Coffee cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a ritual. Often served with a steaming mug of coffee or tea, this cake isn’t made with coffee in the batter (though it can be); rather, it’s meant to complement your coffee break with its soft crumb, sweet streusel topping, and irresistible flavor.
Whether you want to start your day with a slice of homemade comfort or impress guests at brunch, this guide will show you how to make a moist and flavorful coffee cake from scratch, with variations to suit any taste.
What Is Coffee Cake?
Despite its name, traditional American coffee cake does not contain coffee as an ingredient. It’s designed to be enjoyed with coffee, and is known for:
- Tender, moist texture
- A crumbly streusel topping
- Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
- A hint of sweetness that’s not overpowering
Some recipes do include coffee in the batter or glaze, but the term “coffee cake” generally refers to the style rather than the ingredients.
Ingredients for Classic Cinnamon Coffee Cake (9-Inch Round or Square Pan)
Serves 10–12 slices.
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch pan (round or square) with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Flour
- Cinnamon
Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using. Chill while preparing the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients
Mix in half the flour mixture, followed by the sour cream. Finish with the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — do not overmix.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour half the batter into the pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle half the streusel mixture. Add the remaining batter and top with the remaining streusel.
Tip: Use a butter knife to swirl the streusel slightly into the batter for a marbled look.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes before adding glaze or slicing.
Step 8: Optional Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the warm (not hot) cake for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Coffee cake is ideal for:
- Brunch tables
- Office meetings
- Family gatherings
- Afternoon tea
- Holiday mornings
Pair it with:
- Hot black coffee
- Chai tea
- Spiced lattes
- Fresh fruit on the side
Variations You’ll Love
1. Blueberry Coffee Cake
- Fold 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter
- Add lemon zest for a fresh twist
2. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Layer thin slices of apple between the batter layers
- Add extra cinnamon to the streusel
3. Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
- Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips
- Add a cocoa swirl or drizzle with chocolate glaze
4. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
- Replace ½ cup sour cream with pumpkin puree
- Add pumpkin pie spice to both batter and topping
5. Espresso Glaze
- Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the glaze
- Turns the drizzle into a sweet coffee-flavored finish
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Room Temp: 2–3 days, covered in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
To reheat, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes.
Tips for a Perfect Coffee Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
- Chill the streusel so it stays crumbly during baking
- Don’t overmix the batter — mix until ingredients are just combined
- Let it cool before slicing to keep the crumb intact
- For extra moistness, use full-fat sour cream or yogurt
Common Questions
Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, but increase the baking time to 45–55 minutes.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 40–50 minutes.
Is this the same as crumb cake?
Not quite — crumb cakes often have thicker crumb toppings and a more compact texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is GF-friendly.
Is this cake very sweet?
No — it’s mildly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Slice)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Numbers vary based on ingredients and portion size. For a lighter version, reduce the streusel or skip the glaze.
Final Thoughts: A Cake That Completes Your Coffee Moment
Coffee cake is simple, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or enjoy a leftover slice the next morning, it brings a sense of comfort and calm that few desserts can match.
With its tender crumb, buttery streusel, and aromatic spices, it’s no wonder coffee cake has become a beloved classic. And now, you can recreate it at home with confidence — and maybe even start your own coffee cake tradition.