If you’re anything like me, a good coffee cake is the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. This best coffee cake recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers moist, tender crumb and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this coffee cake will quickly become a household favorite.
You’ll find this coffee cake recipe rewarding because it’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and yields a cake that’s wonderfully balanced in sweetness and texture. Plus, it’s great for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on a cozy weekend morning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth
- Crunchy cinnamon streusel topping for delightful texture
- Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Easy to make with step-by-step instructions
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your perfect coffee cake. Everything is easy to find and straightforward to measure.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for streusel)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 9
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
How to Make The BEST Coffee Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cubes for the streusel. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and streusel on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 38-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time helps the cake set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better batter consistency.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Chill the butter for the streusel for a crispier topping texture.
- Feel free to swap nuts or omit them if there are allergies.
- Serve slightly warm with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover coffee cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will restore the cake’s moistness and slightly crisp up the streusel topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this coffee cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture but will still yield a delicious coffee cake.
Can I use a different flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to achieve the right texture. You can try using whole wheat flour, but the cake may be denser. If you want to try gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Is coffee cake actually made with coffee?
Traditionally, coffee cake is named for being a cake enjoyed alongside coffee rather than containing coffee itself. This recipe does not include coffee but pairs perfectly with your favorite cup.
Can I add fruit to this coffee cake?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries, chopped apples, or peaches can be folded into the batter before baking. Just be sure not to add too much liquid to keep the cake from becoming soggy.
