Best Coffee Cake Recipe in 2024

There’s something utterly delightful about a slice of coffee cake. Despite its name, coffee cake recipe doesn’t necessarily contain coffee, but it is often served alongside a cup of coffee, making it the perfect companion for a cozy morning or an afternoon break. The delicious combination of a moist, tender cake with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and a crumbly streusel topping creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

In this blog post, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect coffee cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. We’ll also share some tips, tricks, and variations to help you customize your cake to your liking.

What is Coffee Cake?

Contrary to popular belief, coffee cake doesn’t actually have to contain coffee! Instead, it’s a simple, sweet, cake-like treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Coffee cake is known for its soft texture, buttery flavor, and, most importantly, its signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and crumbly streusel topping. The layers of flavor and texture in coffee cake make it a delightful dessert for any occasion, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

History of Coffee Cake Recipe

The concept of coffee cake dates back to old European traditions, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. In these regions, coffee cakes were often baked as a yeasted sweet bread flavored with spices and fruits. Over time, American adaptations of coffee cake became popular, which typically include a leavened cake base (using baking powder or baking soda) and a sugary streusel topping. Today, coffee cake is an integral part of American breakfast culture, and its versatility makes it a beloved treat for all ages.

Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Streusel Topping:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Coffee Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan (you can also use a bundt pan for a different shape). Make sure the pan is evenly coated to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, cream them together until light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a soft and tender cake crumb.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Begin with the dry ingredients, then add half of the sour cream, then more dry ingredients, and finish with the remaining sour cream. Mix just until everything is combined – don’t overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. This cinnamon-sugar mixture is what will create a beautiful swirl inside your coffee cake, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Swirl

Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the cinnamon-sugar layer. For a marbled effect, you can use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together. Don’t overdo it – a few simple swirls will do the trick!

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. You want to create a crumbly texture with pea-sized chunks of butter. If you’re adding nuts, mix them in now.

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake batter. The streusel adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that contrasts with the soft, tender cake beneath it.

Step 6: Bake the Coffee Cake

Place the coffee cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Now for the best part – enjoy your homemade coffee cake! Whether you’re serving it warm from the oven or later in the day, this cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

Equipment

1. Mixing Bowls

You’ll need at least two mixing bowls: one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients. A small bowl can also be handy for the cinnamon-sugar swirl and streusel topping.

2. Electric Mixer or Whisk

An electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some arm strength will do the job.

3. Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are essential for baking. Make sure you have both dry and liquid measuring cups, as well as measuring spoons.

4. Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon

You’ll need a spatula or spoon to fold the ingredients together without overmixing. A rubber spatula is also useful for scraping the sides of the bowl.

5. Pastry Cutter (Optional)

A pastry cutter will help create a crumbly texture for the streusel topping by cutting the butter into the flour mixture. If you don’t have one, you can use two forks or your fingertips to achieve the same result.

6. 9-Inch Round or Square Baking Pan

A 9-inch round or square baking pan is perfect for this recipe. Make sure to grease and flour it before adding the batter to prevent sticking. You can also use a bundt pan for a more decorative presentation.

7. Spatula or Knife for Swirling

To create the beautiful cinnamon-sugar swirl in your coffee cake, you’ll need a butter knife or a small spatula. This will help incorporate the cinnamon layer without fully mixing it in.

8. Oven

Of course, you’ll need a reliable oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the coffee cake. Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly for even baking.

9. Cooling Rack

Once your cake is done, you’ll want to let it cool on a wire rack to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy and to help it cool evenly.

10. Toothpick or Cake Tester

To check if the cake is fully baked, you’ll need a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Optional Tools:

Sifter: If you prefer, you can use a sifter to aerate the flour and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper can make removing the cake easier.

These are the basic tools and equipment you’ll need to create the perfect coffee cake. With just a few simple kitchen items, you’ll be on your way to baking a delicious, tender cake!

Tips for the Best Coffee Cake

Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures the butter and sugar cream are together properly, resulting in a tender and light cake.
Don’t skip the sour cream or yogurt: This ingredient keeps the cake moist and rich without making it heavy. Greek yogurt works as a great substitute if you don’t have sour cream on hand.
Be gentle with the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until everything is combined.
Customize the streusel: The streusel topping can be customized to your liking. Add chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even chocolate chips to the topping for added texture and flavor.
Make it ahead: Coffee cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. It can also be frozen for longer storage – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and enjoy.

Variations on Coffee Cake

Coffee cake is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences:

1. Fruit Coffee Cake: Add fresh or frozen fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist. Simply fold the fruit into the batter before layering it in the pan.

2. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cake batter or the streusel topping for a touch of decadence.

3. Glazed Coffee Cake: For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled coffee cake. You can also add a dash of vanilla or almond extract to the glaze for added flavor.

4. Spiced Coffee Cake: Add additional spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar swirl or cake batter for a warm and cozy flavor profile.

Wrapping Up

Coffee cake is the perfect treat for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet morning at home, or looking for a sweet snack to share with friends and family. Its soft, moist crumb combined with a cinnamon-sugar swirl and crunchy streusel topping makes it a timeless classic that everyone loves.

This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delightful cake every time. Plus, with all the variations and customization options available, you can make this coffee cake truly your own. Give it a try, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that will become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!