Coffee Cake Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a comfort dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this classic Coffee Cake has you covered. With a tender crumb, swirls of cinnamon streusel, and a buttery crumb topping, this Coffee Cake tastes like pure homemade love. It’s the perfect companion for your morning cup or an afternoon pick-me-up that’ll brighten your entire day. Trust me, once you try this Coffee Cake, it’ll become a staple you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Coffee Cake couldn’t be simpler, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color. The blend of buttermilk and butter adds moistness and tenderness, while the cinnamon and brown sugar create that irresistible aroma and sweetness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a subtle lift and softness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 Tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
• 1 egg (room temperature): Provides structure and binds everything together.
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tangy flavor and keeps the cake incredibly tender.
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter: Used for the cinnamon streusel, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon: The warm spice that defines the Coffee Cake’s flavor profile.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: For the streusel, adds a delicate crumbly texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Deep, molasses sweetness that caramelizes while baking.
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Creates the crumb topping’s deliciously sweet crunch.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Part of the crumb topping, contributing to a tender, crisp finish.
• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon: Adds an extra hint of spice in the topping.
• ¼ cup butter cubed: Cold butter for the crumb topping to achieve those perfect crumbs.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance out the flavors in the crumb topping.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: For the final drizzle glaze that adds a lovely sweet finish.
• 2½ teaspoons milk: Used to thin the powdered sugar glaze for a smooth drizzle.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking, consider lining your 9 by 9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or simply grease it well. This will ensure your Coffee Cake releases beautifully after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Getting these dry elements well combined early helps ensure your batter is perfectly even and avoids any pockets of leavening agents.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Next, in a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, and room temperature buttermilk until smooth and well combined. The room temperature ingredients ensure a silky batter without lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the Coffee Cake tender and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Streusel

Pour half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base. Then, make the cinnamon streusel by mixing softened butter, cinnamon, flour, brown sugar, and if you like, some chopped nuts with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel layer evenly over the batter.

Step 6: Add Top Batter and Crumb Topping

Spread the remaining half of the batter gently over the streusel without mixing them together. Then prepare the crumb topping by cutting cold cubed butter into the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this generously over the top layer.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake your masterpiece for about 30 to 40 minutes. The Coffee Cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the crumb topping is deliciously golden. Let your cake cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then lift it out to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 8: Drizzle the Sweet Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar and milk together to a smooth drizzle consistency, then spoon it over the cooled Coffee Cake. This final touch adds just the right amount of extra sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

While the glaze is already a star, sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or some chopped nuts on top adds a lovely texture and flavor contrast. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also make your Coffee Cake look picture-perfect and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, naturally. For a more substantial treat, serve alongside fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert after a cozy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Coffee Cake into small squares and arranging them on a rustic wooden board with different nut butters, jams, or spreads for a charming brunch spread. Another fun idea is layering moist slices with whipped cream and fresh fruit to create a simple layered trifle that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Coffee Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crumb topping crisp. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge helps prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Coffee Cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or placing in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your Coffee Cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the crumb topping’s crispness and brings out all those lovely buttery flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this Coffee Cake?

You can, but for the best tender crumb and slight tang, buttermilk is preferred. If you don’t have any, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use as a buttermilk substitute.

Is it possible to make this Coffee Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but will still taste deliciously homey.

Can I prepare the batter the night before and bake in the morning?

While you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time, it’s best to combine and bake fresh for fluffier results. If you must refrigerate overnight, cover the mixed batter tightly, but expect a slight loss in rise.

What nuts work best in the streusel topping?

Chopped walnuts or pecans are classic choices, offering a lovely crunch and complementing cinnamon beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite nuts or omit them if you prefer nut-free.

How long will this Coffee Cake stay fresh once baked?

Freshly baked Coffee Cake tastes best within two days when stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated. Beyond that, it can start to dry out, so freezing any extra slices is a great option.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a warm slice of homemade Coffee Cake that makes every moment feel cozy and inviting. This recipe hits all the right notes with its tender crumb, rich cinnamon streusel, crunchy topping, and sweet drizzle glaze. I can’t wait for you to try making this Coffee Cake yourself, and I promise it will soon become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing with loved ones over a cup of your favorite brew.

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