Coffee cake has been my go-to comfort food for as long as I can remember, evoking warm memories of weekend mornings with my family. The smell of cinnamon and sugar baking fills the house, promising a treat that’s both decadent and comforting. This recipe for an easy coffee cake is my absolute favorite because it delivers that perfect moist crumb and delicious streusel topping every single time. It’s truly the ultimate homemade coffee cake experience, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Coffee Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this amazing coffee cake! It’s a winner for so many reasons.

The taste is pure bliss: a tender, moist coffee cake with a rich cinnamon filling and a crunchy streusel topping.
It’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it an easy coffee cake for busy mornings.
While it’s a treat, the ingredients are wholesome, offering a delicious way to start your day.
You won’t break the bank! This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly delight.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest.
You’ll achieve that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture, resulting in a truly moist coffee cake.
The aroma alone is worth it, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and sugar.

Ingredients for Your Coffee Cake Recipe

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful sour cream coffee cake. The combination of simple pantry staples creates something truly special, like this classic coffee cake.

For the Cinnamon Filling:
1/4 cup Light brown sugar – adds a lovely caramel note to the filling.
1/4 cup All-purpose flour – helps thicken the filling.
2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon – the star spice for that warm, comforting flavor.
For the Cake Batter:
1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour – the base of our tender cake.
2 teaspoons Baking powder – for a good rise and light texture.
3/4 teaspoon Salt – balances the sweetness.
10 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened – essential for a rich, tender crumb.
3/4 cup Granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure.
1/4 cup Light brown sugar – adds moisture and a deeper flavor profile.
2 large Eggs – help bind the batter and add richness.
2/3 cup Sour cream – this is the secret to an incredibly moist coffee cake!
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors.
For the Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup All-purpose flour – forms the base of our crumbly topping.
1/2 cup Light brown sugar – creates a wonderfully sweet, slightly crisp texture.
2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon – more cinnamon for that irresistible aroma.
1/4 teaspoon Salt – cuts through the sweetness of the topping.
6 tablespoons Unsalted butter, cold and diced – cold butter is key for achieving that perfect crumbly streusel.
Optional Glaze:
1 cup Powdered sugar – for a smooth, sweet finish.
2 tablespoons Whole milk – thins the glaze to drizzling consistency.
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract – adds a lovely hint of flavor to the glaze.

How to Make the Best Coffee Cake

Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious homemade coffee cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. This streusel coffee cake recipe is designed for success!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures your cake won’t stick and makes for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the cinnamon filling. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Create the amazing streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 6 tablespoons cold diced unsalted butter and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside too – it’s the magic for our streusel coffee cake!
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients for the cake batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a consistent texture.
Step 5: Beat the wet ingredients for the batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 10 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup light brown sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, fold in 2/3 cup sour cream and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until just combined.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 4 to the wet ingredients from Step 5, mixing on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
Step 7: Layer your coffee cake. Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon filling over this layer.
Step 8: Top it off. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cinnamon filling, ensuring it’s even. Finally, sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the batter.
Step 9: Bake to perfection. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be incredible! Let your beautiful coffee cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before glazing or serving.
Step 10: Prepare the optional glaze. While the cake cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the slightly cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

Amazing Coffee Cake Recipe: 55-Minute Perfect Finish - Coffee Cake - additional detail

Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake

Want to elevate your coffee cake game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. These tips will help ensure your homemade coffee cake is a showstopper every time.

Always use room temperature butter and eggs for the batter. This helps them incorporate smoothly, leading to a lighter, more tender crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Just mix until combined to avoid developing the gluten too much, which can make the cake tough.
Ensure your baking powder is fresh! Stale baking powder is a common culprit for a dense coffee cake. You can test its freshness by adding a teaspoon to hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
For the streusel, using cold, diced butter is crucial. It creates those lovely, distinct crumbles.

What’s the secret to perfect coffee cake?

