Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe

Coffee cake is the ultimate morning or brunch treat—moist, buttery, and crowned with a crumbly, cinnamon-scented streusel. Despite its name, this beloved bake isn’t flavored with coffee but is meant to be enjoyed alongside your favorite cup.

Its signature layers of tender cake, sweet cinnamon swirl, and crunchy crumb topping make it a timeless addition to breakfast spreads and afternoon gatherings alike.

Whether you crave a cozy weekend bake or a crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece, a classic coffee cake delivers comfort in every slice.

Ingredients Checklist

To craft a coffee cake with the perfect balance of tender crumb and flavorful topping, gather these essentials. This checklist covers every component, including optional upgrades.

• For the Cake Batter:

  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)

  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (245g) Greek yogurt or sour cream

• For the Cinnamon Filling:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • Optional: ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts

• For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes:

• Use full-fat yogurt or sour cream for the moistest cake.

• For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel or filling.

• If nuts are included, toast them first for added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start-to-finish guidance ensures you’ll have a perfect coffee cake, whether you’re a novice or seasoned baker.

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 10-inch tube pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Cinnamon Filling and Streusel

• In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the filling.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the streusel. Stir in melted butter with a fork until large, moist crumbs form. Add nuts if using.

3. Make the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

• Beat in eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating after each. Add vanilla.

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

• Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with yogurt. Begin and end with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Spread half the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface.

• Evenly sprinkle all of the cinnamon filling over the batter.

• Dollop the remaining batter over the filling and gently spread to cover.

• Generously scatter the streusel topping over the cake.

5. Bake

• Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

• If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

• Cool in the pan on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

6. Glaze (Optional)

• For a sweet finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

• Drizzle over cooled cake before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Unlock the secrets to an irresistibly tender and flavorful coffee cake every time with these expert pointers:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and yogurt should be at room temp for the best texture.

• Cream Thoroughly: Proper creaming ensures a light crumb.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are incorporated to avoid a tough cake.

• Layer Carefully: Spreading the top layer of batter can be tricky—drop small spoonfuls and gently connect them.

• Generous Crumb: Double the streusel for an extra-crunchy top if you love crumb-heavy cakes.

• Even Baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking for uniform doneness.

• Customize: Swap in almond or orange extract, add chocolate chips, or mix fresh berries into the batter for variation.

Serving Suggestions

Coffee cake is wonderfully versatile and shines in a variety of settings:

• Serve warm or at room temperature, with a fresh cup of coffee, chai, or black tea.

• Offer as part of a brunch buffet alongside fruit salad and eggs.

• Dress up for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Cut into generous slabs for family gatherings or into petite squares for tea parties.

• For special occasions, dust the cake with extra powdered sugar or add fresh berries on top for a pop of color.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your coffee cake tasting fresh with these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled coffee cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge up to 5 days—reheat slices briefly for best flavor.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before serving.

• Make-Ahead: The cake can be baked a day in advance; streusel topping can also be mixed and refrigerated ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

A well-made coffee cake brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its tender crumb, aromatic cinnamon swirl, and buttery streusel, this classic recipe is sure to become a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a cozy treat.

Experiment with fillings, glazes, and add-ins to make it your own—and don’t forget to savor every bite with your favorite mug in hand.