softened butter: Used in the crumb topping to create that perfect golden crunch.
- Streusel filling (1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 cup brown sugar, and flour): Combines sweet and spicy to create irresistible layers.
- Crumb topping (½ cup flour, ½ tablespoon cinnamon, and butter): Delivers the signature crispy, buttery finish.
How to Make Coffee Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, so it reaches the perfect temperature while you’re mixing. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly—this ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out in one beautiful piece.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, which is crucial for that balanced rise and flavor throughout the cake.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
Take another bowl and whisk the melted butter, the room-temperature egg, and buttermilk until they’re fully blended. This mixture will bring moisture and tenderness to the cake while the melted butter adds a lovely silkiness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix here—just combine until you don’t see large patches of flour. This ensures a tender crumb, keeping your coffee cake soft rather than tough.
Step 5: Layer with Streusel and Batter
Pour half of the batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now sprinkle the streusel filling—a divine mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour—over the batter. This creates that amazing swirled, gooey cinnamon flavor inside. Pour the remaining batter on top, and then finish by generously scattering the crumb topping made from flour, cinnamon, and butter. This triple-layer approach is the secret behind this Coffee Cake Recipe’s irresistible texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumb topping turns golden and deliciously crisp. Let the cake cool slightly before serving to let all those wonderful flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Coffee Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This coffee cake is delightful on its own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates it even more, adding a subtle sweetness and an elegant finish. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also turn it into a true showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a classic cup of black coffee, a latte, or even a rich hot chocolate for a lavish treat. Fresh fruit or a small bowl of yogurt can add a fresh contrast that brightens your serving experience without overpowering the coffee cake’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, slice this cake into neat squares and place each piece on a dessert plate with a swig of fruit compote or a sprig of mint. For brunch, serve alongside cream cheese or a cinnamon-spiced butter to offer something a little extra special that’s easy to spread and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover coffee cake stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it soft, it’s best to wrap it tightly or cover it to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake by wrapping individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then serve as usual.
Reheating
To revive its fresh-baked charm, warm slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes. This little warmth brings back the crumbly topping and soft crumb perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this Coffee Cake Recipe?
You can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. This helps keep the tender crumb and lift from the baking soda, but buttermilk is ideal for the best flavor.
How do I make the streusel filling without brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing white sugar with a teaspoon of molasses per cup. This maintains the rich, caramel notes in the streusel filling that are so signature to the coffee cake.
Is this Coffee Cake Recipe gluten-free?
This recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free versions, you can try a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking at a 1:1 ratio—just be mindful it may affect the texture slightly.
Can I add nuts or fruit to this coffee cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkle beautifully atop the crumb topping, and berries or apple pieces can be gently folded into the batter for a fruity twist. They add extra texture and flavor to the classic coffee cake.
What is the best way to cut and serve this coffee cake?
Use a serrated knife for clean cuts to preserve the crumb topping and prevent the cake from crumbling. Serve warm or at room temperature depending on your preference. Smaller squares work best for sharing and pairing with a hot drink.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Coffee Cake Recipe that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s approachable, richly flavorful, and perfect for nearly any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Coffee Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic coffee cake features a tender, moist crumb with a rich streusel filling made from cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this easy-to-make coffee cake combines warm spices and buttermilk for a delicious, comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons softened butter
Streusel Filling
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to blend the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 egg, and 1½ cups of room-temperature buttermilk until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently, mixing just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Prepare Streusel Filling: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon flour until evenly combined to create the streusel filling.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Pour half of the batter into the greased baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the streusel filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top of the streusel layer.
- Make Crumb Topping: For the crumb topping, mix ½ cup flour and ½ tablespoon cinnamon in a bowl, then cut in 3 tablespoons of cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the top layer of batter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- The crumb topping butter should be cold for a crumbly texture.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- This coffee cake is delicious served warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
