We’re sharing the perfect simple coffee cake recipe that’ll transform your kitchen into a cozy café. This classic American treat combines tender, buttery cake with a rich cinnamon streusel topping that creates the most irresistible aroma while baking. Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch or need a quick dessert for unexpected guests, this foolproof recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time.
What makes our coffee cake special is its incredible simplicity – you’ll need just basic pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep time. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet and spice, creating layers of flavor that pair beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
We’ve tested this recipe countless times to ensure it’s completely fail-proof for home bakers. From mixing the batter to achieving that golden-brown perfection, every step is designed to give you consistent, delicious results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected these simple pantry staples to create our foolproof coffee cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
For the Coffee Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
Our simple coffee cake recipe requires just a handful of basic kitchen tools that most home bakers already have on hand. We designed this recipe to be accessible without requiring specialized equipment or expensive gadgets.
A medium bowl serves as your primary mixing station for combining the streusel topping ingredients. This bowl should be large enough to accommodate all the streusel components while allowing room for mixing without spillage.
You’ll need either a hand mixer or whisk to properly combine the wet ingredients and create a smooth batter. We recommend a hand mixer for efficiency, though a sturdy whisk works perfectly well if you prefer mixing by hand.
The 9×13-inch baking pan provides the ideal size for our coffee cake recipe. This standard rectangular pan ensures even baking and creates the perfect thickness for our tender cake layers. We suggest greasing the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Your standard oven completes the essential equipment list. We’ll be baking at 350°F (175°C), so ensure your oven can maintain consistent temperature throughout the baking process.
| Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Medium bowl | Mixing streusel topping | Large bowl |
| Hand mixer/whisk | Combining wet ingredients | Wooden spoon |
| 9×13-inch baking pan | Baking the cake | 9×9-inch square pan |
| Oven | Baking at 350°F | Convection oven |
These simple tools work together to create our foolproof coffee cake without any complicated techniques or special equipment purchases.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create our foolproof coffee cake that delivers bakery-quality results every time. Each step builds upon the previous one to ensure perfect texture and flavor balance.
Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin mixing any ingredients. This ensures even baking from the moment we place our coffee cake inside. Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where the cake might cling during removal.
Make the Crumb Topping
Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix these dry ingredients until evenly distributed throughout. Add 1/2 cup cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces remaining.
Prepare the Coffee Cake Batter
Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup granulated sugar in a large bowl. Create a well in the center of these dry ingredients. Pour 1/2 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the well. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this can result in a tough texture.
Assemble the Coffee Cake
Spread half of the prepared batter evenly across the bottom of your greased baking pan. The batter will be thick, so use an offset spatula to distribute it smoothly. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping mixture over this first layer of batter. Dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the crumb layer as much as possible. Distribute the remaining crumb topping evenly across the surface.
Bake the Coffee Cake
Place the assembled coffee cake in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should appear golden brown and the edges should start pulling slightly away from the pan sides.
Make the Glaze
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. The glaze should flow smoothly off your whisk but still maintain some body. Add additional milk one teaspoon at a time if you prefer a thinner consistency for drizzling.
Finish and Serve
Allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting completely into the warm cake. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the surface using a spoon or pour it into a squeeze bottle for more precise application. Cut into generous squares and serve while still slightly warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Cake
We’ve perfected this recipe through countless batches and want to share the essential techniques that guarantee bakery-quality results every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients for optimal mixing and texture. Cold ingredients create lumps and uneven distribution while room temperature components blend seamlessly together. We recommend removing eggs and milk from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal consistency.
Don’t Overmix the Batter to prevent a dense and tough coffee cake. Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined, even if small lumps remain visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, which transforms our tender cake into a heavy disappointment.
Use Quality Ingredients to enhance the overall flavor profile of your coffee cake. Fresh baking powder ensures proper rise while pure vanilla extract adds depth that artificial versions cannot match. We’ve noticed that using fresh spices makes a remarkable difference in the final taste.
Experiment with Toppings to create unique variations that suit your preferences. Traditional cinnamon streusel provides classic comfort, but we’ve successfully tried combinations like brown butter crumbs, chopped nuts, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
Test for Doneness Properly by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. The toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. We’ve found that overbaking creates dry coffee cake that loses its appealing texture.
Cool Before Serving allows the cake structure to set properly and prevents crumbling when sliced. We recommend waiting 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven before cutting into squares for the best presentation and texture.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage ensures our delicious coffee cake maintains its tender texture and rich flavor for days after baking. We recommend following these storage methods to maximize freshness and enjoy every last crumb.
Room Temperature Storage
We find storing coffee cake at room temperature works best for short-term enjoyment. Place the cooled cake in an airtight container where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The container prevents moisture loss while maintaining the perfect balance between the tender crumb and crispy streusel topping.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Extended storage requires refrigeration after the initial few days at room temperature. We suggest transferring the cake to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 1 week. Keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the cake to dry out slightly compared to room temperature storage.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
Freezing provides the longest storage option for our coffee cake. We always ensure the cake cools completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This double wrapping method prevents freezer burn and maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature or use the microwave for quicker results.