The secret to a perfect classic coffee cake lies in the balance of moistness and texture. Using sour cream in the batter contributes significantly to its signature tender and moist crumb, while cold butter in the streusel creates that irresistible crunchy topping. For more baking science insights, check out resources on ingredient properties.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the entire cake, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave if desired. For more on food storage, you might find food safety guidelines helpful.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade coffee cake?

A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough cake. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; too hot and the streusel will burn before the cake cooks through. Finally, let the cake cool sufficiently before glazing so the glaze doesn’t melt off! For tips on oven calibration, consult your appliance manual or a professional.

Best Ways to Serve Your Coffee Cake

This versatile coffee cake is perfect for so many occasions, making it a go-to for any sweet craving. It’s not just for breakfast, though that’s a fantastic way to enjoy it! For a delightful coffee cake for breakfast, serve warm slices with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

It also shines as a dessert. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A warm cup of coffee or tea is the ultimate companion, enhancing the cinnamon and sugar notes. This homemade coffee cake is also wonderful for afternoon tea or a simple, satisfying snack. You can find more delicious recipes on our latest recipes page.

Nutrition Facts for Our Coffee Cake

This recipe yields a delicious coffee cake, and here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information per slice. Remember, these values are based on the ingredients and serving size detailed in the recipe. For more information on dietary needs, please see our GDPR policies.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290 kcal
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 180 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For any questions regarding our practices, visit our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Coffee Cake

Proper coffee cake recipe storage is key to keeping this delicious treat fresh and tasty. Once your beautiful cake has cooled completely on a wire rack (this is important to prevent sogginess!), you’ll want to store it properly. For short-term storage, an airtight container at room temperature works perfectly for up to 3-4 days. This is ideal if you plan on enjoying slices throughout the week. For more information on our terms, please refer to our terms of use.

If you want to keep your coffee cake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds, until just warmed through. This ensures you can enjoy a slice of this homemade coffee cake anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Cake

What exactly is coffee cake?

A traditional coffee cake is a sweet, single-layer cake often made with a tender, moist crumb, usually featuring a cinnamon-sugar filling and a streusel or crumb topping. It’s designed to be enjoyed with coffee but typically contains no coffee in the cake itself. Think of it as a delightful treat that bridges the gap between a simple breakfast pastry and a decadent dessert.

What’s the difference between coffee cake and crumb cake?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a key distinction exists. A coffee cake typically has a cake batter base with layers of cinnamon filling and a crumb topping. A crumb cake, on the other hand, is essentially a coffee cake where the crumb topping is the star, often featuring a much thicker, more generous layer of streusel and sometimes lacking the separate cinnamon sugar layer within the cake itself. Both are delicious!

Can I make this coffee cake recipe without sour cream?

Absolutely! Sour cream is fantastic for moisture, but you can substitute it. Plain yogurt or buttermilk are excellent alternatives that will provide similar moisture and a tender crumb for your homemade coffee cake. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the thickness of your substitute. Just ensure it’s at room temperature for the best results.

Why did my coffee cake turn out dry?

A dry coffee cake is usually the result of overbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to bake only until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the recommended time. Also, resist the urge to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added, as this develops gluten and can lead to a tougher, drier texture in your easy coffee cake.

Variations of Coffee Cake You Can Try

This classic coffee cake is fantastic on its own, but there are so many fun coffee cake variations to explore! Whether you have dietary needs, want to try a different cooking method, or just crave a new flavor profile, these ideas will keep your coffee cake adventures exciting. For more baking inspiration, visit our home page.

Fruity Twists: Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries into the batter before baking. A layer of thinly sliced apples or pears can also be added between the batter and the streusel for a delightful fruit-infused cake.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and a handful of chocolate chips to the batter. A chocolate glaze can also replace the vanilla glaze for an extra decadent treat.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe by using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Bundt Pan Beauty: Pour the batter and streusel into a greased and floured Bundt pan. You may need to adjust the baking time, so start checking around 45-50 minutes. This makes for a stunning presentation!