Coffee Cake

Coffee Cake is a soft, buttery cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a crumbly streusel topping. It’s the perfect pairing for your morning cup of coffee or an afternoon treat, bringing together warmth, sweetness, and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic coffee cake is tender, moist, and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble that melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly easy to make with basic pantry ingredients and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something cozy, coffee cake is always a hit with family and friends.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

For the cinnamon swirl:

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

For the streusel topping:

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients (brown sugar and cinnamon). Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry cake ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with sour cream. Mix until just combined.
7. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl evenly over the batter.
8. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface.
9. In another bowl, make the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
11. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
12. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12–16 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or blueberries to the batter.
• Glazed topping: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top after baking for extra sweetness.
• Mini coffee cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes.
• Apple cinnamon: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples between the batter layers for a fruity twist.
• Spiced version: Add nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon swirl for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Store coffee cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To extend freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to refresh the texture.
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Why is it called coffee cake if there’s no coffee in it?

Coffee cake is named for being served with coffee, not for containing coffee as an ingredient.

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

What’s the secret to a moist coffee cake?

Using sour cream (or yogurt) keeps the cake moist and tender. Don’t overbake and measure ingredients accurately.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it a day in advance, and it will taste even better the next day after the flavors settle.

What kind of pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is standard, but you can also use a bundt pan or square pan (adjust baking time as needed).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans, or use a larger pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?

Make sure the batter is thick enough, and gently press the streusel into the top layer without mixing it in.

Can I add fruit?

Absolutely—berries, apples, or chopped peaches work well. Add them in layers or gently fold into the batter.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.

Conclusion

Coffee Cake is a timeless treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its soft crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and buttery topping, it’s everything you want in a cozy homemade bake. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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