Easy Coffee Cake Recipe: Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, buttery coffee cake with their morning cup of joe? Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, coffee cake hits the sweet spot every time. It’s got that soft, moist cake texture layered with a sweet, cinnamon-infused crumb topping that makes every bite a moment of joy.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a mouth-watering coffee cake. This easy coffee cake recipe is straightforward and foolproof—perfect for beginners or anyone short on time but big on flavor.
And no, there’s no actual coffee in the cake—unless you want to add a little for flavor! The name simply comes from its status as the ultimate cake to enjoy with coffee. Ready to make a cake that might just become your go-to sweet treat? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of coffee cake lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen:
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- A sprinkle of chocolate chips
- Fresh fruit like blueberries or diced apples
This ingredient list makes a standard 9×9 inch square cake, perfect for small gatherings or weekend brunches. Want to serve a crowd? Just double the recipe for a 9×13 inch pan.
Tools and Equipment
You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets here—just a few basics that make baking smoother and more enjoyable:
Must-Have Tools:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Hand or stand mixer (or a sturdy whisk and elbow grease!)
- Spatula
- 9×9 inch baking dish or pan
- Oven
Nice-to-Have Extras:
- Pastry cutter or fork (for crumb topping)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for spreading the batter evenly)
These tools help keep things simple while ensuring your coffee cake bakes evenly and turns out picture-perfect every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coffee Cake
Let’s get to the good stuff. This part is where the magic happens—step by step, no guesswork.
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish. Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature—they mix better that way. Sift your dry ingredients so they’re light and airy.
Step 2: Making the Crumb Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the mixture until you get a crumbly texture. You want pea-sized clumps—it’s what gives the cake that iconic crunchy top.
Feeling fancy? Throw in a handful of chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Mixing the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream: one-third of the flour mixture, then half the sour cream, then repeat until all is combined. This keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing.
Step 4: Layering the Cake and Topping
Pour half the batter into your greased pan. Sprinkle half of your crumb topping over the batter. Pour in the remaining batter, spread it out gently, and top it with the rest of the crumb topping.
Pro tip: Use an offset spatula for smooth layering. The final result will look bakery-quality.
Step 5: Baking the Cake
Slide the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long!
Serving and Storage Tips
So, your house smells like a cozy bakery and your golden, crumb-topped coffee cake is cooling on the counter. What now? Let’s talk about how to serve it, store it, and maybe even savor it over a few days—if it lasts that long!
Serving Suggestions
- Warm It Up: Coffee cake tastes absolutely divine when it’s served warm. Just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and it’ll feel like it just came out of the oven.
- Toppings Galore: You can serve it plain or jazz it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert vibes.
- Perfect Pairings: Obviously, coffee is the soulmate of coffee cake. A dark roast or a smooth latte pairs beautifully. Not a coffee drinker? A hot cup of chai or black tea works wonders too.
Whether you’re serving it at brunch, bringing it to a potluck, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this cake is always a hit.
Storage Tips
Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and fabulous:
- Room Temperature: Store it in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to avoid sogginess.
- Refrigerate: Want it to last longer? Store it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just microwave before serving to bring back that soft texture.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-lock freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal planning or just having a sweet treat ready to go whenever cravings hit.
FAQs about Easy Coffee Cake Recipe
Q1: Can I make coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes! Coffee cake is perfect for making ahead. Simply bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q2: Does coffee cake contain actual coffee?
Traditionally, no. Coffee cake is named for being a great pairing with coffee, not because it includes coffee as an ingredient—although some recipes might add it for flavor.
Q3: Can I freeze coffee cake?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q4: What’s the best flour for coffee cake?
All-purpose flour works best. It gives the cake a soft, tender crumb while keeping the texture light and moist.
Q5: How can I make my coffee cake more moist?
Add sour cream, yogurt, or buttermilk to the batter. These ingredients lock in moisture and boost flavor.
Q6: Can I add fruits or nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Blueberries, chopped apples, pecans, or walnuts make great additions. Just fold them in before baking.
Q7: How do I know when coffee cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Q8: Can I make coffee cake without eggs?
Yes. Use substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers for a delicious egg-free version.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and outrageously delicious dessert (or breakfast, let’s be honest), this easy coffee cake recipe checks all the boxes. It’s soft and fluffy inside, loaded with sweet cinnamon crumb topping, and easy enough for any baking level.
What’s not to love? Whether you’re a total kitchen newbie or a seasoned baker, this recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results without breaking a sweat. You’ll find yourself making it for everything from holidays and brunches to casual coffee breaks.
And let’s be real—it’s the kind of cake that gets better with every bite. Try it once, and it might just become your forever go-to.
