Coffee Cake

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Coffee Cake
4. How To Serve Coffee Cake
5. Why You'll Love This Coffee Cake Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Coffee cake is moist and buttery, featuring a cinnamon sugar layer and crumbly streusel topping. It's perfect with your morning coffee or tea. This easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep and bakes in 50 minutes. Serve warm for a delightful homemade treat.

This coffee cake recipe is easy to make with simple steps you can follow below. We’ve included step-by-step photos, clear directions, and pro tips to help you get it just right. Plus, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions to make baking even easier.

This coffee cake is soft, buttery, and packed with a sweet cinnamon swirl plus a crumbly streusel topping. It’s quick to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.

You’ll love how moist and flavorful it stays, making it great for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave a homemade treat. Follow the simple steps below to bake a cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser!  

What you'll need to make this Coffee Cake recipe:

FOR THE CAKE

• ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (250g) container of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 2½ cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of buttermilk

FOR THE SWIRL 

• ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING

• 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1½ tablespoons of cinnamon
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted but not hot

FOR THE GLAZE

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1½ tablespoons of milk

By swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras, it's simple to make your coffee cake suit your personal taste. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Sour Cream: Use plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor and the same moist texture.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Substitute Brown Sugar: Swap white sugar with brown sugar in the streusel for a richer, caramel-like taste.
• Add Fruit: Fold in fresh blueberries or diced apples for a burst of fruity sweetness.
• Substitute Butter: Try using margarine for a slightly different flavor and texture without losing moisture.
• Add Spices: Sprinkle in nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor boost.
• Buttermilk: Make your own buttermilk just for this recipe. Use whole or 2% milk and add a half tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix together and leave for five minutes to thicken and curdle.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to bake this traditional cake. You’ll love how simple it is to make at home. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

SECOND STEP: In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese for two to three minutes, until creamy.

THIRD STEP: Add in the brown and white sugar. Beat for a further two to three minutes, until fluffy.

FOURTH STEP: Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined.

FIFTH STEP: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch and salt.

SIXTH STEP: Add a third of the dry mixture into the wet mixture and slowly beat together. Add in half the buttermilk. Beat in another third of the dry mixture. Add the remaining buttermilk. Beat in the remaining dry mixture.

SEVENTH STEP: Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.

EIGHTH STEP: Make the cinnamon swirl layer by stirring together sugar and cinnamon.

NINTH STEP: Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly over the first layer of batter.

TENTH STEP:  Add the rest of the cake batter to the dish.

ELEVENTH STEP: To make the crumble topping (streusel), whisk together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Stir in the melted butter with a fork until you have a crumbly mixture with no visible white flour.

TWELFTH STEP: Sprinkle over the top of the cake. 

THIRTEENTH STEP: Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool before adding the glaze.

FOURTEENTH STEP: To make the glaze, stir together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle over the top of the completely cooled cake. 

Coffee cake is a go-to treat you can enjoy any time of day. It’s perfect for casual mornings, special occasions, and cozy gatherings.

• Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm with sheet pan eggs, million dollar bacon, or a side of creamy yogurt with honey. It’s sweet, buttery, and pairs perfectly with iced coffee or hot tea.
• Great for Holidays and Special Occasions: This cake shines at Christmas morning breakfasts, Easter brunches, or birthday gatherings. Pair it with sausage breakfast casserole or warm cinnamon rolls for a festive spread.
• Tasty Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice with a cold glass of milk or iced coffee for a quick, satisfying snack. It also pairs well with white chocolate chip cookies or banana chocolate chip muffins for a sweet treat combo.

Coffee cake has earned its spot as a reader favorite for good reason. It’s more than just a sweet treat—it’s easy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why we can’t get enough of this cozy classic:

• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry—no fancy stuff required.
• Moist and Buttery: Each bite is soft, rich, and perfectly balanced with a sweet cinnamon streusel topping.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cake fits right in.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweet crumb topping, and it’s fun to help sprinkle it on.
• Stays Fresh: It keeps well, so you can enjoy a slice today and tomorrow without losing that fresh-baked goodness.
• Customizable: Add nuts, fruit, or extra cinnamon to make it your own without changing the easy recipe.

This flavorful cake is cozy, quick, and always a hit—no wonder our readers keep coming back for more!

Can I make this coffee cake without sour cream?
Yes, you can make this cake without sour cream. Use plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture and taste.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The coffee cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with no wet batter.

Do I need to use a mixer for this coffee cake recipe?
No, you don’t need a mixer. You can mix the batter by hand using a whisk or spatula.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, you can add fruits like blueberries or diced apples. Gently fold them into the batter before baking.

Why is my coffee cake dry after baking?
Your cake may be dry if it’s overbaked. Check it early with a toothpick to avoid drying it out.

How thick should the streusel topping be?
The streusel topping should be crumbly but not too thick. Aim for an even layer that covers the surface completely.

Should I serve coffee cake warm or at room temperature?
Coffee cake tastes great both ways, but serving it warm makes the crumb topping extra soft and buttery.

Can I serve coffee cake for breakfast?
Yes, it's perfect for breakfast. Pair it with coffee, tea, or juice for a simple morning treat.

Is coffee cake good for special occasions?
Coffee cake works well for holidays, brunches, and gatherings because it’s easy to slice, share, and enjoy.

How do I keep coffee cake moist when serving?
Cover the cake with foil or a clean towel between servings to keep it soft and moist.

Can kids enjoy coffee cake?
Yes, kids love coffee cake! The sweet crumb topping and soft texture make it a hit with little ones.

What’s the best way to serve coffee cake at a party?
Cut into small squares or slices for easy, grab-and-go servings at parties or gatherings.

To keep your coffee cake fresh and tasty, follow the storage tips below.

Can I store coffee cake at room temperature?
It's best to store coffee cake in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.

How should I store coffee cake in the fridge?
Place the coffee cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it for four to six days.

Can I freeze coffee cake for later?
Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for two to three months.

How do I thaw frozen coffee cake?
To thaw, move the wrapped cake to the fridge overnight before serving.

Should I reheat coffee cake before serving?
Reheating is optional. If you prefer it warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it in advance. Store it as mentioned above until you're ready to serve.