Coffee Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a delightfully tender, crumbly treat to enjoy alongside your morning brew, look no further than this charming Coffee Cake. This recipe combines a soft, buttery base with a perfectly spiced cinnamon swirl and a sweet, crunchy topping that will make every bite a little moment of happiness. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, a casual coffee break, or just craving something cozy, this Coffee Cake hits all the right notes and will quickly become a treasured staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but crucial for crafting a Coffee Cake that’s both flavorful and perfectly textured. Each element plays a role in creating that tender crumb and irresistibly buttery cinnamon topping.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s soft and sturdy foundation, perfect for a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds essential lift so your cake stays light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to give just the right rise and tenderness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds subtle richness and moisture to the batter.
• 1 egg (room temperature): Binds everything together while contributing to a fluffy texture.
• 1½ cups buttermilk (room temperature): Gives the cake a slight tang and keeps it incredibly moist.
• 3 tablespoons softened butter: Used to create that luscious cinnamon swirl inside the cake.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Brings warm spice to the swirl, making the Coffee Cake aromatic and inviting.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for topping): Adds the base for a crispy, crumbly streusel topping.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Sweet and moist, the brown sugar in the topping gives incredible caramel notes.
• ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Offers richness and depth, working with the spices perfectly.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Combined with butter and sugar, this flour adds a wonderful crumbly texture.
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon: Enhances the topping’s flavor with a cozy spice kick.
• ¼ cup butter cubed: Cold butter helps create a crisp, buttery topping that melts in your mouth.

How to Make Coffee Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix

Start by whisking together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that all your leavening agents and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key for that perfect rise and flavor balance.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and buttermilk. Using room temperature ingredients here helps everything blend more smoothly, creating a batter that’s airy but holds together well.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding them together until just combined. The batter should be smooth but be careful not to overmix, or your Coffee Cake might turn out dense instead of light and tender.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, cream the softened butter with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon until it forms a smooth, spiced paste. This swirl is what transforms an ordinary cake into a Coffee Cake masterpiece by infusing each bite with warm, cinnamon sweetness.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Batter and Swirl

Pour half of your batter into your greased or parchment-lined pan, then dollop and evenly spread the cinnamon butter mixture over it. Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out gently to encase the cinnamon layer within the cake.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Combine the flour, brown sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the sugars and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping is the crowning glory of your Coffee Cake, giving it a contrast of texture and a caramelized crunch after baking.

Step 7: Sprinkle and Bake

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the assembled cake. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell while baking will warm your kitchen and build excitement that you’re about to enjoy something truly special.

How to Serve Coffee Cake

Garnishes

While the Coffee Cake is delightful on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate the presentation and add a touch of sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a beautiful pop of color and texture for guests.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Cake shines alongside a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte, balancing the cake’s sweetness with coffee’s intensity. For a brunch spread, consider pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to keep things bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Coffee Cake into charming squares or wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board with coffee cups for a cozy café vibe at home. You can also turn smaller portions into delightful mini cakes by baking the batter in muffin tins and dusting each with cinnamon sugar before baking for mini Coffee Cake bites that are perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coffee Cake keeps its magic for several days when tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it sealed helps maintain moisture so you won’t lose that soft, tender texture.

Freezing

This Coffee Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge or leave it at room temperature for a few hours for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To revive the Coffee Cake’s tender crumb and toasty topping, warm individual slices in a microwave for about 20 seconds or place them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This gentle heat encourages the flavors to bloom and the crumb to soften delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk for this Coffee Cake?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it to mimic buttermilk’s acidity, which helps tenderize the cake and react with baking soda for lift.

What’s the best pan for baking this Coffee Cake?

A 9×9-inch square pan works great, but you can also use a round 8-inch cake pan. Just keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly with different pans.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Using cold butter and not overmixing the streusel topping helps it stay crumbly and crisp after baking. Also try to evenly spread it and avoid packing it down too tightly on the batter.

Can I add nuts or fruit to this Coffee Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the topping or sprinkled over the cinnamon swirl for a delightful crunch. Diced apples or blueberries can be folded into the batter for extra flavor and moisture.

Is this Coffee Cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Yes, the baked Coffee Cake freezes wonderfully. Just wrap it tightly and thaw properly to enjoy a fresh-tasting treat any time you like.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Coffee Cake, it will quickly become your go-to recipe for a comforting, flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. It’s simple to make, wonderfully tasty, and perfect for sharing — so don’t hesitate to whisk up a batch and fill your home with that warm, cinnamon aroma that spells happiness in every bite!

Print