Coffee Cake Recipe

Coffee cake is a delightful treat that perfectly complements a hot cup of coffee. Its moist, tender crumb and sweet, cinnamon-infused streusel topping make it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This classic cake is beloved for its simplicity and versatility, offering a comforting and delicious way to start the day or enjoy a cozy moment. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making a homemade coffee cake is easy and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe ensures a delicious result every time.

What is Coffee Cake?

Coffee cake is a type of cake intended to be eaten with coffee or during coffee breaks. Despite its name, it doesn’t always contain coffee as an ingredient. Originating from Central and Northern Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavia, coffee cake has evolved over the centuries into various forms across different cultures.

Typically, coffee cake has a moist and tender texture, often enhanced by ingredients like sour cream or yogurt. The flavor is usually sweet, with a rich cinnamon streusel topping that provides a delightful contrast in texture. Some versions may also include nuts, fruit, or a glaze.

Variations of coffee cake abound. Common ingredients in different recipes can include:

• Flours: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour.
• Sweeteners: Granulated sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar.
• Fats: Butter, vegetable oil.
• Dairy: Milk, sour cream, yogurt.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder, baking soda.
• Flavorings: Vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg.
• Add-ins: Nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), fruit (like blueberries or apples), chocolate chips.

Each variation brings its own unique twist to the beloved classic, making coffee cake a versatile and ever-popular choice for any occasion.

Coffee Cake Recipe

Recipe by Matt Simmons

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

This coffee cake recipe yields a moist and tender cake topped with a delicious cinnamon streusel. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy coffee break. The combination of a rich, buttery cake and a sweet, crumbly topping creates a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
• To make the streusel topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
• Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk
• Wire Rack

Notes

• For a moister cake: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Greek yogurt adds a similar tangy flavor and moist texture, making the cake even more tender.
• Enhance the flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the streusel topping. This subtle spice complements the cinnamon and adds depth to the flavor.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and sour cream, are at room temperature before you start. This helps ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
• Mixing the batter: Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a dense texture.
• Checking for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g

Conclusion

This coffee cake recipe combines simplicity with deliciousness, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The moist cake and sweet, crumbly streusel topping are sure to become a favorite in your home. Give this recipe a try and share your experience with us! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes on our blog for more baking inspiration and culinary adventures. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the coffee cake a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I add fruit or nuts to the coffee cake?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to add a cup of fresh or frozen berries, diced apples, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of the cake.
3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
   • If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Both will provide the same moisture and tanginess to the cake.
4. How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the cake?
   • To keep the streusel topping from sinking, make sure the batter is thick enough to support it. Additionally, sprinkle the topping evenly and gently press it down just a little so it adheres to the batter without sinking.
5. Can I use a different pan size?
   • Yes, you can use a different pan size, but it may affect the baking time. For example, if using a 9-inch square pan, the cake may be thicker and take a bit longer to bake. Always check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester to ensure it is fully baked.