Storage Best Practices
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Airtight container | Best texture retention |
| Refrigerated | Up to 1 week | Airtight container | May cause slight drying |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | Plastic wrap + foil | Complete cooling required |
We always recommend using metal pans during baking as they provide the most even results and make storage easier. Double the recipe when preparing for larger gatherings and store portions separately for optimal freshness. Remember that serving our coffee cake alongside a warm cup of coffee creates the perfect pairing that highlights both the cake’s cinnamon notes and your favorite brew.
Variations and Substitutions
We’ve designed this coffee cake recipe to be flexible and adaptable to your dietary needs and ingredient availability. These tested substitutions maintain the cake’s signature tender texture and rich flavor profile.
Dairy Substitutions
Milk Alternatives: Heavy cream creates an incredibly rich and decadent coffee cake with enhanced moisture retention. We recommend this upgrade when serving special guests or celebrating occasions. For those preferring a lighter texture, 2% milk works beautifully while maintaining the cake’s tender crumb structure.
Butter Replacements: Vegetable oil produces a moister cake that stays fresh longer. Use 3/4 the amount of oil compared to butter measurements. Melted coconut oil adds subtle tropical notes and works particularly well with the cinnamon topping.
Egg Substitutions
Egg-Free Option: Combine 2 tablespoons water with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil per egg. This mixture provides the necessary binding and leavening properties without compromising the cake’s structure.
Dairy-Free Egg Alternative: Flax eggs work exceptionally well in this recipe. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
Yogurt and Sour Cream Swaps
Greek Yogurt Substitution: Replace sour cream with an equal amount of full-fat Greek yogurt for tangy richness. Low-fat Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining moisture. Strain regular yogurt overnight to achieve the proper consistency.
Buttermilk Enhancement: Substitute half the milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness and subtle tang that complements the sweet crumb topping.
Healthier Modifications
Reduced Fat Version: Use reduced-fat yogurt and decrease butter by half. Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture. This modification reduces calories by approximately 25% while preserving flavor.
Whole Grain Option: Replace up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutty flavor. White whole wheat flour provides nutrition benefits with milder taste.
Flavor Enhancements
Spice Variations: Add 1 teaspoon ground cardamom to the batter for aromatic complexity. Nutmeg pairs beautifully with the existing cinnamon in the topping.
Extract Combinations: The recipe’s vanilla and almond extracts create the perfect base. Substitute almond extract with lemon extract for citrus brightness or rum extract for deeper warmth.
| Substitution Type | Original Ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | Whole milk | Heavy cream | 1:1 | Richer texture |
| Milk | Whole milk | 2% milk | 1:1 | Lighter texture |
| Egg | 1 large egg | Water + baking powder + oil | 2 tbsp + 2 tsp + 1 tsp | Egg-free binding |
| Sour cream | Sour cream | Greek yogurt | 1:1 | Tangy richness |
| Butter | Butter | Vegetable oil | 3:4 ratio | Moister cake |
These substitutions allow you to customize the coffee cake according to your preferences while maintaining the recipe’s foolproof nature and delicious results.
Conclusion
We’ve created a versatile coffee cake recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into something truly special. This foolproof approach ensures you’ll achieve bakery-quality results every time you bake.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or simply experimenting with flavors there’s room for creativity. From storage tips to ingredient substitutions we’ve covered everything you need for success.
Your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and butter while you create memories around this delightful treat. We’re confident this coffee cake will become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make this coffee cake?
The coffee cake requires only about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 25-30 minutes of baking time. With cooling and glazing, you can have a delicious homemade coffee cake ready in about an hour. The recipe is designed to be quick and foolproof for busy bakers.
What ingredients do I need for the coffee cake?
You’ll need basic pantry staples including all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, unsalted butter, eggs, and milk. For the crumb topping, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Optional ingredients include chopped walnuts or pecans and vanilla extract for the glaze.
What kitchen equipment is required to make this cake?
You only need basic kitchen tools: a medium bowl for mixing, a hand mixer or whisk, a 9×13-inch baking pan, and a standard oven. No specialized equipment is required, making this recipe accessible to most home bakers with basic kitchen setups.
How should I store leftover coffee cake?
Store cooled coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap frozen cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make substitutions in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute heavy cream for milk for richness, use vegetable oil instead of butter for moisture, or try egg alternatives like flax eggs. You can also use whole wheat flour, add different spices like cardamom, or experiment with various extracts.
How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should also be golden brown on top and pulling slightly away from the edges of the pan.
What’s the best way to serve this coffee cake?
The coffee cake is best served warm for optimal flavor and texture. It pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making it ideal for brunch or as a quick dessert for guests. Allow it to cool slightly after baking before slicing and serving.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings. Use two 9×13-inch pans or adjust to a larger pan size accordingly. Keep the same baking temperature but monitor the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes depending on the pan size used.
