Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a freshly baked classic coffee cake filling your kitchen. This timeless treat offers a tender, moist crumb paired with a sweet, buttery streusel topping and a delightful cinnamon swirl. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, it evokes a sense of home and warmth. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious outcome, even for beginner bakers, making every morning a little cozier.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Coffee Cake Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this easy coffee cake for many reasons:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Most items are probably already in your pantry, creating an incredible taste.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert: Enjoy a slice with your morning brew or as a sweet ending to any meal.
- Features Tender Cake and Crumbly Topping: The delightful contrast in textures makes every bite a pleasure.
- Ideal for Sharing or Meal Prepping: It makes a generous 9×13-inch cake, great for crowds or enjoying throughout the week.
- Crowd-Plasing, Nostalgic Treat: This classic streusel cake brings smiles and reminds everyone of simpler times.
Ingredients
Whipping up this incredible coffee cake starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. Gather these items for both the buttery crumble and the fluffy cake batter.
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup (96g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, very soft
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer:
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Coffee Cake Batter:
- 3 cups (384g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups (450g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, very soft
- 1 cup (227g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Notes & Substitutions
Accurate flour measurements are key; always spoon and level your all-purpose flour. For an in-depth guide on proper flour measurement for baking, consider this resource. For the crumble, cold butter can work, but very soft butter blends more easily. If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute for a similar moistness. For egg substitutions, use a commercial egg replacer, keeping in mind the texture might slightly vary. Feel free to enhance the cinnamon-sugar layer with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to bake a beautiful coffee cake. Just gather these kitchen essentials:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Instructions
Creating this comforting coffee cake is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps to bake a delicious treat.
- Prep the Pan: First, generously butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mash the very soft butter into the mixture. Continue until completely combined and beautifully crumbly, then set it aside. This streusel is key to your classic coffee cake.
- Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined. Set this aside with your crumble mixture.
- Mix Dry Cake Batter Ingredients: In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the 3 cups flour, 2 1/4 cups sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Using the paddle attachment, stir on low speed just to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Butter to Dry Mixture: Add the 1 cup of very soft butter to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should transform, resembling moist sand as the butter fully incorporates.
- Combine Wet Cake Batter Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Batters: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients in your mixer bowl. Beat the batter on medium speed until it’s smooth. Don’t worry if a few small lumps remain; that’s perfectly fine and helps keep the cake tender.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of your prepared coffee cake batter evenly into the greased 9×13-inch pan. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar layer evenly over the batter. Gently spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. This step requires a bit of patience to avoid disturbing the middle layer. Finally, top the entire cake with your prepared crumble mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Bake the Coffee Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled coffee cake for 55 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool for at least 1 hour, or until it reaches room temperature, before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect coffee cake every time with these helpful hints and fixes.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk. This creates a smooth emulsion, leading to a much more tender and well-structured cake. Using room-temperature ingredients can significantly enhance the texture and consistency of baked goods, as explained by culinary experts.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing the batter too much develops the gluten, resulting in a tough or dry cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Evenly Distribute Topping: Spread the crumble topping evenly across the cake for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Troubleshooting Dry Cake: Ensure you’re not over-baking. Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. Overmixing also contributes to dryness.
- Troubleshooting Sunken Cake: A sunken cake often means it was underbaked. Also, opening the oven door too early can cause it to collapse.
- Preventing Crumbly Topping from Sinking: Make sure your crumble is truly crumbly, not too wet. Spreading it evenly and gently over the batter also helps.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Enjoying your delicious coffee cake is just the beginning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it warm with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a decadent touch for dessert.
- Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover coffee cake at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic, then foil.
- Thaw frozen cake at room temperature overnight before serving.
Flavor Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for nutty crunch.
- Mix in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
- Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar and milk) over the cooled cake.
- Include a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest in the batter for brightness, or explore options like a delicious pumpkin coffee cake for a seasonal twist.
Nutrition
This classic coffee cake is a delightful treat, best enjoyed in moderation. While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, this is a rich and comforting dessert or breakfast item. Remember, homemade baking offers control over ingredients, but it’s still an indulgence.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|
| Serving Size: 1 slice (1/18 of cake) |
| Calories: ~450 kcal |
| Total Fat: ~23g |
| Saturated Fat: ~14g |
| Cholesterol: ~100mg |
| Sodium: ~250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: ~58g |
| Dietary Fiber: ~1g |
| Total Sugars: ~42g |
| Protein: ~5g |
Please note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific brands and preparation. This information is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
FAQ
Got questions about this delicious coffee cake? We have answers!
What is coffee cake?
Coffee cake is a moist, tender cake often topped with a streusel or crumbly topping and sometimes a simple glaze. It traditionally contains no coffee but is meant to be eaten with coffee.
Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake this cake a day or two in advance. Store it covered tightly at room temperature, and it will remain wonderfully fresh.
How do you store leftover coffee cake?
Once completely cooled, wrap any leftover slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze coffee cake?
Yes, freezing is a great option for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Why is my coffee cake dry?
Overmixing the batter develops gluten, making the cake tough and dry. Overbaking is another common culprit; always test for doneness with a toothpick and remove promptly.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like the experience of biting into a slice of warm, homemade classic coffee cake. This recipe, with its tender crumb, luscious cinnamon swirl, and irresistible streusel, promises to bring comfort and joy to your table. It’s a simple pleasure that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques to create something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful bake. We encourage you to try it and share your thoughts!
