Coffee Cake Recipe

I am so excited to share this delightful Coffee Cake recipe with you! This classic treat is more than just a sweet snack; it’s a tender, buttery cake layered with a perfectly spiced cinnamon streusel and topped with a crisp crumb topping that adds a wonderful texture in every bite. The drizzle glaze finishes it off with a gentle sweetness that makes each forkful feel like a warm hug, whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a cozy gathering. Trust me, once you try this Coffee Cake, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making your Coffee Cake irresistibly moist, flavorful, and textured just right. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes, to the rich cinnamon that fills every bite with warmth, every item contributes to the overall harmony of this classic recipe.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft yet sturdy crumb structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give lightness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• 1 egg (room temperature): Binds the ingredients and contributes to structure.
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the crumb beautifully.
• Streusel Filling: A buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture with flour for a perfect sweet layer.
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter: Binds the streusel ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon: Provides that iconic warm spice that defines coffee cake.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the streusel layer.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetness for the streusel.
• Crumb Topping: A crunchy, cinnamon-sugary finish made with butter and flour.
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and sweetness to the topping.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Keeps the crumb cohesive and crisp.
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon: Continues the warm spice theme on top.
• ¼ cup butter cubed: Creates that buttery, flaky texture when baked.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the crumb topping.
• Drizzle Topping: A simple, sweet glaze to finish with style.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: The base of the smooth glaze.
• 2½ teaspoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Greasing your baking dish well or lining it with parchment paper will ensure your Coffee Cake lifts out easily once baked. A 9 by 9-inch dish with two-inch sides works perfectly to give the cake room to rise while keeping it moist.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step is essential because evenly mixing the leavening agents and salt will help your cake rise evenly and bring out all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend your melted butter, egg, and buttermilk until everything is smoothly incorporated. Bringing these ingredients to room temperature ensures they combine more easily and help the batter stay tender.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so a few lumps are totally fine—patience here makes all the difference in texture!

Step 5: Assemble Layers with Streusel Filling

Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, mix the softened butter, cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar (add chopped nuts if you like for extra crunch) together with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this cinnamon streusel evenly over the batter to create a delightful middle layer of flavor.

Step 6: Add Remaining Batter and Crumb Topping

Spread the rest of the batter gently over the streusel. For the crumb topping, cut cold butter into small cubes and mix with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt using a fork or pastry blender until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this all over the top for that iconic crisp topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Coffee Cake for 30 to 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is when all the layers come together—moist cake, gooey cinnamon filling, and crispy topping—resulting in pure comfort for your taste buds.

Step 8: Cool and Drizzle

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper if applied. Once cooled completely, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle it generously over the top. This final touch adds a lovely sweetness without overpowering the spices you love in your Coffee Cake.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or additional cinnamon sprinkled on top can elevate your Coffee Cake’s appearance and flavor. For an extra twist, try adding chopped toasted nuts or even a handful of fresh berries for contrast and color.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake shines alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, naturally complementing the cinnamon and buttery flavors. For a special brunch, serve it with a side of fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

Coffee Cake Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Coffee Cake into squares and serve it on a pretty platter for a casual gathering, or layer pieces with whipped cream and fruit in parfait glasses for an elegant dessert twist. You could even turn leftovers into trifle layers or sandwich slices with cream cheese frosting for a fun reinvention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Coffee Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping it sealed prevents the crumb topping from drying out and preserves the tender texture inside.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Coffee Cake for longer, wrap it well in plastic and then foil before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked sensation. Adding a small pat of butter or a drizzle of honey can refresh flavor and moisture if needed.

FAQs

Can I substitute buttermilk in the Coffee Cake recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1½ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This maintains that slight tang and tender crumb.

Is it possible to make this Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with similar protein content. Just be sure to check for any xanthan gum in your blend to get that perfect crumb texture. The taste will still be wonderful!

Can I add nuts or fruit to the Coffee Cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans mix beautifully into the streusel filling or crumb topping for extra crunch. You can also fold in blueberries or chopped apples into the batter for a fruity twist that pairs well with cinnamon.

How long will this Coffee Cake stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your Cake will stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze to maintain moisture and prevent spoilage.

What makes this Coffee Cake different from a regular cake?

What sets Coffee Cake apart is the layers of cinnamon-sugar streusel and the crumbly topping which create delightful textures and flavor contrasts, plus the classic coffee pairing that elevates it from a simple cake to a beloved brunch or snack-time tradition.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm embrace from the moment you take your first bite. It’s comfort food elevated by layers of cinnamon sweetness and buttery crumb topping. Whether you’re indulging on a lazy Sunday morning or sharing with friends, I promise this recipe will brighten your day and make your kitchen smell like pure heaven. Go ahead and whip up a batch — you’ll be so glad you did!

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